About The FSCBC

Our History, Values & Board of Directors

Our history.

On April 12, 1982, a new seniors organization was born and christened as Filipino Seniors Club of British Columbia. There were 24 founding members and most of them became officers of the organization. It has for its foremost goal the preservation of the cultural heritage of the Philippines and the interlacing of the Filipino ethnic legacy into the multicultural mosaic that is Canada today.

The FSCBC is the very first Filipino Association approved by Revenue Canada as a registered charity on June 2, 1982. At present, it is under the Leadership of Ms. Helen Angelita Dela Rosa as President of Filipino Seniors Club of BC.

Pictured: Induction of officers of the Filipino Seniors Club of BC for the 2021 to 2023 term of office by Don Davies, MP Kingsway, Vancouver BC. Dated Saturday, October 9, 2021.

Some of the cultural shows and stage presentations were written by Professors Mr. and Mrs. Serion. The shows were held at the Robson Square Cinema and other school auditoriums as follows:

  1. The Filipino Women as Contributors to the Philippine National Destiny

  2. Circa 1400, The Philippines depicting the life-ways of the Filipinos during the early fifteenth century

  3. Episodes from “Noli Me Tangere”

  4. Episodes from El Filibusterismo

  5. The Saga of the Filipino Race depicting the early Filipino race up to the People Power 1986 held at Robson Square Cinema.

Pictured: Robson Square in 1983. City of Vancouver Archives, 211-010.2052.

Past and Present Presidents

1982 - Present

  1. Aida Yatco: 1982, 2 year term

  2. Ocscar Morelos: 1983 to 1991, 8 year term

  3. Clemente Santiago: 1991 to 1997, 6 year term

  4. Fernando Salanga: 1997 to 2005, 8 year term

  5. Celedonia Linsangan: 2005 to 2009, 4 year term

  6. Freddie Baguna: 2009 to 2013, 4 year term

  7. Ruben Dioquino: 2013 to 2014, 1 year term

  8. Celyna Shia Sherst: 2014 to 2015, 1 year term

  9. Marcelino Dela Cruz: 2015 to 2019, 4 year term

  10. Ana Marie Butcher: 2021, Interim 7.5 months

  11. Helen Dela Rosa: 2019 to 2021, Interim; Oct. 2021 to 2023

  12. Delano De Belen: 2024 to 2026, current term

Our Purpose.

The purpose of the Society is to PROMOTE, SHARE, MAINTAIN and STRENGTHEN Filipino customs, traditions and culture in BC and other provinces and audiences. Not only are we to celebrate our culture but to share it as well with our fellow Canadians, to encourage an inclusive inter-cultural experience. It is also a social club to meet old and new friends for camaraderie, social gatherings and fellowships to celebrate special events and occasions.

Pictured: Members of Filipino Community enjoy the music at the FSCBC’s 40th anniversary celebration. (Photos from Mr. Christian Cunanan)

Our Projects.

Since it’s creation in 1982, the FSCBC has supported its community by organizing and hosting a variety of activities for seniors. Over time, it expanded its services and scope from being a cultural and social club to a community service organization.

The Filipino Seniors Club of BC has an ongoing project called: SENIORS ON THE GO. The “KINDNESS PROJECT” is a response to the Challenges brought about by the Pandemic. The program includes distribution of bread, food hampers, Sanitizers, gloves, masks, walkers, wheelchairs and other donated items to the vulnerable Seniors, Single Mothers, Church Seniors Groups, newcomers, refugees, women’s shelters, community centers, schools, and needy children specially in this time of the pandemic. These bread and food produce are donated by partner organizations and anonymous Donors.

Other services include compassionate donations and assistance to bereaved families of members; Social media training programs; on-line health and wellness programs, assistance in moving of elderly members to their new residencies, seminars, and partnership with youth organizations to bridge the gap between seniors and the youth.

  • Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada

    “The FSCBC continues to demonstrate the power of resilience, compassion and inclusion. It is making the world a better place and is a shining example of the generosity for which Canada is renowned”

  • Rodolfo D. Robles, Ambassador

    “I laud the Filipino Seniors Club of British Columbia for ensuring that elderly members of our community can continue to enjoy an independent and active life while remaining connected to their Filipino culture and heritage.”

  • Maria Andrelita S. Austria, Consul General

    “The Filipino Seniors Club of British Columbia, through a number of diverse activities and charitable events, has attained its goal of meeting the social, mental, emotional and basic needs of our Filipino Canadian seniors of British Columbia.”

  • Don Davies, M.P. Vancouver Kingsway

    “I deeply appreciate the tremendous contributions of the FSCBC. The work that you do is an impressive display of dedication to providing seniors with opportunities for community engagement in the Lower Mainland of BC.”

  • Kennedy Stewart, 40th Mayor of Vancouver

    “FSCBC has shared Filipino culture to the community, with pride and vigor, successfully through the years. It is important to maintain cultural traditions and celebrations in our City and I want to thank the Filipino Seniors Club of BC for promoting traditions and celebration of the Filipino community here in Vancouver.”

Board of Directors

2024 - 2026