Eleven key members of established Filipino organizations in British Columbia met with the Philippine Consulate Monday, August 24, 2015, to voice concern over the claim of the controversial UNITED FILIPINO CANADIAN ASSOCIATIONS OF BC (UFCABC) who declared they represent all Filipino Canadian organizations in the Lower Mainland.
Members of this group reported they had concerns with the UFCABC who styles itself as an umbrella association without any credentials and proper notification of intent to various societies and Filipino Canadian organizations now active within the Filipino Canadian community in British Columbia. The group was also at a loss on how this organization elected its officers. The main thing they wanted to know is if the Consulate initiated the formation of UFCABC.
After initiating and presiding over the meeting, Carlito Pradas, president of FABC Filipino Association of BC, said he is satisfied to hear the Consul General’s position that the consulate was never involved at all in organizing the UFCABC contrary to what was reported in Filipino tabloid Philippine News Today (PNT), whose publisher acts as vice president of the group.
“I have nothing against the UFCABC or United Filipino Canadian Associations of BC forming their own aggrupation as long as they don’t claim to be the umbrella of all associations and societies in BC. We just want to set the record straight.”
– Rudy Antonio, Vice President of PICA
“I got the answer I wanted to hear from the Philippine Consulate that the meeting called on January 16th of all the leaders was specifically for the formation of a core group to organize the 117th Philippine Independence Day celebration and not, as they claimed, to form an umbrella organization representing all the societies and associations in BC,” Pradas said.
“I have nothing against the UFCABC or United Filipino Canadian Associations of BC forming their own aggrupation as long as they don’t claim to be the umbrella of all associations and societies in BC. We just want to set the record straight,” Rudy Antonio, vice president of PICA (Pangasinan Ilocano Civic Association) and director of the Filipino Association of BC, said.
Mrs. Felipa Garcia, President of the Zambales Society of BC, said: “The outcome of the meeting was good, a positive one. I’m happy that the Philippine Consulate clarified their non-involvement in the creation of the UFCABC.”
UFCABC. Photo by Diones Lago
Rusti Miraflor, (representative/member, Zambales Society of BC) added “As an observer of what’s going on in the Filipino Canadian Community, I feel it would be a refreshing change if leaders of different organizations come together as a unified body even for just one occasion in a year, the celebration of the Philippine Independence Day. Given the reality that every organization pursues each own advocacy and has its own unique way of doing things, I still hope that the heads of organizations could collaborate and support each other in a respectful and thoughtful manner.
The keywords are commitment to the good of the community. Please put premium on creating an environment where biases and egos are set aside and personal interests are shelved in favor of working for greater good. Everyone wins when support is given to each other as each performs his task in providing a meaningful and enriching celebration for all Filipinos young and old to enjoy and look forward to in the month of June every year.
We all want to be part of celebrating our Filipino heritage and pass this desire to our children and grandchildren. However, to make it more attractive to them, let us practice an attitude of cooperation, inclusivity and transparency so that they will realize that we are authentic in our dealings. Remember our children watch and learn valuable lessons from us. Hopefully, they get the positive energies and get excited about carrying on and celebrating their Filipino roots.”
The leaders and members in attendance are as follows: Carl Pradas (FABC), Felipa Garcia (Zambales Society of BC), Rudy Antonio (PICA), Evelyn Antonio (Adamson Alumni), Rudy Tuliao (Circulo Cagayano), Celyna Sia Sherst (FSCBC), Prima Roine (Adamson University Alumni Association), Ofelia Gabriel (FSCBC), Rusti Miraflor (ZSBC), Briggy Miraflor (ZSBC), Erlinda Urutia (FSCBC).
They also reported they wish to have a direct meeting with the UFCABC to see what can be worked out.
