SPECTRA Convention - a Gathering of Filipino Community Leaders of Rural Alberta

Last November 25-26, 2023, the first Filipino convention of Filipino community leaders in rural Alberta was held in Calgary. The theme was Strengthening People’s Empowerment in Cities and Towns of Rural Alberta, and billed as the SPECTRA Convention, organized by the Alberta Fil-Can Community Leaders’ Association (AFCLA-G10).

This convention was the culmination of community caucuses in various rural municipalities across Alberta. The convergence of Filipino community leaders from rural areas in Alberta marked an extraordinary event that resonated with unity, cultural richness, and a collective vision for a brighter future. The convention served as a pivotal moment for leaders to connect, collaborate, and chart a course toward bolstering the Filipino community's vibrancy and resilience.

The convention's discussions focused on seven issues as they play in rural Alberta: mental health; health and wellness; youth and education; newcomers, settlement and integrations; livelihood and economic issues; family relationships; and heritage and culture. Leaders exchanged strategies and shared success stories when discussing capacity building, leadership development, community and volunteer engagement. At the end of the two-day convention, a Community Strategies and Action Plan was developed in the areas of: leadership and organizational development; accessible programs and services; partnerships and collaboration; community events and activities for engagement; youth leadership and engagement; policies and advocacy; and fund and resource development.

There was also a Gala that highlighted the various organizations’ initiatives and creativity. Keynote speakers and guest dignitaries illuminated the event with their insights and experiences, encouraging unity and collaboration. Guest speakers for the Convention and the Gala were: Minister Tanya Fir of Arts, Culture and Status of Women, MLAs Irfan Sabir and Kathleen Ganley, Philippine Consul General Zaldy Patron, and Elder Elder Saa’kokoto from the Kainai or the Blood Tribe of the Blackfoot Confederacy. Funders and partner organizations included the: Community Initiatives Program; Calgary Foundation; Edmonton Community Foundation; Action Dignity; Centre for Newcomers; Edmonton Multi-Cultural Health Brokers Cooperative (MCHB); Filipinos Rising for Inclusion & Equity to Nurture Democracy (FRIENDS); and Family & Community Support Services (FCSS) Red Deer.

The convention also served as a platform to recognize and honour the persevering individuals and 25+ member organizations, whose tireless efforts have uplifted the various communities. These are: the Filipino Airdrie Association (FAA), lead by Jun Martin; Filipino-Canadian Community Association in the Rockies (FORM), lead by Jun Cacayuran; Filipino Canadian Community Association of Bonnyville, AB (FCCABA), lead by Nathaniel Gumangan; Filipino-Canadian Association in Brooks, lead by Emelcris Aurelio; Camrose Filipino Association (CFA), lead by Randy Quiazon; Canmore Filipino-Canadian Society (CFCS), lead by Emman de Silva; Filipino Association of Grande Prairie and Area (FAGPA), lead by Neil Tuazon; Lacombe Filipino Community Association (LFCA), lead by Anastacio Sanchez Jr.; Filipino-Canadian Association Leduc (Fil-Cas Leduc), lead by Roger Villa; Filipino-Canadian Association of Lethbridge, Alberta (FCALA) - lead by Vic Lester Visitacion; Filipino-Canadian Association of Medicine Hat (FCA-MedHat), lead by Adrian Chan; Okotoks Fil-Can Society (OFCS), lead by Norayda Ramsay Mapa; Association of Filipino-Canadian in Mountain View County, lead by Nimfa Donacao in Olds; Philippine Canadian Association of Red Deer District (PCCARD), lead by Nieva Rosales; Spruce Grove-Stony Plain Filipino Canadian Association (SSFCA), lead by Bernard Colipano; Filipino Society of Taber (FST), lead by Arnel Lomibao; Community Association of Filipino Families in Trochu and Three Hills (CAFFTT), lead by Lorenza Labangco; FilCan Association of Trochu and Three Hills, lead by Gener Gozo; Wetaskiwin Filipino Community Foundation (WFCF), lead by Marlon Pinaso; and volunteer groups from Cochrane (lead by Gresal Tapulao), Hinton (lead by Brian Olea), Lloydminster (lead by Edina Bannawel and Jonah Alejandro), Rocky Mountain House (lead by Danny Caldito).

The Filipino organizations in rural Alberta stand as pillars of strength and community cohesion, guided by the wisdom, experience, and dedication of their advisers: Marichu Antonio, Alma Armada, and yours truly, Ida Beltran Lucila. Collectively, our guidance embodies a holistic approach to community building—one that intertwines cultural preservation, social advocacy, and leadership development. 

At the close of the convention, a palpable sense of renewed purpose lingered in the air. Leaders departed with a strengthened resolve, armed with newfound knowledge, connections, and a deeper sense of camaraderie. In the coming days, the echoes of the convention will resonate through the communities, inspiring collective action, and fostering a stronger, more cohesive Filipino presence in the heart of rural Alberta.

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*This article was published in the Alberta Filipino Journal, December 2023 issue.