NDP MPP bill marking Filipino Heritage Month signed into law

QUEEN’S PARK – Doly Begum, NDP MPP for Scarborough Southwest, is thrilled to announce that her private member's bill to officially recognize the month of June as Filipino Heritage Month in Ontario received royal assent Thursday.

“This is a historic moment for the Filipino community, which has worked hard for years for this recognition. An enormous and heartfelt thank you to the many individuals and organizations within the Filipino community who have worked to make this important bill a reality; that the incredible achievements of Filipino-Canadians across Ontario will be formally recognized by the province each year could not have been done without you," NDP MPP Begum said.

This is the fourth time the bill has been brought forward in the Ontario legislature, and MPP Begum is incredibly honoured to have been able to carry it forward and pass it into law.

"Filipino Heritage Month is an opportunity for Ontarians to reflect on and celebrate the rich history and pivotal contributions of Filipino-Canadians across the province. Now, more than ever, it is important for the province to recognize and honour the work that Filipino-Canadians have done, especially over the past year in supporting our province throughout this pandemic.

I want to thank everyone who has been working tirelessly, be it on the front lines or within their communities, to build strength and resilience as we face this crisis."

Ontario is home to over 337, 000 people of Philippine origin. June is an important month for the Filipino community, as each year on June 12th, the Filipino community worldwide celebrates Philippines Independence Day.