Surrey, BC 09 September 2025 – Philippine Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin joined the Buwan ng Wika Celebration as the University of the Philippines Alumni Association in British Columbia (UPAABC), in partnership with the United Way BC Kapwa Strong Fund, organized a Balagtasan on 29 August 2025 in Surrey, British Columbia (BC).
In her speech, Consul General Jamoralin thanked UPAABC for keeping the tradition of Balagtasan alive in BC. She encouraged the younger generation to appreciate and take part in these cultural practices, which remind them of their cultural roots. The Consul General also invited the guests to join the upcoming Winter Escapade 10, which will feature a special itinerary covering Metro Manila, Dumaguete, Siquijor, and Bicol.
The event was attended by UP Alumni members and guests who gathered to honor the richness of Filipino language through the traditional poetic debate known as Balagtasan. The event was also graced by Mayor Brenda Locke of Surrey, who represented the Canadian government.
This year’s theme of Balagtasan is “Dapat ba o Hindi Dapat Mag-Dual Citizen and Isang Filipino Canadian? Through this performance that combined eloquence, humor, and social commentary, the Balagtasan reflected the enduring power of the Filipino language to engage and educate the audience.
The event also featured a variety of cultural presentations, including Filipino music, dance, poetry, and kundiman. Balagtasan was created in 1924 to honor Francisco “Balagtas” Baltazar, author of the classic Florante at Laura. END
