Benguet Society of British Columbia (BSBC) is an independent and non-profit organization composed of members who are Canadian citizens and residents who ascribe to be a descendant family from Benguet, Philippines by virtue of blood, affinity and by birth.
Registered in August 2016, the organization aims to provide a stable platform in showcasing and preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Benguet people; and at the same time, foster and solidify relationships and connections among its members and the Benguet community here in the Province of British Columbia.
Since its inception, BSBC held programs and events that showcased and strengthened the bond among the Benguet community and its partners. Highlight of all BSBC events is the Adivay (a Benguet Ibaloi term which means “coming together” or “reunion”), which is held during the summer season. From indoor to outdoor celebration, the Adivay Festival are well participated by the 13 municipalities of the Benguet Province with guests even coming from outside BC.
For the past years and up until now, through its fundraising efforts, the BSBC has also been extending assistance to less fortunate individuals and schools in Benguet Province, especially those who were most impacted by the pandemic. Most notable accomplishments were:
- Drumvatory Project, which provided more than 150 portable hand washing units to the different schools in the Province of Benguet, Philippines
- Balik Eskwela Program, which raised funds for bond paper and supplied more than 1000 reams to various schools in Benguet Province
- Adopt Your Own School (AYOS), an ongoing project of BSBC which aims to support schools with basic needs such as water storage/tank and other necessities.
- Scholarship Program (ongoing), where the BSBC provides financial assistance to qualified College students in Benguet Province
- Various donation drives for cash/in kind assistance to our needy members and to victims of calamities in Benguet and even its nearby provinces.
On top of these, BSBC also advocates for a healthier community, vibrant, cleaner, and greener environment by participating in the following:
- Adopt a street, a once a month street clean up and a partnership with the City of Richmond
- Shoreline clean up
- Tree Planting
- Bloodletting, in partnership with Red Cross Canada
- Volunteer services with some helping centers
BSBC thrives and continues to grow because of the generosity, kindness, volunteer services and passion of our officers, members, member-artists/performers, sponsors, and affiliates/partners.