Hon. Mable Elmore (MLA, Vancouver – Kensington)

Our first honoree is a true advocate and champion of the people. She has long been recognized for her unwavering commitment to equity, inclusion, and uplifting the voices of those who are often unheard. She has consistently gone beyond the boundaries of her legislative role, stepping into the lives of her constituents with compassion and determination.

Her efforts are not just about passing laws or shaping policies—they are about touching lives directly, offering comfort, and creating opportunities where there were none. She has stood side by side with our communities in moments of joy and in times of hardship, never shying away from the responsibility to serve with both courage and kindness.

she is also a trailblazer who has paved the way for others to follow. She is the first Filipino-Canadian elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly in British Columbia, and she made history again as the first MLA to serve as the official Speaker of the House. These “firsts” are not only a testament to her leadership, but also a source of pride and inspiration for generations of Filipinos and Canadians alike.

What makes her remarkable is that her service is not motivated by recognition, but by a genuine love for people and a deep sense of pride in helping others find dignity and hope. Time and again, she has shown us that leadership is not confined to office walls, but is measured by how one lifts others and creates lasting change in their daily lives.

Tonight, we honor her not only for her groundbreaking achievements and her public service, but also for the way she embodies leadership that is driven by love, courage, and care for the people—a leadership that continues to inspire us all.”

Hon. Mayor Ken Sim (City of Vancouver)

The City mayor of Vancouver made history as the first Chinese-Canadian Mayor of Vancouver, but what makes him remarkable is not just his achievement—it is how he serves with humility and humanity.

After the Lapu-Lapu tragedy, He did not just send condolences from his office. He came to be with the people. He listened to grieving families, joined memorials, and offered the support of the City of Vancouver in tangible ways. He stood beside us not as a politician, but as a friend, as a fellow human being sharing in our grief.

He showed us that the strength of a city lies in the strength of its leaders to share in the struggles of its people. His presence was not ceremonial—it was genuine, heartfelt, and rooted in solidarity.

He went beyond his duties as an elected leader. He showed love, care, and solidarity with the Filipino community, affirming that our pain was the city’s pain too.

For his compassion, his presence, and his leadership marked by humanity, we honour Hon. Mayor Ken Sim as a Community Champion.”

Hon. Mayor Brenda Locke (City of Surrey)

The Mayor of Surrey leads a city celebrated for its diversity, its vibrancy, and its strong sense of community. But the true measure of leadership is not only found in policies or speeches—it is measured by presence, by action, and by the ability to stand with people in their moments of greatest need.

When tragedy struck, the Mayor did not simply issue statements of condolence. She came. She listened. She engaged with our community with an open heart, offering the full support and resources of the City of Surrey. She met with grieving families, attended vigils, and participated in community gatherings, ensuring that every voice was heard and every concern addressed. Her presence was a source of comfort, a beacon of reassurance, and a reminder that the City of Surrey stood firmly beside its people.

In those difficult days, our Mayor demonstrated that true leadership goes beyond office and title—it is measured by compassion, empathy, and humanity. She reminded us that a leader’s role is not only to govern, but to connect, to listen, and to act with love and care. She met sorrow with understanding, grief with support, and uncertainty with a steady hand, embodying the qualities of a leader who leads from the heart.

Her commitment extended far beyond ceremonial duties. She became a pillar of support, a source of strength, and a guiding light for a community in pain. Her actions inspired hope, unity, and resilience, showing that in times of hardship, the most powerful form of leadership is presence and genuine care.

For her unwavering solidarity, her deep empathy, and her steadfast dedication to serving with both pride and compassion, we are proud to honour Mayor Brenda Locke as a Community Champion. Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in recognizing her extraordinary contribution to our community.

Hon. Taleeb Noormohamed (MP, Vancouver – Granville)

Our Next Community Chmapion has always been a voice for inclusion and human dignity. when the Lapu-Lapu tragedy happened , he proved that leadership is not only about policies—it is about people.

He worked hand in hand with the different Government institutions and agencies to ensure families could reunite in the midst of loss. He recognized that nothing was more important than having loved ones close during such a painful time.

He went further, offering not only political support but personal reassurance, showing grieving families that they were not alone. His actions bridged communities and reminded us that compassion transcends cultural and national boundaries.

He went beyond his role as a legislator, acting with empathy, urgency, and genuine care for the community. His actions were not just political—they were deeply human.

For his dedication to family, his compassion for the Filipino people, and for showing that true service comes from the heart, we honour Hon. Taleeb Noormohamed , Member of Parliament, Vancouver Granville , as a Community Champion.”

Consul General Dr. Gina Jamoralin (Vancouver Philippines Consulate General)

As Consul General, she carries the official responsibility of representing the Philippines and serving its citizens abroad. But during the Lapu-Lapu tragedy, she showed us that diplomacy can also be deeply personal.

She was more than a Consul General—she was a kababayan, a sister, and a mother figure to grieving families. She coordinated with Canadian authorities, expedited vital processes, and offered emotional support to those devastated by loss.

Her office became a refuge for many, not just a place of paperwork but a place of comfort, reassurance, and strength. She reminded us that at the heart of diplomacy is human connection and the responsibility to care for one another.

She went beyond the duties of her post. She gave love, compassion, and strength to the community in its darkest hour.

For her tireless service, her human connection, and her leadership that went far beyond diplomacy, we honour Consul General Dr. Gina Jamoralin ,as a Community Champion.”

