New Filipino Cultural Centre on the way in Vancouver
Posted June 14, 2023 10:35 pm.
Last Updated June 14, 2023 10:36 pm.
Vancouver City Council has voted to support the creation of a new Filipino Cultural Centre somewhere in the city.
The motion, initially brought forward by Councillors Lenny Zhou and Rebecca Bligh, was unanimously passed by council Wednesday in recognition of Filipino Heritage Month.
In a release, Zhou says the Filipino community has played a significant role in making the city what it is today.
“This move celebrates Vancouver’s diversity and the significant role the Filipino community has played in making our city such a vibrant and welcoming place,” said Zhou.
“The construction of a new Filipino Cultural Centre in Vancouver would be a wonderful celebration of this legacy.”
During the #FilipinoHeritageMonth, the motion – Support a Filipino Cultural Centre in @CityofVancouver co-submitted by @rebeccaleebligh & me has been passed with unanimous support from city council!
By passing this motion, we are not only endorsing the establishment of a… pic.twitter.com/yw6D7dcj69
— Lenny Zhou ???????????????? (@LennyNanZhou) June 15, 2023
Bligh says a new centre has the opportunity to serve as a beacon of cultural exchange and heritage preservation.
“Vancouver’s Filipino community are an integral part of our city – a new cultural center will be much more than a building,” she said.
Mayor Ken Sim will reportedly write a letter to senior levels of government before the center is built.
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Until then, Filipino BC is asking community members to share their thoughts on the new center through an online survey. The organization’s project director says Filipino BC is “thrilled” by council’s support and looks forward to the idea coming to fruition.
“The Filipino Cultural Centre is an opportunity to celebrate our heritage and maintain strong connections to our roots,” said Kristina Corpin-Moser.
The city notes Vancouver is home to over 38,000 people of Filipino descent.
