Mission, Vision, & History

Our Commitment Moving Forward

For over five decades, VFCA has been at the heart of the Filipino-Canadian community in Victoria. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to:

Empowering the next generation of Filipino-Canadians.
Expanding our cultural programs to strengthen Filipino identity.
Providing essential support and advocacy for Filipino Canadians.
Providing representation of Filipinos in community groups: Intercultural Association of Greater Victoria, Community Partnership Network, Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society and City of Victoria Welcoming Task Force

Organizing and participating in community efforts to fundraise to help when natural disasters strike
Establishing a permanent Filipino Cultural Centre in Victoria (Vancouver Island)

VFCA remains committed to its advocacy of fostering unity among the Filipino community and all Islanders across Vancouver Island.

Join us in celebrating Filipino heritage, fostering community connections, and making a lasting impact in Victoria!

Our Vision

Filipino Culture is celebrated in the Canadian Mosaic, and the VFCA positively contributes to the community.

Our Mission

The Victoria Filipino Canadian Association (VFCA) is committed to:

Upholding the values of Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms in all its activities.
Operating as a non-profit organization dedicated to community service.
Preserving and promoting Filipino culture, traditions, and heritage.
Providing access to resources and support for those in need.
Engaging in charitable initiatives to uplift individuals and families.
Encouraging good citizenship, respect for law and order, and active community involvement.

Our History

Filipino immigration to Canada began in 1946, but it wasn’t until the late 1960s that their numbers grew significantly due to new immigration policies. As the North American city closest to the Philippines, the Capital Region became an early home for Filipino immigrants. Many of these early settlers were healthcare professionals, teachers and domestic workers seeking better economic opportunities and a stable future for their families.

By 1968, over 30 Filipinos—primarily women in the healthcare field—had settled in Capital Region. This led to the founding of Canada’s first association for Canadians of Filipino ancestry to assist newcomers in adjusting to life in Canada. Recognizing the need for a structured support system, these pioneers took the initiative to create an organization that would provide social, cultural, and economic support immigrants from the Philippines. Their efforts culminated in the formal establishment of VFCA.

On February 10, 1969, the Victoria Filipino Canadian Association (VFCA) was officially incorporated under British Columbia’s Society Act. Among the founding members was Marcelina Bolaños (Baldauf), who also served as VFCA’s first president. The founding members were: Susan Arroyo, Eliza Castillo, Mary Ann Colmenares, Annette Jayme, Marina Leonardo, Sheila Muñieza (deceased), Mel Nonisa, Zeny Regalado, Ruby Talatala, Mercedes Velasco (Gomez, deceased), Cristina Salvino (Voorsluys deceased), Olive Java, Emma Bibera, and Rose Zuniga. The incorporation was witnessed by Ardena Simpson, then Associate Director of Nursing at St. Joseph’s Hospital.

In its early years, VFCA focused on providing essential services such as helping new immigrants find housing, assisting with employment, and offering community gatherings to foster a sense of belonging. The organization soon expanded its reach, engaging in cultural activities, educational initiatives, and advocacy efforts to ensure Canadians of Filipino ancestry had a strong voice in the greater Victoria community.

As immigration patterns continued to evolve, the VFCA adapted to meet the changing needs of Canadians of Filipino ancestry and newcomers from the Philippines. Over the decades, the association became a beacon of cultural preservation, supporting traditional Filipino arts, music, and dance, while also addressing critical issues such as workers' rights, senior support, and youth engagement.

Growth and Impact

Today, more than 10,000 Canadians of Filipino ancestry reside in the Capital Region. Over the decades, VFCA’s mission has expanded to meet the needs and aspirations of this growing community by:

Promoting cultural and social traditions.
Facilitating spiritual and cross-cultural exchanges.
Practicing charity and community service.
Upholding the dignity and identity of Canadians of Filipino ancestry.

Encouraging civic engagement and democracy.

Major Milestones & Contributions

Community Organizations Founded by VFCA

1987

Established the International Childcare and Domestic Services Association of Victoria, which later became the Victoria Filipino-Canadian Caregivers Association.

1988

Formed the Victoria Filipino-Canadian Golden Age Association, now known as the Victoria Filipino Canadian Seniors’ Association, to support Filipino-Canadian seniors.

1991

Founded the Bayanihan Cultural and Housing Society to build a cultural and housing center.

2001

Supported the acquisition of the property at 1709 Blanshard Street for the Bayanihan Community Centre.

2016

Supported efforts to start looking for options for a bigger Bayanihan Community Centre to better serve the growing community of Canadians of Filipino ancestry in the Capital Region.

Cultural and Social Contributions

1971

Established the Sampaguita Dance Group, an award-winning ensemble performing at major events, including:

Folkfest (1976-2006)
Provincial Folkfest in Kelowna (1980)
World’s Fair Expo ’86 (Vancouver, 1986)
Opening ceremonies of the XV Commonwealth Games (Victoria, 1994)

1976

Created the VFCA Choral Group, which has caroled at homes of Canadians of Filipino ancestry every holiday season.

1983

Established a rondalla instrumental group to promote traditional Filipino string music.

1976-Present

Operated a Filipino food kiosk at Folkfest and the Saanich Agricultural Fair as a fundraising initiative.

2018-2024 [except in 2020 during Covid]

Hosted the annual "Mabuhay!" festival at Centennial Square, celebrating Filipino culture through music, dance, and cuisine.

Performances & Sponsored Cultural Events

1980 & 1981

1981

Hosted the Bayanihan Dance Group.

1986

Organized the Joey Ayala Concert and the Philippine Educational Theatre Association Workshop.

1989 and 2002

Sponsored the Alumni Ensemble of the Philippine Madrigal Singers.

1998

Hosted a Pilita Corrales Concert.

1999

Organized the Powerdance Workshop & Concert.

2000

2012

Supported The Manila Chamber Singers’ concert sponsored by BCHS.

2018-2024

Featured cultural performers and artists at an annual Mabuhay! Festival, drawing thousands of attendees.

Media & Community Engagement

1970s

Produced three TV shows for Cable TV.

1980

Launched radio productions to promote Filipino music and culture.

1991 & 1994

Produced the Philippine Musical Extravaganza – An Evening of Songs and Dances.

2019

Produced a Cultural Show on the 50th Anniversary of VFCA.

2022

Produced "Balikbayan" Reconnecting with our Filipino Roots.

2023

Lapu-lapu Proclamation Day at the BC Legislature and celebration at Bayanihan Centre.

2023

Staged "Pepe", story of Jose Rizal in Tagalog and English in Collaboration with Theatre Inconnu.

2024

Official launch of Bayanihan Creative Collective as an umbrella for music, dance and theatre projects of VFCA.

Hosted VIPs and Dignitaries, including:

Philippine President Diosdado Macapagal (1970)
Philippine delegation to the ministerial APEC conference (1997)
Philippine Ambassadors and Philippine Consul Generals to Canada
1991-2025:Engaged in advocacy for the establishment of a Filipino cultural centre in British Columbia.

Annual Events & Community Gatherings

Participate in the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival under Ethnic Dance category and regular performer in the culminating Honours Performance
Hosts the annual Family Christmas Party.
Organizes the Philippine Independence Day Dinner-Dance to celebrate Filipino heritage.
Participates in the Victoria Day Parade.
Hosts cultural workshops and language classes to preserve Filipino traditions.