Mabuhay ang Bayanihan Spirit ng mga Filipino ngayong 2024
Highlighting the Vibrant Filipino Culture, Heritage and Achievements of Filipinos in BC
The year 2024 was remarkable for Filipino communities in British Columbia, filled with milestones that celebrated the Filipino community's vibrant cultural and historical achievements and progress in the province. Mabuhay House Society looks back at some significant achievements in 2024, highlighting the exceptional strength, unity and bayanihan spirit:
February: Strengthening Connections and Unity
Mabuhay House Society proudly supported the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sports (TACS) and Minister Lana Popham in hosting the third Filipino Community Round Tables. This gathering fostered collaboration and dialogue among Filipino organizations, resulting in actionable strategies to address common challenges and opportunities.
Third Filipino Community Round Table with Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sports.
The Council of Leaders for Mabuhay House Society was officially launched, marking a significant step in unifying community leadership. In addition, over 80 Filipino community organizations signed the Unity Statement, solidifying their support for the Organization’s vision and mission.
March: Advancing Organizational Excellence
Hub and Spokes Program
The Hub and Spokes Model was launched to provide strategic support for Filipino organizations in governance and nonprofit management. This initiative offered workshops on board development, strategic planning, and financial management, equipping organizations with tools to enhance their effectiveness. Success stories, such as Organization A's improved fundraising strategies and Organization B's streamlined operations, highlight its impact. For more details, visit Hub and Spoke Documentation. Ten Filipino organizations participated in this transformative initiative. Here is the Hub and Spokes Report done in October 2024 for more information about the program.
April: Honoring Filipino Heritage
Benson Flores, BC’s first documented Filipino immigrant, was formally recognized through a proclamation. For more information about this historic figure and to view the official proclamation, visit Benson Flores Proclamation Details. This historic moment brought pride to the community and highlighted Filipino contributions to BC’s history.
May: Building a Collective Vision
The Provincial Vision Survey was launched, inviting Filipinos across BC to share their thoughts and aspirations for a Provincial Filipino Cultural Centre. To kick-start the Filipino Heritage Month in June, the BC Government launched, on May 31, 2024, the Provincial Filipino Cultural Centre Vision Survey, designed to gather insights and perspectives from the Filipino Canadian community across British Columbia. This survey aims to capture the diverse cultural experiences and aspirations of Filipino Canadians living in the province and provide valuable insights into the development of the provincial Filipino cultural centre in B.C.
The survey results will be summarized and shared with the community in Spring 2025 to ensure transparency and inclusivity. Following this, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sports will provide recommended next steps in Summer 2025, marking a significant milestone in the journey toward establishing this cultural centre.
June: Celebrating Community and Engagement
Pinoy Festival 2024
Mabuhay House Society co-hosted the vibrant Pinoy Festival: Panahon na Para Magsaya 2, the largest Filipino community event in BC, attracting thousands of attendees. This joyous celebration showcased Filipino culture through lively performances, authentic cuisine, and interactive exhibits. The festival featured a star-studded lineup of Filipino artists, cultural presentations, and community booths, making it a memorable experience for everyone. To learn more about this landmark event and see highlights, visit Pinoy Festival 2024 Highlights.
The Hawak Kamay initiative encouraged community members to complete the Provincial Vision Survey, ensuring diverse voices were heard. Over 10 community events, 20 community outreach and 500+ volunteer hours have been dedicated to helping different groups learn and complete the vision survey. This event invites individuals of all ages to come together and engage in meaningful conversations about the needs and priorities of our community towards a provincial Filipino cultural centre. Participants had the unique opportunity to contribute to the provincial Filipino Cultural Centre Vision survey, which aims to build a designated space to shape the future of Filipino cultural representation in the province.
October: Securing Political Support
Mabuhay House Society received a Commitment Letter supporting the development of the Provincial Filipino Cultural Centre from two BC political parties: the BC NDP and BC Greens. In a powerful show of solidarity, both parties have officially expressed their support for constructing a Provincial Filipino cultural centre in British Columbia. This commitment was highlighted in two separate letters of support provided by both parties, expressing their dedication to championing diversity, inclusivity, and the cultural preservation of the Filipino-Canadian community. Visit BC Parties Letter of Support to read the complete letter from both parties.
November: Gratitude and Leadership
The Salamat Event was held to express gratitude to Pinoy Festival volunteers and the Filipino community for their unwavering support. The event featured heartfelt speeches, certificate presentations, and a special recognition ceremony for key contributors. Attendees enjoyed cultural performances and a shared meal, fostering a sense of camaraderie. Feedback was gathered through a post-event survey, which highlighted the community’s appreciation and suggestions for future initiatives.
Mabuhay House Society met with new leaders, including new leadership and representatives from the Philippine Consulate in Vancouver and the Minister of TACS, to strengthen relationships and explore future collaborations.
Mabuhay House Society was privileged to attend the inaugural PCG Town Hall Meet and Greet with new Consul General Gina Jamoralin. We’re excited about the opportunities ahead to collaborate with and support the Filipino-Canadian community here in BC. Mabuhay House Society board members also met with Spencer Chandra Herbert, the newly appointed Minister of TACS. The group gave updates about the Filipino community and the Provincial Filipino Cultural Centre Vision Survey, a reminder of unity and support for the engagement phase of the project.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Mabuhay House Society is committed to continuously engaging with community members and organizations for input and feedback regarding the Filipino Provincial Cultural Centre. At the same time, good governance and representation should be established at various government levels to ensure proper planning and development. In the meantime, the society is dedicated to providing a strategic plan for lobbying and funding the project and delivering meaningful programs such as the Hub and Spoke Program to empower Filipino organizations. Thanks to United Way funding, promotion is already underway for 2025.
As we reflect on 2024, Mabuhay House Society remains steadfast in its mission to uplift and unite the Filipino community. Together, we continue to embody the Bayanihan Spirit, building a brighter future for all Filipinos in British Columbia.
Mabuhay ang ating komunidad at Maligayang Bagong Taon!