Bayanihan Cultural and Housing Society (BCHS) - Philipine Bayanihan Community Centre: Celebrating Filipino Culture in Canada’s Mosaic
The Bayanihan Community Centre is a vibrant and essential part of the Filipino-Canadian community in Victoria, British Columbia. Rooted in the Filipino ethno-cultural tradition of Bayanihan, the term for community volunteerism, the centre operates as a hub for Filipino culture, social services, and community support. This spirit of collective action is reflected in the work of the Bayanihan Cultural and Housing Society (BCHS), which was founded to advance the charitable and service objectives of the Victoria Filipino-Canadian Association (VFCA), the Victoria Filipino-Canadian Seniors' Association (VFCSA), and the Victoria Filipino-Canadian Caregivers' Association (VFCCA). BCHS owns and operates the community centre, offering a space where Filipinos and other members of the broader community can come together to celebrate their culture, support each other, and foster unity.
A Brief History
The story of the Bayanihan Community Centre begins with the shared vision of a group of Filipino-Canadians who wanted to create a lasting institution that would serve their growing community in Victoria. Over time, with support from volunteers and donors, the centre grew into a vibrant and inclusive community space. From its humble beginnings, BCHS has become a pillar of support for Filipino-Canadians and others in the region, offering services that promote social cohesion and cultural preservation.
Our Goals
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Providing essential needs – housing, food, and clothing for the needy.
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Supporting the elderly – offering a welcoming and inclusive space where seniors actively participate in their community.
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Helping caregivers, single parents, and those facing social and financial challenges – ensuring an enjoyable and affordable space for meaningful activities.
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Career and skills development – offering career training, skills upgrading, and assistance for immigrants working toward Canadian accreditation.
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Spiritual and religious support – providing a place for prayer and traditional religious devotions.
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Preserving Filipino heritage – promoting traditional arts, crafts, cuisine, and language for future generations.
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Community service – offering public amenities for the benefit of the broader community.
Guiding Principles
The Bayanihan Community Centre is a gathering place where:
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Everyone is warm, friendly, gracious, and kind.
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The family unit is supported, especially the elderly, children, the disadvantaged, and people with disabilities.
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Cultural inclusivity is valued, embracing all heritages, ethnicities, religions, ancestries, places of origin, and sexual orientations.
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Diversity is celebrated, and different cultural perspectives are appreciated.
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Human dignity, rights, and freedoms are protected for all Canadians.
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Volunteerism is selfless and generous, embodying the true spirit of Bayanihan.
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Resources are used efficiently, maintaining a green and clean environment.
Bayanihan Community Centre: A Place for Gathering and Culture
The centre hosts numerous programs and events that bring the community together, including:
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Sunday Open House Lunches – offering free meals to those in need.
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"Feeding the Needy" Dinners – providing food for the less fortunate.
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Annual Filipino Food Fiesta – celebrating Filipino cuisine and culture.
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Philippine Folk Dancing – Sampaguita Dance Group practices and performances.
Prayers and Religious Observances – supporting bereaved families and traditional Filipino devotions.
The Bayanihan Cultural and Housing Society and Bayanihan Community Centre continue to uphold the Filipino spirit of Bayanihan, fostering a strong, inclusive, and caring community in Victoria, British Columbia.
As we look to the future, the Bayanihan Cultural and Housing Society embraces a new chapter under the leadership of Melissa Badua, who brings a fresh vision for the centre. With her guidance, BCHS will continue to strengthen its role as a beacon of support, inclusion, and cultural preservation. As the new leader, Melissa is committed to expanding the opportunities for growth, development, and service to the community, ensuring that the Filipino spirit of Bayanihan remains at the heart of everything the centre does.
Facebook: Bayanihan Community Centre
Instagram: Philippine Bayanihan Community Centre
Website: https://www.bayanihan.ca
Email: adm.bayanihancentre@gmail.com
Contact no: (250) 472-1898.
The VFCCA operates out of the Bayanihan Community Centre, located at 1709 Blanshard Street, Victoria, BC V8W 2J8.
Victoria Filipino Canadian Caregivers Association (VFCCA)
The Victoria Filipino Canadian Caregivers Association (VFCCA) is a vital non-profit organization based in Victoria, British Columbia, dedicated to supporting Filipino caregivers, migrant workers, and temporary foreign workers in the region. Originally established on December 31, 1987, under the name International Childcare and Domestic Services Association, the organization was officially registered as a non-profit in February 1989. In 2001, it rebranded to the Victoria Filipino Caregivers Association (VFCCA) to better reflect its growing focus on caregivers and their unique needs.
Under the dedicated leadership of Annette Beech, who currently serves as the President, the association has expanded its support to include migrant workers and temporary full-time workers, further broadening its impact within the community. Annette's leadership has been key in ensuring that the VFCCA remains a strong and supportive presence for those in need.
VFCCA plays an important role in the local community, advocating for caregivers' rights and providing programs and activities aimed at their well-being, growth, and development. One of its most successful and anticipated events is the Annual Valentine's Dinner Dance. This event brings together caregivers, their families, and the broader community to celebrate with an evening of joy, connection, and camaraderie. It continues to be one of the association’s most beloved traditions, fostering a strong sense of community among members.
In addition to the Valentine's event, VFCCA also hosts an Annual Picnic, providing an opportunity for members and their families to gather, celebrate, and enjoy time together in a relaxed setting.
