On November 1, 2024, the “Alkansya ng Bayan” project was launched in Vancouver in partnership with Filipino-Canadian community organizations to support disaster relief efforts in the Philippines. This initiative brings together the Rotary Club of Vancouver Mountainview – Ernie Ong, UFCABC – Christian Cunanan, PICPA – Antonio Matias, Historama – Lita Tapia, Filipino Canadian Construction Society – Amado Mercado Jr, Philippine Bicol Association BC – Robert Azana, Huling Hirit sa Tag-init – Jojo Quimpo, and Media Partner Reyfort Media – Rey Fortaleza.
The idea behind Alkansya ng Bayan is simple yet impactful: donation boxes are placed in Filipino-owned stores and restaurants across Vancouver. These boxes are made visible to patrons, who are encouraged to donate spare change when they shop or dine. The funds collected will be directed to aid those affected by natural disasters, such as typhoons, floods, and earthquakes, in the Philippines. Designed as an ongoing project, Alkansya ng Bayan aims to provide a steady source of emergency funds, reducing the need to start from scratch each time a calamity strikes.
The first donation box was placed at Pampanga Cuisine, owned by Edith Montemayor, and presented by Bert Parungao, who initiated the project, during a UFCABC meeting at the restaurant. PICPA will oversee the donation collections to ensure transparency, while the Rotary Club Vancouver Mountainview will collaborate with local Rotary club counterparts in the Philippines to distribute the funds in disaster-affected areas.
Through Alkansya ng Bayan, the Filipino-Canadian community aims to keep funds on hand ready, to be used for organized relief efforts, underscoring the spirit of Bayanihan and Solidarity with those in need back home.
