The Filipino flag now flies in front of City Hall in Portage la Prairie, after being raised Thursday morning as part of Filipino Heritage Month celebrations.
About 50 people gather to mark the occasion on June 12, which is also Philippine Independence Day. The national holiday honours the country’s freedom from Spanish rule in 1898, after over 300 years of colonization.
Adrian Allinsod, a longtime Portage resident and member of the local Filipino community, says it’s an emotional and meaningful day.
“It’s overwhelming,” he notes. “We are 1,000 miles away from home, so this is a very proud moment for us.”
Members of the Association of Filipinos in Portage la Prairie gather outside City Hall on June 12, 2025, to watch the Filipino Heritage Month flag-raising ceremony. PortageOnline/Cory KnuttThe flag-raising included traditional Filipino clothing, music and plenty of smiles, something Allinsod says helps strengthen cultural identity for the next generation.
“They should know where their roots are,” he adds. “That’s very important, where you come from.”
Deputy Mayor Faron Nicholls assists two young participants in traditional Filipino dress as they raise the Philippine flag at Portage la Prairie City Hall during the Filipino Heritage Month ceremony on June 12, 2025. PortageOnline/Cory KnuttCity shows support
Deputy Mayor Faron Nicholls took part in the ceremony and shared his appreciation for the Filipino community’s presence in Portage.
“It was a wonderful turnout,” he remarks. “The colourful dress and what they wear, it just made a great day with the sunshine and everything.”
Nicholls says recognizing different cultures makes Portage stronger.
“It’s just heartfelt to spend some time with them and see how proud they are in terms of their ethnicity but also to be in Canada,” he continues. “They’re just a great part of our community.”
Portage la Prairie Mayor Sharilyn Knox shares a moment with a member of the Filipino community during the Filipino Heritage Month flag-raising ceremony held at City Hall on June 12, 2025. PortageOnline/Cory KnuttCelebrations continue this weekend
The event is part of a month-long celebration organized by the Association of Filipinos in Portage la Prairie.
Activities continue Saturday, June 15, with a motorcade parade starting at 3 p.m. from the old mall parking lot. The parade ends at Herman Prior Centre, where the main cultural program takes place.
This year marks only the second time Portage hosts Filipino Heritage Month events, and organizers say the community support has been growing.
For more information or to get involved, residents can visit the association’s Facebook page: Association of Filipinos in Portage la Prairie Incorporated.
Filipino community members and Portage la Prairie city officials gather on the front steps of City Hall to celebrate Filipino Heritage Month during the flag-raising ceremony on June 12, 2025. PortageOnline/Cory Knutt
