ONE VOICE, ONE CENTRE: ADVANCING THE PROVINCIAL FILIPINO CULTURAL CENTRE IN BC
To our kababayans across British Columbia, to the leaders of Filipino organizations, and to our allies in government and community,
Recent news has mentioned multiple groups pursuing Filipino cultural and community centre projects in Metro Vancouver. We know this has created confusion for many in our community and among the public.
Mabuhay House Society affirms with clarity and conviction: the Provincial Filipino Cultural Centre community-led initiative, built by, with, and for Filipinos across the province, and created to share our culture, heritage, and stories with the people of British Columbia and Canada. Unlike local projects, this Centre is envisioned as a provincial institution, advanced in close partnership with the Province of British Columbia, and grounded in the voices of more than 80 Filipino organizations across BC.
Since 2022, Mabuhay House Society has been working closely with the provincial government to advance this vision. Over the past four years, we have sat at the table with Filipino community leaders and the Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport in three roundtable discussions, with a fourth scheduled for October 2025. We also hold regular monthly meetings with the Ministry, walking step by step with the Province on the official timeline for cultural centre projects. Through this steady work, Mabuhay House has built credibility as the organization most closely engaged with the government on this historic project.
At the same time, we continue to deliver on capacity building for Filipino community organizations. Through the Hub and Spoke program, consultations via the Council of Leaders, the Filipino Youth Mental Health Symposium, Hawak Kamay initiatives, and other community projects, we are strengthening the foundations of our community. These efforts ensure we are ready- sama-sama- to build, sustain, and operate the Provincial Filipino Cultural Centre for generations to come.
We do not stand alone. More than 90 Filipino organizations have already joined us in one voice. Guided by proven provincial led projects and working closely with the Province, we are advancing a capital project plan that ensures the Centre is inclusive, sustainable, and reflective of our shared values.
We are building what generations have long envisioned. Today, we call on all Filipinos across BC: stand with Mabuhay House Society. Urge the Provincial Government to carry this project forward and invest in the landmark our community has long called for.
Through bayanihan, we will build not just a centre, but a true home — a place where Filipino culture thrives, our heritage is honoured, and our stories are shared with the people of British Columbia and Canada.
Board of Directors
Lester De Guzman, Chair
Rudy Antonio, Vice Chair and Council of Leaders Co-Chair
Angelie Caspillo, Treasurer and Finance and Business Development Chair
Sammie Jo Rumbaua, Immediate Past Chair and HR Committee Chair
Khristine Cariño, Co-Chair, Council of Leaders
Josephine Rose Fard, Engagement Committee Chair
Hussein Elhagehassan, Technical Committee Chair
William Canero
Amado Mercado
Dexter Tarampi