History of Filipino Heritage in Montreal

On the historic date of February 12th 2018, Councilor Marvin Rotrand for the Snowdon borough, presented a motion at the Borough Council meeting that was seconded by Councilor Lionel Perez for the Darlington borough, stating that June be declared as Filipino Heritage Month in the city of Montréal. When Councilor Rotrand announced that the motion was unanimously approved, the large crowd of Filipinos and non-Filipinos in the audience reacted with a deafening sound of applause of joy and enthusiasm.

Right after the announcement, some local Filipinos met to discuss how to celebrate Filipino Heritage Month in Montreal would proceed, despite only having a few months to organize.  Al Abdon, Paul Imperial, Edith Fedalizo, and Bert Abiera from FAMAS helped to organize three ad hoc meetings in the ensuing months.

Abiera accepted responsibility for inviting as many Filipinos as possible from the community to the first meeting, scheduled for Sunday, April 8, 2018. At that meeting, the Ad Hoc Committee was formally named the Filipino Heritage Montreal (FHM). FHM took on the responsibility of promoting events that were already going on in the Month of June and to use the passing of Filipino Heritage Month in Montréal to bring more attention to these activities. Also, FHM decided to host an Opening Ceremony event at the beginning of the Month to bring attention to the first official celebration of Filipino Heritage.

FHSM was able to highlight and promote around 8 events in June 2018, including Flag Raising at FAMAS, Independence Day Parade hosted by CCFAQ, and others. The celebrations in June 2018 were magnified by the attention that the passing of the motion by the Borough Council. There was more attendance and participation than in years past.

Then, Member of Parliament for Scarborough Centre, Salma Zahid, introduced and passed unanimously Motion 155 in the House of Commons on October 30 th , 2018. This motion recognizes, celebrates, and raises awareness of the Filipino community in Canada. It is also a way of showing the Government’s official appreciation of the Filipino community for their important contribution throughout Canada's history and for helping to make our country the rich and vibrant place it is today.

During the 2019 Pandemic, all FHSM activities were moved to virtual meetings and events. Meetings and activities such as computer classes and bingo games were held regularly every week. Aside for virtual meeting, FHSM was able to conduct a food sharing among members by distributing foods during lockdown for almost one year.

FHSM is committed to conduct the following events:

The Annual Gawad ng Pagkilala (Awards of Recognition) is held each April in conjunction with the FHSM anniversary celebration, honoring outstanding contributions, achievements, and exceptional accomplishments of Filipino individuals across diverse fields of trade, careers, and professions within the community.

Participate in events that promote Filipino culture by showcasing traditional music, dance, and other cultural expressions to the public.

Request the city municipalities across Quebec to celebrate and support their Filipino residents by raising the Philippine flag at their municipal buildings.

Partner with organizations that proudly promote Filipino heritage by joining and supporting major cultural celebrations—such as Philippine Independence Day festivities, the Knights of Rizal Birthday Anniversary, Pista sa Nayon, Palaro ng Bayan, and Fiesta Extravaganza—to honor the richness, unity, and joyful spirit of the Filipino community.

Promote collaboration among Filipino organizations by conducting the Community Leaders Forum, a dedicated space where each group can present their concerns, share suggestions, and engage in meaningful dialogue. Through insights from guest panelists and expert resource speakers, participants gain valuable knowledge that strengthens their organizations—helping them become more efficient, productive, and resourceful.