By Christian Cunanan
The Filipino-Canadian Construction Society (FCCS) marked a milestone on November 14, 2025, as more than 200 members, partners, and community leaders gathered at the Quilchena Golf & Country Club to celebrate the organization’s 19th Founding Anniversary Gala.
The evening highlighted FCCS’s ongoing commitment to recognizing excellence, celebrating cultural pride, and supporting Filipino professionals in British Columbia’s construction industry. The program was hosted by Kassy Mercado, Josephine Fard, and Heidi Ng-Liang, who guided attendees through an evening of appreciation, pride, and connection among industry peers and community allies.
Representatives from the Vancouver Regional Construction Association, led by Craig Larkins, attended alongside civic leaders including Hon. Maita Santiago, who officiated the induction ceremony, underscoring the organization’s strong ties with industry and government.
Guests paid tribute to FCCS Founding President Amado Mercado Jr., whose leadership helped unify Filipino builders, engineers, contractors, and professionals under a shared mission of excellence and collaboration.
A key highlight was the swearing-in of the new leadership for 2025–2027, with Armand Perez sworn in as President, bringing a robust engineering and project-management background and a vision focused on unity, professional growth, and continued service to the Filipino-Canadian community.
The gala featured performances by Salve & Ed Dayao and Arielle Tuliao, as well as engaging raffle draws and community acknowledgments, contributing to a lively, celebratory mood.
Closing remarks from Amado Mercado III reflected on FCCS’s achievements and the volunteer spirit that fuels the organization, culminating in an open dance floor that fostered fellowship and joy.
The leadership for 2025–2027 includes President Armand Perez; Vice Presidents Neil Onoya and Ellen Valerio Palma; Secretary Amy Gutierrez; Treasurer Ofelia Dizon; Business Managers Heidi Caroline Ng-Liang and Edison Isidro; Public Relations Officers Josephine Rose Estrada Fard and Wilson See; and board members Alain San, Amado G Mercado III, Angel Garcia, Diosdado Mendoza, Kace Mercado, Joel Plotado, Rain Orogo, Rudy Antonio, and Vicki Rubio Buechler. As FCCS moves toward its 20th year, the 19th Anniversary Gala stands as a proud reminder of a shared legacy built on resilience, leadership, and the enduring Filipino spirit, with the organization continuing to strengthen professional pathways for Filipino-Canadian construction professionals in British Columbia and to foster collaboration among members, partners, and the broader community.
Photo credits: Khim Hipol of Mabuhay House Society.
ReyFort Media 
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