Building Strong Communities: A Filipino-Canadian’s Reflection on Leadership and Resilience
April 27 2025
Bernie Florido
Filipino-Canadian | Former Police Officer | Community Builder
Some things shape you long before you know they will.
Growing up Filipino in Canada, community wasn’t just something we talked about, it was something we lived. Potlucks that turned into family gatherings. Block parties where neighbors became titos and titas. Stories passed down about resilience, sacrifice, and showing up for each other, no matter what.
Later, when I put on the badge and served as a police officer, I saw another side of community: the side that shows up in moments of crisis, fear, and heartbreak. The calls that nobody ever wants to make. The scenes that don’t make the evening news. The quiet moments where courage isn’t loud, but necessary.
Today, my work is still rooted in the same belief: that strong cities are built through strong connections with their people. I carry both experiences with me, the celebration and the sorrow. The duty to protect and the drive to connect.
When Tragedy Hits Close to Home
Recently, our city and our Filipino community was shaken by a tragedy during the Lapu Lapu Day festival.
An event meant for celebration turned into a scene of heartbreak.
For me, it wasn’t just another news story. It was personal.
It’s a reminder that the spaces we create, spaces for culture, for pride, for connection matter deeply.
Safety, resilience, and unity aren’t abstract ideas. They’re built moment by moment, choice by choice.
As a Filipino.
As a community member.
As someone who spent years answering calls nobody ever wants to make.
I feel it.
And I know many others do too.
Leadership Isn’t About Position, It’s About Presence
The Filipino spirit teaches you that leadership doesn’t always wear a title. Sometimes it’s the elder who calms a room. The neighbor who opens their door first. The volunteer who stays late when no one’s watching.
When tragedy strikes, leadership isn’t about standing above. It’s about standing with.
It’s about carrying each other, even when the weight feels heavy.
The badge taught me that too.
You don’t get to choose the easy days.
You only choose how you show up.
Why Strong Communities Are Built Before They’re Needed
It’s easy to say “community matters” when things are good.
It’s harder but more important to live it when things go wrong.
We build strong communities by investing early:
By making sure every resident — every child, every senior, every newcomer — feels seen and supported.
By giving people real access to public services through digital innovation, not paperwork.
By helping cities modernize before crisis demands it.
Because connection isn’t a luxury.
It’s what holds us together when the hardest moments come.
Carrying It Forward
I’m proud of where I come from. Proud of the roots that taught me resilience. Proud of the experiences in uniform and out that taught me what real service looks like.
Today, I believe leadership means something simple but powerful:
Show up when it’s easy.
Stand tall when it’s hard.
Keep building, even when it feels heavy.
And never forget: community isn’t something you find.
It’s something you build, moment by moment, hand by hand.