Manitoba Filipino teachers’ association marks 45th year

Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham and his wife, Marla, (back row, center) were honored guests at the 45th anniversary gala of the Manitoba Association of Filipino Teachers. CONTRIBUTED

With more than 280 guests from all over Manitoba in attendance, the Manitoba Association of Filipino Teachers Inc. last Jan. 21 hosted a gala celebration of its 45th year, at the Hilton Winnipeg Airport ballroom.

MAFTI was founded in 1977 as a volunteer organization of teachers, educational assistants, new immigrants, child-care workers, and members from related professions, according to the Winnipeg Free Press.

Its members have played a major role in preserving and promoting Filipino cultural heritage, especially the Filipino language.

The first public school Filipino-English bilingual program in Canada was introduced four years ago at a school in the Seven Oaks School Division.

This school year the Winnipeg School Division is launching Filipino bilingual programming for kindergarten and Grade 1 students.

Special guests included Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham, Seven Oaks School Division trustees Perla Javate, Dante Aviso, Ann Evangelista, and Derek Dabee.

Also guests were Winnipeg North MP Kevin Lamoureux and his wife, Cindy, Notre Dame MLA Malaya Marcelino, Tyndall Park MLA, and Charles Cochrane, executive director of the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre.

Gemma Dalayoan received a lifetime achievement award for her dedication to MAFTI’s mission. Genalyn Tan received the exemplary achievement award for outstanding leadership which has resulted in several successful educational and cultural programs.

Jasmin Masangcay, Victoria Cabrera, Carrie Barroga, Julie Mandac, and Clarita Manzano received awards for their volunteer service throughout the years.

MAFTI also thanked the Manitoba Multicultural Secretariat for its annual programs grant and continued support.