MINUTES OF MEETING ON PHILIPPINE CENTRE
10 February 2019
Rm. 213, U of A Education Building
In Attendance:
Aleiondro Isla, Saranay
Annie Chua-Firth, PBAA / VisMin / PBSA
Artie Atienza, Koro Filipino
Dazz Fajardo, CEFA
Dhon Mojica, Migrante Alberta
Grace Alarcon-Isla, Saranay
Gregie Flores, Migrante Alberta
Herald Casaña, Phil. Warrior Arts Society
Ida Beltran-Lucila, Philippine Arts Council
Jojo Lucila, Philippine Arts Council & The Lucila Project
Josephine Pallard, Filipino-Canadian Saranay Association
Lito Velasco, Alberta Filipino Journal
Loida Lumanlan
Manny Bautista
Maria Cecilia “Sweet” Camba, Saranay
Marilda Kane, CEFA & FSSS
Miguel Vicente Jr., FilCan Riders
Mila Phillipzig, PHIDEAS
Myra Sumague, UPAAE
Nicky Gocuan, PMAA
Rolan Latorre, Himig Pinoy
Tony Surtida, CEFA
I. Welcome/Introductions
II. Approval of Agenda
The agenda was approved as presented.
III. Background on Initiative
In a consultation with a group from the Filipino community last January 26, 2019, Minister Amarjeet Sohi committed to help in the establishment of a Philippine Centre in Edmonton. This meeting was convened to gather collective ideas in the establishment of a Philippine centre that is reflective of the vision and needs of the community.
Past experiences and previous proposals for a Philippine Centre were discussed, with the hope that this time around, interest and work will not wane.
IV. Determination of Need
Why do we need a centre? Is there an existing location that can work?
Unanimous vote on the need for a Philippine centre.
Organizations who have venues/offices can keep their respective spaces. The Philippine Centre will be open to everyone.
Possible locations: closed schools; shared space with other cultural groups; community leagues/halls
V. Working Title
Suggestions:
Philippine Centre of Edmonton
Edmonton Philippine International Centre (EPIC)
Sentro Pilipinas of Edmonton
Bulwagang Pilipinas ng Edmonton
Bahay Nayon Alberta
Other suggestions on names can be submitted to Ida, up to end of day Monday, February 11.
VI. Activities envisioned for Centre. What are we trying to build?
Activities on: arts and culture; education and professional development; community capacity building; business lease
Facilities: meeting rooms; offices; classrooms; parking; black box space for performances, workshops, art gallery/display; space for social gatherings; library or resource centre
VII. How will we build/establish the Centre?
Create a survey to assess need and viability. This will give an idea also on how much are organizations currently paying for their respective spaces. Objective of a minimum of 50 responses for the survey, to make it valid.
Cost of rent can be divided among the organizations.
Can start small then gradually expand the space.
VIII. Governance Model. How will it be operated, managed and funded?
Business model
Non-profit, with objective of financial sustainability
To create a Board of Governance (with representation from the different organizations/stakeholders), and have a third-party Management/Operations Team, who will be hired (not voluntary) and be accountable to the Board.
Stakeholders can be both organizations and individuals
IX. Suggested Locations
Closed schools. Ida to check on Edmonton Public Schools. Will need someone to check with Catholic schools.
Community leagues/halls
Privately owned properties
X. Next Steps
Mila and Grace to create the survey, to be sent out by everyone to their respective networks
Research on other models for cultural/community centres
Sub-group to meet on the business plan/proposal: Ida, Mila, Grace, Tita Josie, Loida, Annie, Tony, Lito
A meeting will be called for the bigger group to present the business plan/proposal
Manny motioned for the registration of the Philippine Centre. Seconded by Mila and Lito. Unanimous vote to have it registered.
Ida to do the NUANS Search and registration. Mila will do the By-laws, or use the generic template.
Board for incorporation will consist of: Ida, Loida, Josie, Lito and Tony.
Loida gave $100 and Manny $40, to cover the cost of registration.
XI. Adjournment
After a message of appreciation to Migrante Alberta for securing a venue for the meeting, to Annie Chua for bringing sandwiches, to Loida Lumanlan for the pan de pao, to Manny Bautista for the siomai, to Ida Beltran-Lucila for the beverages, the meeting was adjourned.