The City of Brampton officially proclaimed December 1st as Philippines-Canada Friendship Day, marking a significant milestone in the 75-year diplomatic relationship between the Philippines and Canada. This historic event was celebrated with a special ceremony at Brampton City Hall, where local leaders, community members, and dignitaries gathered to honor the contributions of the vibrant Filipino community in Brampton and beyond.
The event was attended by Mayor Patrick Brown, MP Shafqat Ali, Regional Councillor Rowena Santos, and representatives from the Philippine Consulate General. The proclamation was accompanied by the lighting of Brampton’s iconic City Hall Clock Tower in the colors of the Philippine flag, symbolizing the city’s solidarity with the Filipino community and its appreciation for their cultural and economic contributions.
The proclamation coincided with the 75th anniversary of Philippines-Canada diplomatic relations, a year-long celebration of mutual cooperation and cultural exchange between the two nations. Brampton is home to approximately 21,000 Filipino residents, making them one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic communities in the city.
Mayor Patrick Brown highlighted the importance of this occasion, stating:
“The Filipino community has enriched Brampton with its vibrant culture, hardworking spirit, and strong sense of family and community. Proclaiming December 1st as Philippines-Canada Friendship Day is a testament to the deep bond between our nations and a celebration of the contributions of Filipino-Canadians to our city’s success. We are proud to stand together with the Filipino community and look forward to many more years of friendship.”
A Filipino Leader’s Perspective
Regional Councillor Rowena Santos, the first Filipino elected to Brampton City Council, played a key role in organizing the event. Reflecting on the significance of the day, she said:
“As a proud Filipina, this is a deeply meaningful moment for me and our community. The recognition of Philippines-Canada Friendship Day acknowledges the vital contributions of Filipino-Canadians to Brampton’s cultural and economic fabric. It’s about more than just celebrating our heritage—it’s about building bridges, strengthening ties, and showing that Brampton truly embraces its diversity. I’m honored to be part of this historic proclamation.”
MP Shafqat Ali, who represents Brampton Centre in Parliament, also attended the event and underscored the importance of the Philippines-Canada relationship:
“The 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and the Philippines is a time to reflect on our shared values of community, resilience, and progress. Filipino-Canadians have played a vital role in Brampton and across Canada. This proclamation not only celebrates our friendship but also strengthens the foundation for future cooperation between our nations.
The event included cultural performances, speeches, and a reception featuring Filipino delicacies. The City of Brampton also highlighted its ongoing efforts to engage with the Filipino community through cultural celebrations, partnerships, and delegations to the Philippines.
As part of the celebrations, Mayor Brown and Councillor Santos encouraged the community to participate in next year’s Philippines-Canada Friendship Day on December 1, 2025, as Brampton continues to foster its economic and cultural ties with the Philippines.
Philippines-Canada Friendship Day will now be an annual event in Brampton, serving as a reminder of the deep connections between the two nations and a celebration of the Filipino community’s invaluable contributions to the city.
For more information about the City of Brampton’s cultural initiatives, visit brampton.ca.
