OFWs in British Columbia Celebrate the 31st Philippine Migrant Workers Day

[L-R (front)] SSS Representative Darwin Karl C. Soria, Welfare Officer Allan A. Ignacio, Jonathan Braun of the Migrant Workers Centre, Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin, Labor Attaché Ma. Celeste M. Valderama, Maryam Imtias and Sahibjot Singh of PICS Career Services, and Dulce Cuenca of Batas Bayanihan pose with attendees of the 31st Philippine Migrant Workers Day celebration. (Photo by MWO-Vancouver)

Labor Attaché Ma. Celeste M. Valderama delivers the opening remarks, while Welfare Officer Allan A. Ignacio gives the closing remarks. (Photo by MWO-Vancouver)

VANCOUVER, BC – Migrant workers across Metro Vancouver celebrated the 31st Philippine Migrant Workers Day on 13 June 2026 at St. Mary’s Parish, Vancouver, with a back-to-back information sessions, services, and community-building activities. The celebration brought together Filipino migrant workers, community leaders, service providers, and advocates.

Each year, the Philippine government through the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) commemorates the signing of the landmark Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995 and designates June 7 as Migrant Workers Day (MWD).

City of Vancouver Councillor Lenny Zhou and Fr. Joseph D’Souza of St. Mary’s Parish share their remarks during the event. (Photo by MWO-Vancouver)

During the program, the MWD greetings of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., and DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. were shared, along with the greetings of OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan. The commemorative messages recognized the skills, resilience, courage and extraordinary sacrifices of Filipino migrant workers who continue to build a better future for their families and the country.  The event was also graced by the City of Vancouver’s Councillor Lenny Zhou and Fr. Joseph D’Souza of St. Mary’s Parish who delivered meaningful messages of support.

Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin delivers her remarks at the 31st Philippine Migrant Workers Day celebration held at St. Mary’s Parish in Vancouver. (Photo by MWO-Vancouver)

In her inspirational message, Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin affirmed the Philippine Consulate's commitment to promoting the welfare and protecting the rights of OFWs. She highlighted the initiatives and programs that the Consulate, the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), OWWA and SSS, working as a one country team are undertaking. These include the comprehensive Post-Arrival Orientation, Financial Literacy, intensified information sessions, and free skills training that help OFWs get certified based on Canadian standards.

Sahibjot Singh and Maryam Imtias of PICS Career Services. (Photo by MWO-Vancouver)

Dulce Cuenca of Batas Bayanihan and Jonathan Braun of the Migrant Workers Centre. (Photo by MWO-Vancouver)

Resource speakers provided informative sessions to empower migrant workers during the event. Sahibjot Singh and Maryam Imtiaz of PICS Career Services presented on credential recognition, licensing pathways, and upskilling opportunities for internationally educated professionals seeking to advance their careers in Canada. Participants also benefited from presentations on employment rights for migrant workers by Dulce Cuenca of Batas Bayanihan, as well as updates on immigration laws and policies affecting migrant workers by Jonathan Braun of the Migrant Workers Centre. Attendees actively engaged with the speakers during an open forum following the presentations.

Staff of the Philippine Consulate General conduct on-site overseas voter registration (left), while the Migrant Workers Centre provides a free legal clinic, employment and settlement counseling, and welfare assistance (right). (Photo by MWO-Vancouver)

OFWs also availed themselves of services provided by the Consulate and various migrant support organizations, such as the on-site overseas voter registration, a free legal clinic, employment and settlement counseling, and welfare assistance.

A live band and solo performer entertain attendees, while participants enjoy traditional Filipino games and raffle draws. (Photo by MWO-Vancouver)

As a special feature, the MWD celebration included a photo exhibit showcasing the winners of the 2026 MWD Photography Contest, which highlighted the stories, experiences, and journeys of Filipino migrant workers in Canada. Following a community lunch, the attendees joined in traditional Filipino games, musical numbers and raffle draws. The event concluded with a thanksgiving mass at St. Mary's Church.

The MWO in Vancouver, in partnership with OWWA and SSS, led the meaningful 2026 MWD celebration to honor Filipino migrant workers and reaffirm the government's commitment to supporting overseas Filipinos through programs that promote welfare, protection, and empowerment.

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Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin with representatives from MOSAIC Settlement and Employment Services, the Migrant Workers Centre, PICS Career Services, the University of Canada West, South Vancouver Neighbourhood House, the Philippine Consulate General, the Migrant Workers Office, OWWA, and SSS. (Photo by MWO-Vancouver)