PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN VANCOUVER AND UFCABC DISCUSS STRATEGIC COLLABORATIONS FOR 2027 COMMUNITY INITIATIVES

5 November 2026, Vancouver B.C.  — Officials of the United Filipino Canadian Associations in BC (UFCABC), led by newly elected President Joel Castillo, paid a courtesy call on Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin at the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver on 22 October 2026.

The delegation comprised executive officers and heads of diverse Filipino-Canadian regional, civic, professional, and youth organizations across British Columbia. Joining UFCABC President Joel Castillo were Editha Malang, President of the Circulo Pampangueño Association of BC; Janice Lozano, UFCABC Board of Director; Rene Alcantara, UFCABC Vice President and representing Catanduanes International; Ernie Ong, UFCABC Board of Director and representing the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Vancouver Chapter; James Mark Villamayor, UFCABC Board of Director and Charter Regional Governor of the Fraternal Order of Eagles- Philippine Eagles, Canada Region I; Carmela del Rosario, UFCABC Board Director and representing Pinoy Canada Association; Rose Mary Ramos, Lady Eagles President, True North Hinirang and UFCABC Director; Bert Parungao, UFCABC Finance Director; and Agnes Uguil, UFCABC Board of Director and representing United Masskara Cultural Society in BC.

UFCABC is an umbrella association composed of several regional, social, and civic Filipino-Canadian organizations in British Columbia, dedicated to promoting community heritage, supporting local initiatives, and fostering unity within the broader multicultural landscape of the province.

During the meeting, UFCABC presented its four major flagship activities scheduled for 2027:

• Benson Flores Commemorative Event (11 April 2027): Honoring the legacy of Benson Flores, documented as one of the earliest Filipino settlers in Canada who resided in Bowen Island. UFCABC also shared its proposal to explore a commemorative stamp initiative with Canada Post.
• Philippine Heritage Flag Raising Ceremony (29 May 2027): Marking the start of June's Philippine Heritage Month celebrations.
• UFCABC Annual Gala Night (July 2027): A formal gathering celebrating Filipino community achievements across British Columbia.
• Pista ng Bayan (2027): A summer community festival showcasing Filipino food, arts, and cultural performances.

Consul General Jamoralin thanked the association and its members for presenting their upcoming initiatives and expressed appreciation for the positive work that the group has been doing for the Filipino community in British Colombia, while sharing several cultural, educational, and diplomatic projects organized by the Consulate where joint participation and broader community collaboration are envisioned:

• Sama-Sama, Salu-Salo, Saya-Saya (SSS²): The Consulate announced its inaugural all-community picnic set for July 2027. SSS² aims to gather diverse Filipino groups, families, and individuals across BC for an informal day of friendship, solidarity, and celebration of Philippine independence and heritage.
• Community Leadership Course with UVic: Consul General Jamoralin outlined her vision for a flagship leadership development program in partnership with the Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria (UVic). Designed for current and emerging Filipino-Canadian community leaders, this four-weekend hybrid course will cover grant writing, organizational governance, political participation, and leadership transition, culminating in a graduation ceremony at the Consulate General.
• UP Concert Chorus North American Tour: The Consulate informed the delegation of the upcoming tour of the University of the Philippines Concert Chorus in July 2027, with UFCABC expressing enthusiasm to support and collaborate on their Vancouver performance.
• Cultural Initiatives: Discussions touched on the Consulate’s planned Festival of Weaves, showcasing traditional Philippine textiles and live weaving demonstrations. The initiative opens opportunities to partner with Miss Filipinas Worldwide for a cultural fashion presentation and engage Philippine Local Government Units (LGUs) to bring regional festival costumes—such as Ati-Atihan—and delegation visits to local events like Pista ng Bayan.
• Youth Engagement & Winter Escapade 2027: Consul General Jamoralin extended an invitation to the delegation’s youth members to attend the Consulate’s Rizaliana Youth & Yuletide Gathering in December 2026, focused on the life and legacy of Dr. Jose Rizal, and invited the community to participate in Winter Escapade 2027, the annual guided tour to prime tourism destinations in the Philippines.

The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver reiterates its firm commitment to serving all members of the Filipino-Canadian community. The Consulate remains fully open to collaborating with all Filipino-Canadian organizations, regional clubs, professional associations, and individuals throughout British Columbia and Yukon to advance shared cultural pride, empower local leaders, and uplift the welfare of Filipinos in Canada. END.