The Filipino Centre Toronto - FCT Inaugurates New Main Office in Scarborough
Scarborough-Canada
August 16, 2018
The Filipino Centre Toronto- FCT, a non- profit, volunteer-run and service-oriented hub in the Filipino Canadian community in Ontario, had its grand re-opening and inauguration of its offices on August 12, 2018 in Scarborough, Toronto.
The well- attended event was held at its new site at 4395 Sheppard Avenue East, a one-story refurbished office building, and was attended proudly by the FCT's current and past members of the Board of Directors and executive officers led by Mary Ann San Juan, president & CEO, Efren De Villa, chair of the Board of Directors and other FilCan community leaders, as well. Formerly, the iconic community centre was located downtown at 597 Parliament Street, Toronto. The "new community home" in the east end was purchased for $ 1.9 million in early April of 2018.
Specifically, the 3-hour occasion was attended by city, provincial & federal officials and other political & community dignitaries. Among those who graced the gathering, delivered greetings and presented official certificates of recognition, were: Federal Minister of Immigration Ahmed Hussen, City of Toronto Mayor John Tory, Federal Members of Parliament Gary Anandasangaree, Jean Yip & Salma Zahid, Ontario Minister for Seniors Raymond Cho, Member of Provincial Parliament Mitzie Hunter, City Councillors Jim Karygiannis , Norm Kelly, Neethan Shan & Michael Thompson. Zachary Nixon represented the Federal Minister of Border Security Bill Blair and Sana Srithas represented MP Shaun Chen. Some municipal candidates also present were Randy Bucao, Ashwani Bhardwaj & Cynthia Lai (Toronto) and Marlene Mogado ( Markham);and political nomination candidates Mazhar Shafiq (Scarborough) and Gary Gladstone (Thornhill) .
The mid- afternoon program, ably hosted by FCT director Philip Beloso, started with the traditional "house" blessing by Father Alberto Macalipay, followed by a merienda salo-salo. Hon. Ahmed Hussen addressed the guests and read the greetings of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Hon. Mayor J.Tory and Philippine Consul General Rosalita Prospero jointly led the raising of the Canadian & Philippine flags and the ceremonial ribbon cutting, together with other distinguished guests. Prominently present were: City Medical Health Officer Dr. Eileen De Villa, former FCT chair Dr. Victoria Santiago, ex - PIDC president Norma Carpio, WFG exec. vice chair Agnes Miranda, Cultural Officer Cecilia Santos, and a host of other community association heads, business leaders and media personalities.
At the newly opened facility, Mayor J. Tory congratulated the Filipinos for "their hard work and compassion" and stressed the values of "affection, respect, faith, family, fun & finances .... to emulate good citizenship". Philippine Consul General R. Prospero cited that the "new home comes renewed commitment and dedication to our culture" and for FCT to "continue with bigger and better initiatives" for the community.
In her remarks, FCT head honcho M. San Juan proclaimed that the Centre was "bought in cash, capital C..A..S..H.., purposefully "to unite proudly in supporting and continuing its multiple projects and services." Board chairman E. De Villa, announced that " in our operation.....we are openly & honestly transparent and we do our finances religiously", adding, everybody is "welcome to look" at them.
Through its various established and proven programs & projects, The Filipino Centre continues to offer and conduct community-building activities and free related services. Among the productive initiatives are the: comprehensive health & wellness program including free medical clinic; health information & medical workshops; seniors services; homework club; Filipino language class; tax preparation & estate planning assistance; employment networking & mentoring partnership; and Filipiniana resource library. Seasonal events include the Pistahan Sa Toronto & Santacruzan summer festival, the Dr. Victoria Santiago invitational basketball competitions, the Dr. Guillermo De Villa golf tournament, the Rosalinda C. Javier outstanding student awards, and Christmas for the kids event.
These collaborative and meaningful services are being undertaken to meet the Centre's raison d'etre and goals as a leading community player and participant. (Tony A. San Juan).