Let’s Talk About The Life & History Of Filipinos In British Columbia
SEPTEMBER 26, 2025 | SOURCE: FILIPINO BC’S WHAT WE HEART REPORT 2025
Filipinos are the third largest cultural group in BC
One of the largest incoming immigrant populations in Canada (Most recent census figures estimate the population in BC to be around 174,000 and nearly 1 million Canada-wide).
HISTORY
While the first documented Filipinos arrived in Canada in the 1800s, Filipinos are known to have worked on the Manila Galleons, which made contact with the Indigenous people of Nootka Sound in the 1700s and were among the inhabitants of the Spanish settlement of Santa Cruz de Nuca and Fort San Miguel, the first European colony in BC.
So, what does the Filipino demographic look like in BC today?
High representation in frontline work, including healthcare, food service and domestic work.
Highest labour force participation amongst all Canadians (Stats. Can), with 4 out of 5 individuals over the age of 15 employed.
Higher than average sense of belonging to Canada.
Most likely immigrant population in Metro Vancouver to live in unsuitable housing (Stats. Can).
Overrepresented in jobs of high levels of vulnerability, including Temporary Foreign Worker programs deemed breeding grounds of contemporary forms of slavery by the United Nations.
Critical lack of social service or cultural funding by any level of government.
Disturbing levels of invisibility and lack of outreach by the government in the community.
SOUTH VANCOUVER
One of the largest growing Filipino communities in Vancouver. Second largest established Filipino population in the city. Strategic overlap with Filipino communities in Richmond and Vancouver, creating a broader regional impact. Potential for more significant development due lack of existing amenities. Alignment with Vancouver Plan 2050.
HAVE YOU HEARD THE NEWS?!
We’re moving forward with the Filipino Community and Cultural Centre in South Vancouver!
This centre isn’t just a building—it’s community-led. For over two years, the voices of BC’s Filipino community have guided its vision through the What We Heard Report (Feb 2025), the largest survey of its kind with over 2,000 respondents.
The community told us what programs and services are needed, and that input is shaping not only what happens inside the centre, but how it’s built. Every decision reflects the people it’s meant to serve—a place to support communities and celebrate culture.
Let’s come together to bring this vision to life!
