By Tinig Migrante
Congratulations to Bert Monterona, internationally recognized artist and muralist, cultural educator and community organizer, for receiving the 2026 Inspiring Seniors Award from the DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society in Surrey last September 22!
DIVERSEcity Executive Officer Neelam Sahota in her welcome address said that “The changemakers , the bridge-builders, the advocates, the volunteers, the community leaders, the innovators see challenges and respond with courage, compassion and action. The award recipients remind us that meaningful change rarely begins with a grand gesture….it starts with a conversation, a helping hand, a bold idea or a decision to stand alongside someone in need.”
Bert Monterona is the founder and visual arts facilitator of the Philippine Artists Network for Community Integrative Transformation. He has been facilitating art and art therapy workshops in the community for various groups like health workers, caregivers, students and seniors, including after the Lapu- Lapu tragedy in Vancouver.
Monterona is also a volunteer and member of the Public Art Committee with the City of Vancouver and was recently selected to design a Royal Canadian Mint gold coin which highlights Filipino-Canadian heritage. This coin is part of the Celebrating Canada’s Diversity Series.
In his acceptance speech, Monterona said that “as a senior and an art educator, I believe that enjoyable visual arts activities can stimulate the mind and create a positive impact on seniors’ health and well-being as they age. Learning and exploring new hobbies and skills create a sense of belonging and a sense of purpose. My creative visual art projects can also help seniors alleviate boredom and keep their minds busy to prevent feelings of depression and isolation. Fellow seniors, don’t stop kicking! Make an impact! Mabuhay!”
Several Awards of Impact were also given by DIVERSEcity to seven community organizations and leaders under different categories of impact. Honoured on that day were: Gurpreet Kaur Bains for Community Changemaker, Immigrant Women Initiative for Gender Equity, The Infinitive Wave Foundation for Food Justice Advocacy, Samantha Jack for Reconciliation in Action, Rubina Kang for Justice Advocacy, Sheldon Guy for Safety, and Milad Rajabi for Youth Leadership.
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