Burnaby, BC, 24 February 2025 – The University of the Philippines Alumni Association of British Columbia (UPAABC) hosted its “Padayon” event on 22 February 2025 at the Holiday Inn Metrotown in Burnaby, bringing together esteemed partners, volunteers, members, and potential collaborators in celebration of resilience, service, and community engagement.
The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver joined the event, underscoring its strong partnership with UPAABC in fostering cultural, educational, and community development initiatives. Philippine Ambassador to Canada, H.E. Maria Andrelita S. Austria, delivered a keynote speech virtually, where she highlighted the profound meaning of Padayon—a Visayan word that means to carry on, to move forward, and to persevere. She emphasized that Padayon is an uplifting call to action, especially in navigating the opportunities and challenges brought about by recent policy changes affecting Filipinos in various sectors across Canada.
The event served as a platform to launch UPAABC’s 2025 initiatives and recognize partners, members, and volunteers whose unwavering support has contributed to UPAABC’s continued success in building a strong and engaged Filipino-Canadian community. The Philippine Consulate was among those honored as an invaluable partner of UPAABC.
The evening also showcased UPAABC’s impact and provided a venue to forge new partnerships. With the spirit of Padayon as the guiding force, UPAABC reaffirmed its mission to continue its work with even greater dedication in the years ahead.
The UPAABC was established in 1979 as a synergetic community of alumni of the University of the Philippines who wish to make a meaningful, and lasting impact for the betterment of both the local and global society. END
