Victoria Filipino Community Unites in Triumph and Tribute at Victoria Day Parade

The Victoria Filipino Canadian Association (VFCA) proudly took home the title of “Best Walking Group” at the recently held Victoria Day Parade on May 19. Marching with pride and unity, the community was represented by a vibrant coalition including the Bayanihan Cultural and Housing Society (BCHS), Victoria Filipino Canadian Caregivers, Migrant Workers & TFWS Association (VFCCA), and the Victoria Filipino Canadian Seniors Association (VFCSA).

Alongside religious groups, local Filipino business owners, and fellow kababayans from across Vancouver Island, including Nanaimo, the event was a testament to the enduring spirit and solidarity of the Filipino people in Canada.

This year’s parade held special meaning for many. Having a community’s float inspired by the traditional Balangay boat, served as a powerful symbol of Filipino unity, resilience, and shared heritage. Just as the Balangay once carried our ancestors across seas, today it carries our collective story of migration, hard work, family, and perseverance.

The float served as a moving tribute to Filipino courage, past and present. It honoured national heroes like Lapu-Lapu, Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, and Marcela Agoncillo, whose legacies continue to inspire generations. Alongside them, it celebrated today’s heroes: healthcare workers, seniors, seafarers, and migrant labourers. Their sacrifices and resilience echo the same spirit of bravery and nation-building. A printed image of Benson Flores, the first documented Filipino in Canada, stood as a symbol of the enduring Filipino presence and contribution abroad.

The community also walked in solemn remembrance of those lost and injured during the Lapu-Lapu Day tragedy in Vancouver. Their memory was honoured in every step, reminding all that healing comes through unity. The Filipino spirit, fueled by bayanihan and compassion, shone brightly, turning grief into strength.

Reflecting on past milestones, the community recalled being the largest delegation in 2024, further proving that when Filipinos unite, they create something beautiful and powerful.

As the Balangay float sailed down the parade route, it carried more than tradition; it carried the unbreakable spirit of a people who move forward, together. This year’s celebration wasn't just a victory in a parade; it was a bold affirmation that the Filipino community in Victoria and across Canada stands stronger together in unity, as one.