Message from Consul General Maria Andrelita S. Austria
While the Philippine Consulate General has been constrained to temporarily suspend on-site consular operations to support the measures being undertaken to prevent the further spread of COVID-19, please rest assured that we remain ready to respond to your urgent needs. Please let us know too, should you know of someone who may require assistance – a temporary foreign worker, a student, a tourist or any Filipino national for that matter.
Should you know of anyone who may need emergency assistance in the coming weeks, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us by phone, email, or through our general email address : vancouverpcg@telus.net. We also have an Assistance to Nationals hotline, which is telephone number (604) 653-5858.
In the face of these challenges, we are confident that in the spirit of genuine bayanihan, we can all come together to help each other, particularly the most vulnerable members of our community.
In closing, may I share a quote from Pope Francis on this beautiful Easter morning,
Like a new flame this Good News springs up in the night: the night of a world already faced with epochal challenges and now oppressed by a pandemic severely testing our whole human family. In this night, the Church’s voice rings out: “Christ, my hope, has arisen!”
Lito, our daughters and I join the rest of the men and women of the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver in the fervent hope that God will continue to protect our community and see us through this crisis.
Warmest Easter greetings to our community in Victoria and may God bless you always!
Maria Andrelita S. Austria
Consul General
Philippine Consulate General
Vancouver, B.C., Canada
About Us
The Philippine Bayanihan Community Centre is a gathering place for Filipino Canadians living in or visiting Victoria, British Columbia, as well as their families and friends.
Owned and operated by the Bayanihan Cultural and Housing Society (BCHS), it is also supported by:
Victoria Filipino Canadian Association (VFCA)
Read about how the Victoria Filipino Canadian Association has been playing an active role in the community; plus upcoming events you can join and celebrate with us!
News
Upcoming Events
Our Mission
The Centre exists to:
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Provide a welcoming, sustaining and engaging community where everyone is welcome
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Promote Filipino cultural and social values and traditions
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Provide access to resources and support to those in need
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Promote good citizenship
Our Vision and Goals
The Centre aims to:
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Celebrate Filipino culture and traditions and share these with all members of the community, whether of Filipino or non-Filipino ancestry
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Welcome newcomers from the Philippines to Canada and particularly, Victoria
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Promote the spirit of Bayanihan or spirit of communal unity, among all Filipino-Canadians living in or visiting Victoria
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Provide socialization and support to senior citizens
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Be a centre for information and support to Filipino overseas workers
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Practice and promote charity, particularly to persons in need
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Cultivate knowledge and awareness of Filipino culture and traditions among the younger generations
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Highlight and celebrate the achievements of Filipino-Canadians in Victoria
The Bayanihan Cultural and Housing Society is grateful to the City of Victoria for granting it permissive tax exemption under Section 220 of the Community Charter.
We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.
What's Happening in my Community
Children's Folk Dance Classes
Folk Dance Classes for Children this 2019 Calendar Year will commence on Feb. 10 at the Bayanihan Community Centre.
Schedule as follows:
Children under 10 yrs. old: 4:30 - 5:30PM
Under 18 yrs old: 5:30 - 6:30PM
For more information, please contact Daisy Breuer at gcbreuer@shaw.ca
Production for VFCA's 50th Anniversary
A musical dance production is being brewed in preparation for the 50th-anniversary of VFCA in February next year. We are inviting musically and artistically inclined people to be part of this production.
If interested, get in touch with Jean Graciela "Jinggay" Penola for rehearsal schedules at:
Directory of Filipinos - Count yourself In!
Be part of this one-time event by being in the photo directory. The photos can be of an individual, the nuclear family or an extended family. Your photo for the directory will be taken by a professional photographer free of charge. You will also receive a free 10 x 8 copy of your photo and a free copy of the directory.
Bayanihan Community Centre - A Success Story
The Bayanihan Community Centre's success story was featured in Positively Filipino by first time contributor and our very own, Ben Pires. Positively Filipino is the premier digital native magazine celebrating the story of Filipinos in the diaspora of nearly 13 million expatriates.
Centre Regulars...check out our calendar for schedules
Youth Camp
Every year, VFCA hosts the Youth Summer Camp. Send your children to learn arts and crafts, gain a friend and have fun this summer in a safe learning environment. Send your inquiries via the contact form.
Sunday Open House
Most Sundays throughout the year, the Centre holds its Open House where Filipino Cuisine is served at very affordable prices. These lunches are sponsored and prepared alternately by the associations, sometimes guest sponsors and individuals. Check out our events calendar for schedules.
Community Dinner
The Centre opens its doors to serve our community with free hot meals. Check the calendar for schedules.
Click here to read a write up from one of the volunteers.
Sampaguita Dancers
If you love dancing come and join our Sampaguita Dancers group that is open for all ages. From kids, youth to adults. You will learn different Filipino folk dances and get a chance to perform at the invitations and sometimes cultural competitions around the community.
Send your inquiries using the contact form.
Line Dancing
Every Thursday beginning at 7 pm to 9 pm, come and learn line dancing or simply hang out.
Everyone welcome.
Fee: $2
Our partners
