PCG Vancouver Holds “Safe Spaces, Safe Communities” Forum in Observance of 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women

Officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver, led by Philippine Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin, resource speakers, community partners, and participants pose for a group photo at the conclusion of the “Safe Spaces, Safe Communities” community forum held on 6 December 2025 at Creekside Community Center, in commemoration of the Philippines’ 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women. (Photo by Vancouver PCG)

VANCOUVER 08 December 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver, in partnership with the Migrant Workers Office (MWO)–Vancouver and the Mabuhay House Society, held a community forum entitled “Safe Spaces, Safe Communities” on 6 December 2025 at the Creekside Community Center, in observance of the Philippines’ 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women.

The forum brought together members of the Filipino-Canadian community, service providers, and community organizations to discuss women’s rights, legal protections, workplace safety, personal security, and available assistance mechanisms in both the Philippine and Canadian contexts.

In her opening remarks, Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin emphasized the collective responsibility of governments, communities, and individuals in preventing violence against women and in creating safe, inclusive, and respectful environments.

The program featured presentations on the Philippines’ Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313), services for overseas Filipinos by the Philippine Consulate and MWO-Vancouver, workplace violence under Canadian law by WorkSafeBC, and practical women’s personal safety strategies conducted by the Vancouver Police Department Women’s Personal Safety Team. Community organizations, including Pinoy Pride Vancouver Society and Mabuhay House Society, also shared insights on building inclusive and supportive communities.

Community resource partners such as Battered Women’s Support Services (BWSS), Vancouver and Lower Mainland Multicultural Family Support Services Society (VLMFSS), and MOSAIC (Multi-lingual Orientation Service Association for Immigrant Communities) set up information tables at the venue, providing participants with opportunities to consult and learn more about available support services related to safety, migrant assistance, and community well-being.  Jollibee Vancouver Granville branch also provided free snacks to participants.

The activity coincided with Canada’s National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, reinforcing shared commitments to advocacy, awareness, and action. END

(Clockwise) Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin welcomes guests. Ms. Daryl Davidson of WorkSafeBC, discusses workplace violence, reporting mechanisms, and support services available to workers under Canadian law. Jay Legaspi of Mabuhay House Society discusses community-based support programs in BC. Consul General Jamoralin and Mabuhay House Director Sammie Jo Rumbaua (extreme left) present tokens of appreciation to Inspector Colleen Yee & Sergeant Alice Yee from the Vancouver Police Department Women’s Personal Safety Team. (Photos by Vancouver PCG)

(Above photos) Consulate officials serve as resource speakers during the “Safe Spaces, Safe Communities” forum: (L-R) Atty. Edgar Guibone, Vice Consul Marco Harder, Labor Officer Celeste “Maya” Valderrama and Deputy Consul General Paul Uy. (Photos by Vancouver PCG)

(Above photo) Participants listen attentively to the discussions during the “Safe Spaces, Safe Communities” forum held at the Creekside Community Center on 6 December 2025.

(Left photo) A recorded presentation by Ms. Jade Sol of Pinoy Pride Vancouver Society highlights the importance of building safe and inclusive communities for everyone.

(Photos by Vancouver PCG)

(Above photo) Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin joins representatives of the Mabuhay House Society at the “Safe Spaces, Safe Communities” community forum. (Photo by Vancouver PCG)

(Above photo) Officials and staff from the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver pose for a photo with Inspector Colleen Yee & Sergeant Alice Yee from the Vancouver Police Department Women’s Personal Safety Team during the “Safe Spaces, Safe Communities” forum. (Photo by Vancouver PCG)

(Photos) Community partners, including MOSAIC (top photo), Mabuhay House Society, Vancouver and Lower Mainland Multicultural Family Support Services Society (VLMFSS) and Battered Women’s Support Services (BWSS) set up booths at the “Safe Spaces, Safe Communities” event to engage participants and provide support resources.

(Photos by Vancouver PCG)