By ReyFort OLY
For Rod Belleza, community service has been a commitment spanning almost four decades. A longtime Richmond resident, former Philippine lawyer, and Richmond school trustee, Belleza has devoted much of his life to supporting students, strengthening community organizations, and promoting inclusion.
His journey reflects the contributions of Filipino Canadians who bring their professional experience and cultural values into public service. According to his supplied biography, Belleza holds the distinction of being the first Filipino elected to public office in British Columbia—a milestone in the community’s growing participation in civic life.
Before immigrating to Canada in 1980, Belleza established a foundation in law and education. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from West Negros University, graduating magna cum laude and receiving recognition as Most Outstanding Graduate. He completed his law degree at the University of Negros Occidental–Recoletos and passed the Philippine Bar in 1975.
His early career included serving as Secretary of the Bacolod City Council, a university professor, and College Registrar at Riverside College in Bacolod. These experiences brought together public administration, teaching, and institutional responsibility—areas that would continue to shape his work in Canada.
A Fellow of the Institute of Canadian Bankers, Belleza has also brought financial expertise to his responsibilities in public education.
As a Richmond school trustee, his priorities include good governance, prudent financial management, and the well-being of students and staff. He helped establish the district’s Audit Committee, supporting oversight of financial reporting, risk management, audits, and budgeting.
His educational advocacy extends beyond financial accountability. His profile highlights support for financial literacy, stronger student voices, and greater parental participation in children’s education. He has raised concerns about child poverty, substance-use awareness and drug prevention, physical and mental health education, and practical life skills. He has also advocated for the formation of a District Student Council.
Together, these priorities reflect an approach to education that considers both academic development and the challenges students face in everyday life.
Belleza’s community involvement reaches across Richmond’s civic, cultural, and service organizations. He is the founding president of the Richmond Bayanihan Society and has served as president of the Richmond Multicultural Community Society, Mabuhay Jaycees, and Circulo Ilongo Association of BC.
His service has also included appointments to Richmond’s Family and Youth Court Committee, Community Services Advisory Committee, and Intercultural Advisory Committee. Through these roles, he has contributed to discussions involving families, community needs, and relationships among people of different backgrounds.
A member of the Richmond Rotary Sunset Club and a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, Belleza has maintained connections with organizations devoted to service.
His contributions have earned several honours, including a Maharlika Award for Outstanding Achievement and community service recognition from Philippine Asian News and the Filipino Canadian Business Directory. The BC School Trustees Association awarded him a Certificate of Honour for dedicated service to public education and local governance. Rotary International’s Foundation also recognized him as a Paul Harris Fellow.
Married to Hazel Regalado, Belleza is the father of Richard and Robert.
From Bacolod to Richmond, his record of service connects professional experience with a sustained commitment to education and community life. For Filipino Canadians, Rod Belleza’s journey illustrates how participation in local institutions can help shape the communities they call home.
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