A large crowd gathered at the Kikinahk Friendship Centre to celebrate the Independence of their country.
The Philippine flag was raised at Patterson Park on Sunday June 9, and festivities were held on June 12 to celebrate the event.
A Motion was passed in the Canadian House of Commons in 2019 to declare the month of June as Filipino Heritage Month, Sonny Montilla said in his remarks, adding the day was a historic event in La Ronge, the first time the Flag was raised and celebrated.
“The symbolism of this flag, with its vibrant colours and the sun and start, resonates with the Filipino spirit, a spirit of resilience, courage and hope,” Montilla said.
There was food and festivities available to everyone who came to share in the celebrations.
July 12, 1898 the Philippines declared Independence from Spain. The Philippines were also under Japanese rule between 1942 and 1944.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invited Canadians to join the 125th Philippine Independence Day June 12, 2023, noting there are close to one million people of Filipino origin who “call Canada home.”
Canada established diplomatic relations with the Philippines in 1949.
Montilla is the founder and president of the La Ronge and District Filipino and Canadian Community, a non-profit organization in La Ronge.
