By Rey Fortaleza OLY
DR. MICHELLE CENIZA: From Caring for Children to Advocating for Their Future
Filipino-Canadian physician and community leader considers a run for Surrey School Board Trustee.
Dr. Michelle Ceniza, caring for the next generation has always been central to both her profession and her life.
Originally from Cebu, Philippines, she is a family physician, mother of three, longtime school and community volunteer, and advocate who believes children deserve the support and opportunities they need to succeed not only academically, but also emotionally and socially.
After years of serving families in her medical practice and becoming deeply involved in her children’s education, she is now considering expanding that commitment by running for School Board Trustee in Surrey in the next municipal election.
Dr. Ceniza is the fourth of five children of Dr. Felicitas Manaloto, originally from Manila, and Engr. Miguel Manaloto Jr., from Pampanga. She earned her medical degree at the Cebu Institute of Medicine and completed her Pediatrics residency at Perpetual Succour Hospital in Cebu.
In 2009, she and her family immigrated to Canada, where she pursued Family Medicine training at the University of British Columbia. She has been practicing as a family physician in Langley for the past eight years.
Behind the white coat, however, is also a mother who understands the hopes and concerns parents carry for their children’s education.
She has three children: Marco, a Psychology student at UBC; Adam, who is entering Grade 9 at St. John Paul II Academy; and Anya, who is entering Grade 6 at Star of the Sea School in Surrey.
A Leader From an Early Age
Leadership has been a consistent thread throughout Dr. Ceniza’s life.
During her student years, she served as Student Body President at St. Theresa’s College, where she graduated First Honourable Mention. She also received the Gerry Roxas Leadership Award and the Alfonso Yuchengco Foundation Award.
Her leadership continued in medical school, where she was Class President of the 2003 Medicine cohort. She later became President of the Post Graduate Interns at Perpetual Succour Hospital and was named one of its Most Outstanding Post Graduate Interns. She also served as Secretary of the Pediatric Residents’ Association of Cebu.
After moving to Canada and focusing on raising her children, Dr. Ceniza gradually became more involved in their schools. In 2023–2024, she served as Vice Chair of the Parent Association of St. John Paul II Academy.
Through her combined experiences as a physician, parent, and school volunteer, she became increasingly aware of the challenges facing students, families, and educators.
Advocating for Students and Their Teachers
In her medical practice, Dr. Ceniza often sees students struggling with learning difficulties and mental health challenges, sometimes with limited access to support services.
She believes early intervention can significantly change a young person’s trajectory.
“Our youth need to be supported so that they can have the best chance at a great future,” she says. “Early intervention and consistent support are very important.”
Her concern also extends to teachers.
Through both her practice and school involvement, she has observed educators managing heavy workloads and workplace stress. She believes supporting teachers is essential to supporting students.
“I would like to advocate for our teachers as well, as they are important partners in our children’s futures,” she says.
This blend of medical experience, parenting insight, leadership history, and school engagement is part of what is motivating Dr. Ceniza to consider a run for Surrey School Board Trustee.
For her, education goes beyond academic performance. It is about building environments where students can thrive, teachers are supported, and parents and communities have a meaningful voice in shaping the future.
Outside of medicine and community work, Dr. Ceniza enjoys reading, travelling, and theatre.
As a Filipino-Canadian who rebuilt her professional path after immigrating, raised a family, and continued serving her community, Dr. Michelle Ceniza reflects the kind of leadership COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT aims to highlight.
Whether in a clinic, at home, in a parent association meeting or potentially at the Surrey School Board table her focus remains the same: giving children the best possible opportunity for a brighter future.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT is a regular ReyFort Media feature celebrating outstanding Filipinos, businesses and organizations making a positive contribution to British Columbia.
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