UFCABC Welcomes Arcie Lim As Interim President, Thanks Christian Cunanan For His Service

Posted by ReyFort Media

The United Filipino Canadians Association in British Columbia (UFCABC) has announced a change in its leadership.

In a meeting held October 28 by the 2024-2026 executive board and board advisors, the association officially accepted the resignation of Christian Cunanan as president, effective immediately. 

Cunanan served the UFCABC as president since June 2024.

Following this decision, the executive board and advisors ratified the succession of Arcie Lim as interim president. Lim will serve in this capacity for the remainder of the 2024-2026 board term.

“The UFCABC extends its sincere gratitude to Mr. Christian Cunanan for his dedication and service to the association. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors,” the UFCABC said in a statement.

“We look forward to a smooth transition and continued growth of the organization and success of it’s programs under the leadership of Interim President Arcie Lim,” UFCABC also said in a statement released for the board by public relations officer Allan Fernandez.

Additionally, Clifford Belgica has resigned from his position as executive assistant to the president, which he served for eight years.

“We thank him for his service, as he continues to be UFCABC’s Program Director,” the UFCABC stated.

The UFCABC represents the biggest coalition of Filipino organizations across British Columbia.

Its mandate includes: “To be a unifying and coordinating force in preserving and showcasing the rich culture, heritage, tradition and way of life of the Filipino people; and in moving forward a distinct Filipino-Canadian identity in the multicultural fabric of the province of British Columbia.”

In a statement, Cunanan said that the issue raised against him was “not one of gross misconduct or negligence, but rather a difference in approach and leadership style between myself and certain members of the Board”. 

“It is unfortunate that such disagreements – especially with only a few months left in my term – were used as grounds for a motion of non-confidence,” Cunanan said.

“Concerns were also raised about my leadership and regarding the Filipino Cultural Centre initiative. On this matter, UFCABC had already issued its official Statement of Support and successfully convened a Community Forum that brought together stakeholders to find common ground and move forward collectively toward our shared goal of establishing the Filipino Cultural Centre,” Cunanan explained. 

Cunanan also said that he was “compelled to resign – not out of weakness, but out of strength and principle”. 

“I have given my time, energy, and personal resources as a volunteer, expecting nothing in return but the fulfillment of serving our kababayans,” he said.

“To those who supported and believed in me, I extend my deepest gratitude for your trust and encouragement. And to those who believe they can lead better, I sincerely wish you well. But let it be known – leadership is not about holding power; it is about carrying responsibility with integrity and humility.

“My chapter with UFCABC may have ended, but my service to the Filipino-Canadian community continues. Titles may change, but the mission to uplift, unite, and serve our people remains the same,” Cunanan said.