by Ethel Clemente Fernandez

Fifteen years of leadership, service, friendship and community came together as the Filipino Members Chapter (FMC) of Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba celebrated its milestone anniversary at the Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba (PCCM) on August 29, 2026.

More than 200 members, families, friends, guests, government officials and dignitaries gathered for FMC KINSE: Ito ang Aming Kuwento(FMC at 15: This is Our Story), an evening that looked back on how the chapter began, celebrated the people who helped build it, and looked ahead to its future.

Guests arrived in Filipiniana, bringing Filipino culture and colour to the celebration. They were also welcomed by a special photo display featuring images from FMC’s 15-year journey. The exhibit showcased past leaders, chapter activities, community initiatives, professional events and milestone celebrations, giving guests a visual glimpse into the people and moments that shaped FMC’s story.

The program was graced by speakers led by Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba CEO and Secretary Michael Gregoire, P.Eng., FEC, and EGM President Mike Houvardis, P.Eng. Other speakers included representatives from government and other technical organizations whose participation underscored the importance of FMC’s work and its continuing contribution to Manitoba’s engineering, geoscience and Filipino communities.

The evening also recognized the people who helped build the FMC. The Saligan Award, from the Filipino word saligan, meaning “foundation,” honoured the founding executive officers whose vision and dedication laid the groundwork for the chapter. The Bayanihan Awardrecognized members with at least 10 consecutive years of volunteer service, reflecting the Filipino spirit of working together for a common purpose. The Kaagapay Award honoured lay associate members whose dedication and support contributed to FMC’s programs and activities.

Former chapter chairs also received Leadership Awards in recognition of the direction, inspiration and stewardship they provided during their terms. Their leadership strengthened the chapter’s programs, encouraged member engagement and advanced its mission of supporting Filipino engineers, geoscientists and the broader community. The Leadership Awards were presented by Member of Parliament Kevin Lamoureux and Senator Gigi Osler.

The evening was not only about awards and accomplishments. It was also a celebration of talent, culture and the people behind the profession. Engineers stepped away from their technical roles and onto the stage, entertaining guests with dance, song, ukulele and violin performances. The entertainment also featured a special musical number by Paul Ong and a cultural dance performance by the Manitoba Association of Filipino Teachers Incorporated (MAFTI) Performing Arts.

Perhaps the evening’s most distinctive feature was an AI generated video presentation that brought FMC’s 15-year journey to life through its past leaders, photographs and milestones. Instead of simply presenting a timeline, the organization’s history unfolded in five chapters.

Chapter 1: The Beginnings revisited the vision and determination that led to FMC’s creation.

Chapter 2: Trailblazing highlighted years of growth, new initiatives and accomplishments.

Chapter 3: The Uncertainty, Pandemic Era reflected on the challenges of maintaining connection and purpose during COVID 19.

Chapter 4: Rebuilding captured the chapter’s return, renewed engagement and momentum after the pandemic. Finally, Chapter 5: Futureturned the focus toward the next generation and the story still waiting to be written.

The FMC’s story is not the story of one president, one executive committee or one generation. It belongs to the founding members who started it, the leaders who guided it, the volunteers who kept showing up, the families and friends who supported them, and the members who continue to carry its mission forward.

What began as an effort to create a professional community for Filipino engineers and geoscientists has grown into a place for professional connection, volunteerism, mentorship, friendship and Filipino pride.

Fifteen years. Five chapters. One shared story. Ito ang aming kuwento, and the next chapter is ours to write.

Ethel Clemente-Fernandez is a professional engineer registered in the province of Manitoba. She is an active member of the Filipino Members Chapter - Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Manitoba (FMC-APEGM).