Progressive Filipino groups gather for People’s Gala in Vancouver

By Nash Villena, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
February 25, 2026

(Photo courtesy: Free Our Unionists/Facebook)

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Various progressive Filipino groups convened at a People’s Gala in Vancouver, British Columbia on Sunday, Feb. 22, underscoring the persistent human rights issues in the Philippines, including the prolonged detention of political prisoners.

The groups collectively called on the Marcos administration for the immediate release from detention of labor unionist Maoj Maga and community journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio, among others.

Organized by the Canada Philippines Solidarity for Human Rights (CPSHR), the event aimed at raising funds to support the “Free Our Unionists” campaign in the Philippines.

Among the participating groups are Bayan BC, Migrante BC, Pancit Art Collective, Anakbayan chapters in Joyce Collingwood, SVR, Surrey, and Gabriela BC.