Pitch for Philippine district in Winnipeg ‘long-term project’ – Winnipeg Free Press

Amid Filipino Heritage Month celebrations – and in the presence of Manitoba’s premier – a group of organizers have further announced their intention to create a Filipino district in Winnipeg.

Karla Atanacio called for feedback and ideas during a speech at the Manitoba Legislative Building on Thursday.

More than 100 people were present as the province officially kicked off Filipino Heritage Month, which begins in June.

In between the music acts, Atanacio conveyed intentions to create a Mabuhay district. Organizers of Kultivation Festival – an annual Filipino celebration in Winnipeg – have spent the past four years talking about a district focused on Philippine business and culture.

It’s getting closer, noted architect Joseph Orobia. The group expects to file paperwork for a nonprofit organization from Mabuhay District Inc. next month. to have. Then the community consultation will begin in full force.

“We know it is a long-term project,” Orobia said.

Possibly a project that will take twenty or thirty years, he continued. Still, he hopes that work on the first building could begin next year — whatever type of venture the community wants.

Mabuhay District will be a place for Filipino entrepreneurs to grow their businesses and receive mentorship, Orobia and Atanacio described.

“We are seeing unprecedented numbers of Filipino Manitobans starting their own businesses,” said Atanacio, director of youth engagement for the Manitoba Filipino Business Council.

Philippine organizers also expect Mabuhay District to be a place for culture, including performing arts.

In 2019 they held the first Kultivation Festival, with 7,000 visitors. By 2023, the number had more than doubled, to 15,000 visitors.