Filipino community calls for cultural centre

Posted by ReyFort Media

VICTORIA – A recently released What We Heard report highlights that B.C.’s Filipino community shares a vision for a provincial cultural centre dedicated to community spirit, recognition and representation, and programming that supports people in British Columbia to learn about Filipino culture and heritage.

The contributions of the Filipino Canadian community in B.C. are an important part of the province’s history, culture and success. That’s why government launched a public engagement survey on May 31, 2024, that invited people in British Columbia, especially those of Filipino heritage, to share their vision for a provincial Filipino cultural centre. The 10-question survey was open until Dec. 31, 2024, and received more than 1,200 survey responses.

“We are proud to recognize Filipino Canadians’ heritage and their vital contributions to B.C.’s success,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “We’re grateful to the many people who completed the survey and the communities who contributed to the roundtable discussions. We’re heartened to know that our work going forward will be community informed and community-led.”

As part of the engagement and to ensure meaningful collaboration, the Province hosted roundtable discussions with key representatives from Filipino community organizations in August 2023, September 2023 and February 2024. These roundtables provided an open forum for community leaders to discuss government’s commitment, the engagement process and the steps needed to advance the development of a cultural centre.

“This survey and report help ensure that we recognize Filipino Canadians’ impactful contributions to B.C. in a way that honours their needs and desires,” said Amna Shah, parliamentary secretary for anti-racism initiatives, mental health and addictions. “We look forward to continuing to work alongside the community to realize their vision and move forward in our collective goal of building a province that is more inclusive and representative.”

The Province did this work in collaboration with Mabuhay House Society, which helped in community engagement planning and raising awareness. The society formed partnerships with more than 30 community organizations and engaged in more than 30 events for this engagement.

With the community’s vision for a cultural centre reflected in the What We Heard report, government will continue to work with local Filipino Canadian organizations and communities to advance this project.

(Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport)

Mabuhay House Society Commends Provincial Government on the Release of “What We Heard” Report on Filipino Cultural Centre in British Columbia

Vancouver, BC – Mabuhay House Society, in collaboration with the Province of British Columbia, proudly announces the release of the “What We Heard” report, summarizing the results of the province-wide public engagement efforts for the development of a Filipino Cultural Centre. This landmark initiative marks a historic step forward in recognizing the vibrant and growing Filipino Canadian community in British Columbia.

The report captures the voices of over 1,200 Filipino Canadians and allies from across the province and reflects the community’s aspirations for a space that honours their roots, contributions, and future in BC. The key themes from the engagement include:

• Bayanihan or Community Spirit – A resounding desire for a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible cultural space that fosters community connection and collaboration.
• Recognition and Representation – A clear call for a centre that physically symbolizes Filipino heritage, and formally acknowledges the many contributions of the Filipino community to the social, cultural, and economic fabric of British Columbia.
• Learning and Sharing – A strong emphasis on education and cultural exchange, creating opportunities for both Filipinos and non-Filipinos to learn, celebrate, and share in the richness of Filipino culture.

Statement from Lester de Guzman, Chair of Mabuhay House Society

“This report represents more than data—it reflects our dreams, our pride, and our shared identity as Filipino Canadians. We commend the Government of British Columbia for its commitment to listening to our voices and making space for our stories. This milestone is not just about a building, but about feeling like we belong in the province and Canada we call home.”

I want to extend heartfelt gratitude to our past and present board members, dedicated volunteers, and every member of our community who took the time to promote and complete the provincial survey and who attended the roundtable sessions. We also want to acknowledge over 75 community organizations that signed the Unity Statement and their continuous support for Mabuhay House Society and the unified clamour for a Filipino cultural centre.

On behalf of Mabuhay House Society, we thank Premier David Eby for his leadership, and we especially recognize the tremendous efforts of former Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sports Ministers, MLA Lana Popham and MLA Spencer Chandra Herbert, who have supported this project from its earliest days through to the publication of this report. We look forward to working with Minister Anne Kang as we move into the next exciting phase of this journey.”

Mabuhay House Society remains committed to the vision of a Filipino Cultural Centre that will serve generations to come—uniting our stories, strengthening our culture, and celebrating our Filipino Canadian identity with all British Columbians.