Vancouver, BC — Mabuhay House Society congratulates four exceptional Filipino community leaders in BC for receiving the King Charles II Medal. Last week, 31 exceptional individuals from diverse backgrounds and sectors were recognized with the King Charles III Medal by MP Don Davies for their outstanding contributions to the community. Among them were four distinguished Filipino community leaders whose advocacy, leadership, and dedication have made a lasting impact in Vancouver-Kingsway.
Sammie Jo Rumbaua
With over 20 years of community service, Sammie Jo is the Chairperson of Mabuhay House
Society, leading efforts to establish the Provincial Filipino Cultural Centre. She advocates for
social equity through her work with the YWCA City Shift Peer-Centered Advocacy Council and
Joyce Street Action Network. From COVID-19 outreach to public policy initiatives, she continues
to build inclusive spaces and cultural preservation projects.
Dr. Khristine Carino
A dedicated advocate for newcomer integration and STEM education, Khristine has led
initiatives from UBC’s Faculty of Dentistry to combat childhood tooth decay and founded
Tech2Step, a non-profit supporting immigrant professionals in tech. A former Executive Director
of Mabuhay House Society, she has served as President of the Society for Canadian Women in
Science and Technology, expanded STEM access for children, and played a leading role in
preserving Filipino heritage through the Vancouver Filipino Cultural Heritage group.
Leo Alejandria
A lifelong activist, Leo has championed workers’ rights as a leader in the Service Employees
International Union Local 2 and Justice for Janitors, empowering immigrant workers to secure
fair wages and respect. As a key member of Migrante BC, he has been a strong voice for
Filipino immigrants. He also deeply engages in political advocacy, mobilizing voter participation
in municipal, provincial, and federal campaigns.
Maria Fe Samson Infante
A retired healthcare worker and labour activist, Maria Fe has fiercely advocated for workers’
rights for over 36 years. As a leader in the Hospital Employees’ Union (HEU) at Vancouver
General Hospital, she played a key role in reversing BC’s largest privatization of racialized
women workers. She has also championed immigrant and temporary worker rights through
Migrante BC and continues to support seniors through community food programs.
(Mabuhay House)
