Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver Joins Victoria in Celebrating 25 Years of the Bayanihan Community Centre on Victoria Day

Philippine Consul General Dr. Gina A. Jamoralin (seated, center-right) with Victoria local government officials led by Mayor of Victoria Marianne Alto (seated, 4th from left), community leaders, and pioneer members during the 25th Anniversary celebration of the Philippine Bayanihan Community Centre on May 15, 2026. (Photo: Vancouver PCG)

VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA, 18 May 2026 — On 15 May 2026, Philippine Consul General Dr. Gina A. Jamoralin graced the 25th Anniversary of the Philippine Bayanihan Community Centre (PBCC) in Victoria, British Columbia. Under the theme, "From shared hands to shared home: 25 Years of Bayanihan Spirit," the celebratory event brought together a distinguished assembly of Canadian government leaders, community pioneers, and members of the Filipino diaspora.

Philippine Consul General Dr. Gina A. Jamoralin addresses the community and guests of the event, highlighting the success of the recent ASEAN Chairship and the first official visit of Ambassador Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga to British Columbia on May 4-8, 2026. (Video: Vancouver PCG)

Philippine Consul General Dra. Gina A. Jamoralin delivers her keynote address, highlighting Philippines’  hosting of the ASEAN Summit in Cebu from 06 to 08 May 2026 and Vancouver PCG engagements with the Center during the 25th Anniversary celebration of the Philippine Bayanihan Community Centre in Victoria. (Photo: Vancouver PCG)

In her keynote speech, Consul General Jamoralin  praised the enduring, intergenerational  spirit of bayanihan where the Center trains future leaders of the community and promotes Filipino culture among the youth.  She acknowledged and expressed gratitude to the Filipino community leaders who organized the event - Ms. Melissa Badua, President of the PBCC; Ms. Annette Beech, President, Victoria Filipino Canadian Caregivers Association (VFCCA); Ms Tita Quigley, President and Ms Lourdes Abanto, Vice President, Victoria Filipino Canadian Seniors Association (VFCSA); and, Mr. Mike Caparas, President, Victoria Filipino Canadian Association (VFCA) and Ms. Laila Pires, a founding member  of the Center. 

(L-R) Melissa Badua, Lourdes Abanto, Consul General Dr. Gina A. Jamoralin, Annette Beech, and Mike Caparas at the silver anniversary of the Philippine Bayanihan Community Centre. (Photo: Vancouver PCG)

Cultural performance by the Sampaguita Dancers at the 25th Anniversary celebration of the Philippine Bayanihan Community Centre. (Photo: Vancouver PCG)

During her address, Consul General Jamoralin thanked the community for their support in the recently concluded 02-03 May consular outreach in Victoria which was done in the cultural center. She also highlighted recent milestones from Ambassador Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga’s first official visit to British Columbia (May 4–8), and the May 4 community Town Hall. She also informed of their 06 May roundtable discussion and meeting with the University of Victoria (UVic) Acting President Robina Thomas, emphasizing the new opportunities being forged between the Consulate and the university to empower the Filipino community.

Philippine Consul General Dr. Gina A. Jamoralin (front row, 4th from left) joins local government officials, community leaders, and pioneer members for a commemorative group photo during the 25th Anniversary celebration of the Philippine Bayanihan Community Centre. (Photo: Vancouver PCG)

Turning to developments in the Philippines and Philippine-Canada relation, she highlighted the recently concluded successful Philippine hosting, as Chair, of the 48th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit in Cebu from 06 to 08 May 2026 under the theme “Navigating the Future, Together”, and Canada’s entry into the Luzon Economic Corridor - a major international economic partnership—launched under the G7’s Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI)—designed to accelerate strategic investments in the Philippines.

The Consul General also encouraged those interested to register in the Canada Young Leaders in the Diaspora (YouLeaD) 2026 program from 11 to 17 August this year. This cultural immersion program in Manila, Taal, and Lobo, Batangas is a flagship initiative to reconnect Filipino-Canadian youth with their roots. To encourage broader civic and community participation, the Consul General also encouraged the Filipino-Canadian and Filipino community to register in the Vancouver Emergency Response Mapping Registry (VERMAP) and participate in the ongoing Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV) registration currently ongoing until September 2027. informational flyers on YouLeaD, Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV), and the VERMAP emergency registry were distributed to all attendees.

A historical presentation was also delivered by Ms. Laila Pires, a founding member and current treasurer of the PBCC, highlighting how the PBCC stands firmly on the shoulders of pioneer Filipino leaders.

The event was well-attended by both provincial and municipal Canadian officials, including Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto, Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock, Member of Parliament Jeff Kibble, MLA Diana Gibson, Minister for Citizens' Services, Victoria City Councillors, former Victoria Police Chief Del Manak, and other notable guests.

Member of Parliament Jeff Kibble delivers a message to the audience during the 25th Anniversary celebration of the Philippine Bayanihan Community Centre. (Photo: Vancouver PCG)

Philippine Consul General Dr. Gina A. Jamoralin with Member of Parliament Jeff Kibble during the 25th Anniversary celebration of the Philippine Bayanihan Community Centre. (Photo: Vancouver PCG)

Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Diana Gibson, Provincial Minister for Citizens’ Services, delivers her remarks at the 25th Anniversary celebration of the Philippine Bayanihan Community Centre. (Photo: Vancouver PCG)

Consul General Jamoralin with Victoria City Councilors Dave Thompson (left) and Krista Loughton (right) at the event. (Photo: Vancouver PCG)

Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock (left photo) and Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto (right photo) addressing attendees at the silver anniversary celebration of the Philippine Bayanihan Community Centre. (Photo: Vancouver PCG)

Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto (left) and Consul General Dr. Gina A. Jamoralin at the silver anniversary celebration of the Philippine Bayanihan Community Centre. (Photo: Vancouver PCG)

This anniversary coincides with Victoria Day celebrated on 18 May 2026, highlighting the synergy between Canadian civic identity and the rich cultural heritage that the Filipino-Canadian community brings to the region.

The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver extends its warmest congratulations to the officers, volunteers, and member organizations of the Philippine Bayanihan Community Centre for 25 years of service to the Filipino community in Victoria and to the city of Victoria on the occasion of Victoria Day!

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