Jason Pires (Global News Morning Anchor)

In times of tragedy, the media wields immense power. It can choose to amplify fear, division, and misunderstanding—or it can amplify truth, dignity, and hope. Our next honouree chose the latter path, embracing integrity, compassion, and responsibility when it mattered most.

As our community grappled with grief, uncertainty, and the weight of loss, he stepped forward to give us a platform—a voice that was thoughtful, accurate, and deeply empathetic. He told our story with care, capturing not only the facts but also the emotions, struggles, and resilience of the Filipino community. He ensured that victims and their families were not reduced to headlines or statistics, but were recognized as people with dignity, deserving of understanding and respect.

Through his work, he built bridges—between cultures, between communities, and between the public and those directly affected. His journalism did more than inform; it humanized. It reminded all of us of the power of words to heal, connect, and inspire action.

Today, we honour him not just for his skill as a journalist, but for his courage, his empathy, and his unwavering commitment to using his profession to serve the greater good. He has shown us that in the face of tragedy, media can be a force for unity, compassion, and truth.

ReyFort Media (Cely and Rey Fortaleza)

Our next honouree is a media institution that has long been a cornerstone of our community. For over 25 years, they have dedicated itself to chronicling the stories of Filipino-Canadians—our struggles, our triumphs, our culture, and our heritage. Through their work, they have not only reported the news but have preserved our collective voice, ensuring that the stories of our people are told with authenticity, care, and respect.

During the recent tragedy, their role became even more vital. They provided timely and accurate information, helping families stay connected during moments of uncertainty. They called on the community to come together, fostering solidarity and support when it was needed most. Through their coverage, they reminded us that journalism is not just about reporting events—it is about giving voice to the voiceless, holding a mirror to our shared experiences, and preserving the dignity of those affected.

Beyond reporting, they has consistently served as a bridge—connecting generations, sharing culture, and celebrating the resilience and spirit of our community. Their unwavering commitment has empowered Filipino-Canadians to see themselves reflected in the media, to feel seen, heard, and valued.

Today, we proudly honour ReyFort Media Group for their lifelong dedication to community journalism, for standing with us in one of our darkest times, and for using their platform to uplift, inspire, and unite. Their work exemplifies the power of media to heal, connect, and strengthen communities.

88 Supermarket (Ken Chau)

We would like to take a moment to present a very special recognition to. For many years, this has been much more than just a place of business. It has been a place where our culture thrives—a space where we see our kababayans, connect with our heritage, and are reminded that even though we are far from home, the flavors, traditions, and simple joys of our homeland are always within reach. It is a place where childhood memories, familiar tastes, and the little things that fill our hearts with joy and comfort are always available to us.

This place of Business has stood with our community in countless ways. They have supported our cultural celebrations, contributed to our initiatives, and consistently shown generosity and care for our people. Beyond their business, they provide a space where our culture is alive—a reminder of who we are, where we come from, and the richness of our shared heritage. It is here that our traditions, our language, and our sense of community are honoured every day.

Their dedication reminds us that strong communities are built not only through resources, but through acts of heart and care. The small things—the warm greetings, the familiar foods, the availability of cultural treasures—bring comfort, joy, and a sense of belonging. They has shown us that home can exist even far from home, when a place is infused with culture, love, and compassion.

On behalf of the Fil-Can Cultural Heritage Society and our entire community, we extend our deepest gratitude. Thank you, 88 Supermarket, for being more than a supporter—for being a cultural home, a source of joy, and family to us all. Your presence has made an indelible mark on our hearts, and for that, we honour you tonight.

United Filipino Canadian Associations in BC (UFCABC)

Our next honouree represents the true strength of unity and the unwavering spirit of community.

When the tragedy struck, this organization—UFCABC—did not hesitate. They stepped forward immediately, showing leadership and compassion when it was needed most. They organized vigils that became spaces of healing, comfort, and solidarity. They mobilized resources to support affected families, ensuring that no one in our community was left to face this hardship alone.

Beyond immediate relief, they engaged tirelessly with community leaders and government officials, advocating for support, guidance, and solutions. They were at the forefront of action, demonstrating not only courage but also a deep commitment to the values that hold our community together—empathy, service, and collaboration.

Through their efforts, they transformed sorrow into solidarity, grief into action, and despair into hope. They reminded us all that in times of tragedy, the power of unity can bring light to even the darkest moments.

Tonight, we are proud to honour UFCABC for their extraordinary dedication, for their tireless efforts to support families in need, and for showing us what it truly means to lead with heart and purpose. Please join me in recognizing UFCABC as our next Community Champion.

Rotary Club Vancouver Mountainview

Our next honouree is part of a global organization whose motto, ‘Service Above Self,’ is more than words—it is a guiding principle that they live by every single day.

When our community was shaken by tragedy and overwhelmed with grief, this organization did not stand on the sidelines. They extended their hand, offering support when it was needed most. They mobilized resources, coordinated assistance, and stood shoulder to shoulder with families who were struggling to cope with loss and uncertainty. Their efforts went beyond material support; they brought comfort, hope, and a reminder that compassion transcends all boundaries—of culture, language, and circumstance.

Through their generosity, they strengthened the fabric of our community, giving families the courage to face difficult days and the reassurance that they were not alone. Their actions demonstrated that true leadership is measured not by recognition, but by the lives we touch and the hope we inspire in others.

Today, we honour the Rotary Club of Vancouver Mountainview for their unwavering partnership, their boundless generosity, and their steadfast solidarity in action. They are a shining example of how service, compassion, and humanity can transform lives in moments of crisis.

Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming their representative to the stage as we celebrate the Rotary Club of Vancouver Mountainview as our Community Champion.