PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL JOINS UNITED ARCHITECTS OF THE PHILIPPINES BRITISH COLUMBIA CHAPTER IN CELEBRATING 15TH ANNIVERSARY AND OFFICER INDUCTION

RICHMOND, BRITISH COLUMBIA — The United Architects of the Philippines – British Columbia (UAPBC) Chapter celebrated its 15th Chapter Anniversary and the Induction Ceremony of its New Chapter Officers for 2026–2027 on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at The Westin Wall Centre, Vancouver Airport.

Representing Philippine Consul General Dr. Gina A. Jamoralin, Consul André Peter C. Estanislao attended the milestone event and delivered the Consul General’s official message to UAP national leaders, chapter officers, and members of the Filipino-Canadian architectural community.

The ceremony marked the formal inauguration of incoming UAPBC Chapter President Ar. Paolo Galarrita and the new executive board, administered by UAP National President Ar. Jonathan V. Manalad and UAP Executive Vice-President Ar. Chona E. Ponce. Immediate Past President Ar. Fredelyn Bernabe-Ramos was recognized for her distinguished tenure. The program also featured an anniversary address by Charter President and UAP District Director B2 Ar. Jose Laraño Jr., the presentation of newly certified AIBC architects Ar. Guel Climacosa and Rudy Dela Cruz, and the induction of new chapter members.

In the message delivered by Consul Estanislao, Consul General Jamoralin commended UAPBC for 15 years of promoting Filipino professional excellence across Canada. The message referenced the historic Official Visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to Canada in July 2026—which elevated bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership—and acknowledged the vital contributions of the global Filipino diaspora.

Consul Estanislao emphasized ongoing efforts by the Consulate General and the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) to collaborate with policymakers and conduct info sessions advocating for the full credential recognition of foreign-trained architects in Canada. He also noted the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairmanship and the ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) on Architectural Services, which allows registered Filipino architects to practice across ASEAN member states as recognized ASEAN Architects.

He further invited chapter members to actively engage with the ongoing programs and services of the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver. She encouraged eligible Filipino-Canadians to re-acquire or retain their Filipino citizenship under Republic Act 9225 to preserve their economic, political, and civil rights in the homeland. Furthermore, she urged citizens to register for Overseas Voting ahead of the September 2027 deadline for the May 2028 elections, highlighting special Saturday registration sessions at PCG Vancouver on October 31, November 28, and December 19, 2026. She also announced upcoming consular outreach missions to Yellowknife, NWT on October 10–11 and Prince George, BC on November 21, 2026, while inviting community members to participate in Winter Escapade 2027—the premier tour initiative promoting Philippine tourism, heritage, and economic opportunities back home.

The event concluded with a reaffirmation of UAPBC’s national awards, a presentation of the Council of Elders, a ceremonial cake cutting led by Ar. Nelia Cruz, and closing remarks from Vice-President for Operations Ingrid Cefre-Sarmiento.

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