The Filipino-Canadian community in Vancouver marked a historic event on April 13 as it honored the resting place of the first known Filipino immigrant in Canada.

Leaders from various civic groups came together to pay tribute to Benson Flores on his 95th death anniversary.

He was an adventurous seafarer who left the Philippines when he was only 15 years old to see the world before settling in Canada in the 1860s.

"It's huge for us to recognize the pioneers," said Cliff Belgica of the UFCABC. "They have set the standards for the younger generations on how we will be able to move forward as a community."

Flores, who never married, died in Vancouver on April 11, 1929, aged 81.

He was buried two days later at the Mountain View cemetery.

Vancouver officials paid tribute to Flores and declared April 11 this year as Benson Flores Day.

"It was very touching to hear that they acknowledged our presence and the contributions of our community," said Ted Alcuitas, a local editor and publisher. "Benson Flores paved the way for us."

Consul General Arlene Magno said Flores' life was worthy of celebrating as it represented the best of the Filipino.

"He was known to be kind," the official said. "He lent money. He helped his friends, maybe Canadians. It's just such a beautiful representation of who we are as Filipinos."

Flores’ story resonates with all other immigrants, and the Pacific Canada Heritage Center's Museum of Migration Society believes these stories need to be told.

"We don't want them to be lost," said Pat Parungao of the PCHC. "We don't want them to be silenced."

Alcuitas played a big role in sparking renewed interest in Flores, following his GoFundMe campaign to raise money for a tombstone.

His efforts paid off and Flores’ tombstone was officially unveiled on April 13, the day he was buried.

An indigenous elder offered prayers at the unveiling ceremony.

Filipino-Canadian provincial lawmaker Mable Elmore noted its significance because of their long-standing connection to Filipinos.

"We know through oral tradition actually that centuries before, Filipinos came from the galleon trade and intermarried with indigenous nations up the coast," said Elmore. "But it's important to have the connection for the Filipino community and understand those roots."

In her speech at the unveiling rites, acting Burnaby mayor Maita Santiago underscored the importance of looking back and honoring the past.

"Those who do not know how to look back from where they came from will not reach their destination," she said, quoting the Filipino hero Jose Rizal.

Community leaders were also happy to see that Flores was finally given the recognition that they said he deserved.