We, the undersigned representatives of the Filipino community in British Columbia, reaffirm our united call for a provincial Filipino cultural centre and our support for Mabuhay House Society as the provincial government’s partner in this historic effort.

Like many other immigrant communities, ours is a diverse one. There are almost 175,000 Filipinos across BC and we are among the fastest growing communities in Canada. We speak more than one hundred languages, we occupy a range of professions, we hail from different parts of the Philippines and are interested in a broad range of issues and sports activities. The many community organizations we formed over the decades reflect this. But after hard lessons from previous attempts, there is one effort that truly unites us: the work to create a provincial Filipino cultural centre.

We recognize this is a monumental task requiring one dedicated organization with the capacity and skills needed to manage and move the project forward to completion and beyond.

As such, we welcomed the announcement about the provincial government’s commitment to a Filipino cultural centre that will be developed in coordination with the Mabuhay House Society.

We have a generational opportunity before us. We know it is the result of the hard work of the many, many leaders and organizations that previously advocated for it.

We fully support Mabuhay House Society as they navigate the work ahead with all of us as their community partners. We know the goal is as important as the journey. And the dream is not simply the opening of a building - it is the opening of a home. A place that anchors us and that can serve to empower and build connections with the many other cultural and indigenous communities that form the tapestry of our province. And that has the capacity to continue to operate and flourish for generations to come.

In closing, we the undersigned represent members of our community with deep roots and extensive experience in organizing and advocating for our community. We reiterate our unified clamor for a Filipino cultural centre and support for Mabuhay House Society.

Together with our community, all orders of government and various stakeholders - we know this long-standing dream will be achieved so that a legacy for all is realized.

🇵🇭 WE ARE UNITED FOR THE PROVINCIAL FILIPINO CULTURAL CENTRE 🏠

Adamson University Alumni Association
Rudy Antonio — President

Alliance Philippines
Khristine Carino — Director

Alpha Kappa Rho Vancouver Council
Mark Jayson Rivera — Grand Skeptron

Alpha Phi Omega Alumni Association of BC
Gene Generoso — President

Anahaw Filipino Canadian Performing Arts Society in BC
Malou Imus — Founding Chair / Executive Director

Anakbayan South Vancouver–Richmond
Sylvia Fernandez — Main Lead

Answering the Cry of the Poor (ANCOP) Canada
Chris Canilanza — Area Governance

Association of Basistans in Metro Vancouver
Alfredo Frias — President

Ateneo Alumni Association of BC
Ricky Cruz — President

Aurorians in BC Canada Community Association
Juvile Hipol — President

Barangay Burnaby
Calos Morales — Barangay Captain

Barangay Fort St John Society
Alan Yu — Founder and Chairman

Batangas Club of BC
Fe Brucal — President

Bayan Canada
Jaela Villegas — Vice-Chairperson

Bayanihan Cultural & Housing Society
Dominga Passmore — President

BCPinoyMD
Cecilia Roxanne — Founder

Benguet Society of British Columbia
Bruce Ganase — President

BIBAK (Baguio, Ifugao, Benguet, Abra, Apayao, Kalinga)
Meredith Tayaban — President

Bike For Life, Filipino in Richmond Support Team
Zenia Grace Simeros — Member (Previous VP)

Burnaby Filipino Cultural Society
Iane Penala — President

CIASI-SAMAHANG ILOKANO 61892 COMMUNITY SOCIETY
Edilberto Abenojar — President

Circulo Pampangueno Association of British Columbia
Arman Arellano — President

Enkanto Explorers
Vinzent Po — Admin

Fil Co-Operative One Housing Society
Jody Flores — President

Fil-Can Cultural Heritage Society
Dax Camarsi — President

Filipino International Student Association (UCW)
Orsa Lia Sanuco — President

Filipino K-pop Community in Vancouver Mainland
Carlawynji Daquigan — Co-Organizer

Filipino Seniors Club of BC
Marius Alparaque — Founder

Foliage Filipino
Maycko Macapugas — Founder

GABRIELA BC
Maki Cairns

Goldenaires Friendship Association of BC
Nelia Asutilla

Grupo Ilocano Association of BC
Ana Napieralski

Himig Kabataan
Bea Correa

Hipol Collective
Karl + Khim Mata Hipol

Inarte Society
Lita Cabal

Inter City Sports Association
Genaro Tambogon

International Heritage Cultural Center Society
Marius Alparaque — Vice President

Kalinga Families Group
Catalina Arguzon — Group Chair Representative

Kalinga-Ilocano Seniors Advocate
Roselyn Garcia — Group Chair Representative

KALIPI South Peace Filipino-Canadian Association in Dawson Creek
Gregorio Apolonio — President

Kathara Pilipino Indigenous Arts Society Collective
Sobey Wing — President

Knights of Columbus
Jose Ong — Past Officer