Community Forum: Continuing the Conversation draws strong turnout and renewed commitment to collaboration 

By Janice Lozano

Vancouver, BC – The United Filipino Canadian Associations in British Columbia (UFCABC) successfully hosted Community Forum: Part 2 – Continuing the Conversation on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at the Killarney Community Centre – Seniors Grand Hall in Vancouver. The highly anticipated event brought together leaders, organizations, and community members from across British Columbia to continue discussions surrounding the development of a long envisioned Filipino Cultural Centre (FCC).

The forum, held at the request of the Filipino Canadian community, served as a meaningful continuation of dialogue initiated earlier this year. It provided an inclusive platform for open and respectful conversation among the key proponents of the project, the Filipino Legacy Society (FLS), Mabuhay House Society (MHS), and NPC3—alongside the developer PortLiving and architect Tom Bunting.

While Filipino BC (FBC) was unable to attend and sent their regrets, their ongoing commitment to the shared vision of a Filipino Cultural Centre was warmly acknowledged and appreciated by participants.

The event drew an impressive and diverse crowd of community leaders, organization representatives, youth, and elders. The atmosphere reflected a strong spirit of transparency, collaboration, and unity, underscoring the community’s shared passion for creating a lasting cultural home that celebrates Filipino identity, heritage, and contributions to Canadian society.

Honouring the Proponents

UFCABC extended heartfelt thanks to all participating proponents for engaging directly with the community, sharing progress updates, and outlining their goals for the Filipino Cultural Centre.

Proponents and Partners:

• NPC3: Tita Eire
• Mabuhay House Society (MHS): Lester de Guzman, Sammie Jo Rumbaua
• Filipino Legacy Society (FLS): Warren D. Flandez, Maj Yee
• Developer: PortLiving – Tobi Reyes
• Architect: Tom Bunting

Each organization offered valuable insights into their vision and approach, emphasizing that although strategies may differ, all share the same heartfelt goal and thats to see the Filipino community represented, united, and empowered through a dedicated cultural space.

Honoured Guests and Government Support

The forum was graced by esteemed guests and officials who reaffirmed their ongoing support for the Filipino community:

• MLA Mable Elmore, for her unwavering advocacy for Filipino Canadians in British Columbia.
• Councillor Lenny Zhou, City of Vancouver, for expressing the City’s continued encouragement of community-driven efforts.
• Deputy Consul General Paul Vincent Uy, representing the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver, who reiterated the Consulate’s commitment to promoting collaboration and partnership.
• Patrick O’Connor, Director of Legislative Affairs, Office of the Mayor – City of Vancouver, for attentively listening to discussions and committing to bring community feedback back to City Hall.

UFCABC also extended deep appreciation to Chief of Staff Trevor Ford and Operations Manager Conor Doherty from the Office of the Mayor for their sustained engagement, consultations, and support throughout the process.

Their presence underscored the significance of the Filipino Cultural Centre initiative—not only as a milestone for the Filipino community but also as a vital contribution to Vancouver’s rich multicultural landscape

Unity, Service, and Hope: The Road Ahead

As the forum concluded, one resounding message emerged: the Filipino community is stronger together. Despite differences in opinions or approaches, participants reaffirmed that what binds them—their shared love for Filipino culture, pride in heritage, and collective dream of building a lasting legacy—far outweighs what sets them apart.

“This forum wasn’t just another meeting—it was a celebration of collaboration, courage, and compassion,” said organizers from UFCABC. “Through open dialogue, respect, and inclusivity, we are proving that together, we can turn the dream of a Filipino Cultural Centre into reality.”

From heartfelt speeches to the contributions of volunteers who prepared food, assisted with logistics, and ensured a welcoming space for all, every participant played a part in advancing the vision of a permanent cultural home for Filipino Canadians.

While the journey toward establishing the Filipino Cultural Centre continues, the event reaffirmed a collective commitment rooted in pagkakaisa (unity), pagsisilbi (service), and pag-asa (hope)—values that define the Filipino spirit.

Together, we are making history. Together, we rise.