Paulina Corpuz was honoured in the House of Commons with a statement read by Rechie Valdez, the MP for Streetville Mississauga.
According to MP Valdez, the statement serves to “honour the life and legacy” of Paulina Corpuz, who was “a devoted and tireless advocate for the Filipino community in Toronto.”
Paulina was honoured for her work in the Filipino community as the co-founder of the Philippine Advancement Through Arts and Culture in a minute-long declaration presented to members of Parliament. From its inception until her untimely death on November 6, Paulina Corpuz served as president.
Paulina Coruz is “best known for her advocacy to have the City of Toronto recognise the month of June as Filipino Heritage Month,” as noted by MP Valdez in a brief and sweet statement. This paved the way for provincial and federal legislative bodies to do the same.
Community members and prominent figures paid their respects to Paulina Corpuz over the course of two days during visitations held at the Paul O’Connor Funeral Home. Paulina’s funeral was held at St. Dunstan’s church in Scarborough, and she was buried the following day, November 16 (a “heavenly snowy” day), at the Rest Haven cemetery in Scarborough.