UPAABC’s Tulay at Gabay in Victoria Marks Milestone for Filipino Migrant Advocacy and Policy Dialogue
By Bella Balisi-Bevilacqua
Victoria, BC [September 20, 2025] – With a general audience of not less than sixty, the University of the Philippines Alumni Association in BC’s Tulay at Gabay stint at the Bayanihan Community Centre in Victoria, BC, last weekend, built community support and bonds with resounding success. The initiative convened in Victoria to support Filipino migrants facing uncertainty due to Canada’s evolving immigration policies. The event aimed to raise awareness and equip the community to advocate for their rights, with a theme focused on Canada’s shifting immigration policies and exploring how these changes impact Filipino migrants. Recent changes in Canada’s immigration levels plan, including decreased permanent and temporary resident targets, have led to increased uncertainty and economic hardship for migrant communities. Specific concerns were raised regarding employment instability, application delays, and challenges for caregivers and international students.
Tulay at Gabay in Victoria brought together expert voices and community partners to champion Filipino migrant advocacy and support. (Photo by Jasper Mallonga.)
Calls to Action for Compassion, Stability, and Fairness
Before Subject Matter Experts’ presentations, a “What We Heard” report presented by Mr. Stephen Andrada, UPAABC President, highlights calls for action emphasizing compassion, stability, clarity, and fairness in immigration policies. These include advocating for permanent residency upon arrival, safeguarding access to essential services, prioritizing family reunification, and promoting stronger protections against exploitation and abuse. The report materialized from the Tulay and Gabay launch on May 10, 2025, at Main Street, Vancouver, BC.
MP Will Greaves, UPAABC President Stephen Andrada, select employers, and subject matter experts
address questions from the audience during Open Forum. (Photo by Jasper Mallonga.)
Settlement and Integration Supports Available
Organizations such as the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA) and the Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society (VIRCS) offer settlement services, including employment assistance, language training, and community connections, to temporary residents in British Columbia.
Community Initiatives and Future Steps
The Honourable Will Greaves, Member of Parliament for Victoria, delivered a moving speech highlighting the importance of the Filipino-Canadian labour market in Canada and the various community support initiatives underway, focusing on cultural orientation, job search strategies, and navigating immigration pathways. Mr. Andrada also mentioned including hosting additional community circles, releasing a final “What We Heard Report” in January 2026, and continuing engagement with policymakers.
MP Will Greaves honours the Filipino-Canadian workforce and champions inclusive support for migrant integration in Victoria. (Photo by Jasper Mallonga.)
The UPAABC’s Tulay at Gabay stint in Victoria was co-presented and sponsored by the Bayanihan Community Centre-Victoria, Victoria Filipino-Canadian Association, Victoria Filipino-Canadians Caregivers Association, University of Victoria Philippine Community, Radius-Simon Fraser University, BC General Employees Union, University Canada West, and Western Community College. Subject Matter Experts included Ms. Ma. Celeste Valderrama (Labour Attaché), Ms. Letty Young (Settlement Practitioner), Ms. Annette Beech (Care Worker and VFCCA President), Mike Caparas (Retail and Trade Specialist and VFCA President), select employers, and active community supporters, as well as Noel Abrera (Immigration Consultant). (MBB)
