By Christian Cunanan
Marking a historic first for Filipino-Canadians in British Columbia, the ‘Miting-de-Avance’ was held on September 26, 2026, at Balai in the Borough in New Westminster, BC, bringing together Filipino-Canadian candidates from various ridings across the province, creating an opportunity for Filipino Canadian voters to meet the candidates and hear directly from them.
The successful gathering was led by Immigration Consultant/Realtor Rovic Canono of Filipino Helping Filipinos in BC, together with Joel Castillo, Bert Parungao, Joanna Manuel, Clifford Belgica, Merlina Fayusal, and James Mark Villamayor of UFCABC.
The gathering brought together Filipino community leaders, members, and supporters from across the community. The program was hosted by Joel Castillo, Rovic Canono, and Ria Inducil-Abesamis.
Special guests included New Westminster Mayor Patrick Johnstone, former MP Peter Julian, and Salvacion E. Dayao. Balai In the Borough is owned by Realtor Evelyn Nival Lopez.
FILIPINO-CANADIAN CANDIDATES:
Surrey
• Councillor: Noemi Victorino, Narima De La Cruz, Dan Carlos
• School Board Trustee: Michelle Ceniza, Vanessa Gilera
Vancouver
• Councillor: Armor Valor
• School Board Trustee: Lina Vargas
Port Coquitlam
• Councillor: Dehara Thompson
Richmond
• Councillor: Antonio Ortega, Mario Cruz
• School Board Trustee: Jenny Gonzales Matta, Rod Belleza, Willie Sinconegue
North Vancouver
• Councillor: Lailani Tumaneng
• School Board Trustee: Ralph Perfecto, Ethel Purugganan, Senora Navales
Burnaby
• Councillor: Maita Santiago
• School Board Trustee: Stephen Andrada
New Westminster
• School Board Trustee: Lucas Steele
West Vancouver
• Councillor: Annsabelle Pronych
Fort St. John
• Councillor: Ovvian Hill
Dawson Creek
• Councillor: Gregg Apolonio
Kitimat
• Councillor: Edwin Empinado
The gathering highlighted the growing participation of Filipino-Canadians in local civic life and reflected the enduring Bayanihan spirit of the Filipino community across British Columbia.
Photo credit: Philip Louis Pua
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