Another key initiative is the Annual VPCG Consular Outreach, held in collaboration with the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver. This outreach program brings important consular services to the Filipino-Canadian community in Victoria, making services such as passport renewals, notarial services, and other consular matters more accessible to local residents.
The VFCCA is also actively involved in supporting the Bayanihan Community Centre. It is represented on the boards of the Victoria Filipino Canadian Association (VFCA) and the BCHS, helping guide the work of these organizations. VFCCA also plays a significant role in raising funds for the Bayanihan Community Centre, organizing various events, including Sunday activities that serve both social and fundraising purposes.
Beyond its organizational efforts, Annette Beech has made a personal impact by extending her home as a shelter for those without a place to stay. She responds 24/7 to distress calls from migrants and youth, offering immediate assistance and support to those in urgent need. Additionally, VFCCA has expanded its outreach to help youth, ensuring they have the necessary resources and guidance to thrive in their new environment.
In 2001, VFCCA extended its support beyond caregivers, also focusing on Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) in the food industry, retail sector, and trading industries, recognizing the growing needs of migrant workers across different employment sectors.
At its core, the VFCCA is committed to enhancing the quality of life for caregivers, promoting their rights, and providing opportunities for education, personal growth, and social development. The association’s objectives include:
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Initiating and promoting cultural, recreational traditions, customs, and spiritual exchanges between members and the broader community.
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Practicing charity and unity among members.
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Upholding the dignity of domestic workers.
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Promoting good citizenship, adherence to law and order, and understanding of Canadian democracy.
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Promoting education among members.
These objectives are reflected in the association's ongoing efforts to foster a compassionate, supportive, and engaged community for Filipino caregivers, migrant workers, and immigrant families in Victoria. Moving forward, VFCCA continues to expand this mission by supporting migrants in the food, retail, and trade sectors — and beyond — across Vancouver Island, as part of its broader commitment to serve and uplift the Filipino-Canadian community.
For more information about VFCCA’s programs and events, or to get involved, you can contact them via:
Facebook: Victoria Filipino Canadian Caregivers Association
Email: adm.bayanihancentre@gmail.com
Contact no: (250) 472-1898.
The VFCCA operates out of the Bayanihan Community Centre, located at 1709 Blanshard Street, Victoria, BC V8W 2J8.
Victoria Filipino Canadian Seniors’ Association (VFCSA)
The Victoria Filipino Canadian Seniors’ Association (VFCSA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of Filipino-Canadian seniors in Victoria, British Columbia. Established in 1988 by a group of new immigrants from the Philippines and Canadian citizens of Filipino ancestry, the association was initially called the Victoria Filipino-Canadian Golden Age Association. Key founders include Fely Arevalo, Dominador Celeste, Lourdes Celeste, Adoracion Cubangbang, Serafin Cubangbang, Isidoro Emmanuel, and Potenciana Emmanuel, with help from Flora Bariuad, Connie Custodio, and Nor Gonzales. The association finalized its constitution in 1989 with the help of Attorney Domingo de Lara and officially registered under the Society Act. In 1995, the name changed to the Victoria Filipino Canadian Seniors’ Association (VFCSA), a title it holds to this day.
The VFCSA operates under the umbrella of the Philippine Bayanihan Community Centre, located at 1709 Blanshard Street, Victoria, BC. This community center serves as a meeting place for Filipino Canadians in the area and hosts a variety of events for both members and their families. These events include community dinners, cultural performances, and educational activities.
The association is committed to providing a program of social activities to enhance the health and well-being of all its members. It also aims to promote Filipino heritage, sharing experiences, beliefs, talents, and skills. The VFCSA works closely with other Filipino-Canadian organizations such as the Victoria Filipino Canadian Caregivers Association and the Victoria Filipino Canadian Association to strengthen community ties and offer more comprehensive support to the community.
Currently, the VFCSA is led by President Teresita Quigley, who continues to lead the association’s efforts to advocate for the Filipino-Canadian senior community. Under her leadership, the association maintains its ongoing advocacy for social justice, health care access, and the cultural preservation of the Filipino community in Victoria.
In recent years, the VFCSA has been actively involved in organizing and participating in key events. For example, the association took part in the 2024 Mabuhay! Festival, held at Centennial Square, which showcased Filipino culture through food, music, and dance performances. The VFCSA also participated in the 2024 Victoria Day Parade, where over 200 people marched, proudly displaying Filipino heritage.
In addition to cultural events, the VFCSA hosts regular social gatherings, such as the annual Halloween Dinner Dance, to foster community engagement and support the well-being of its members. The association continues to engage in various community outreach initiatives and remains dedicated to cultural preservation and providing a social network for seniors.
The VFCSA’s advocacy efforts extend beyond events and activities; they also focus on supporting the well-being of Filipino-Canadian seniors by offering services and assistance, and actively working to ensure their voices are heard in both local and national conversations about senior care, health, and social inclusion.
For more information or to get involved, the public can reach the VFCSA through the Philippine Bayanihan Community Centre
Facebook: Victoria Filipino Canadian Seniors Association - VFCSA
Email: adm.bayanihancentre@gmail.com
Contact no: (250) 472-1898.
The VFCSA operates out of the Bayanihan Community Centre, located at 1709 Blanshard Street, Victoria, BC V8W 2J8.
