KMC wins the Golden Balangay Award for the Most Influential Community Organization

Toronto, Canada. — Kababayan Multicultural Centre won the Golden Balangay Award for Most Influential Community Organization, which reflects the 47-year journey of building a welcoming and inclusive environment, starting with the Filipino newcomer community and expanding to serve newcomers and immigrants from all nationalities across Canada.

Upon receiving the award from The Golden Balangay Foundation, Ben Corpuz, Chairperson at Kababayan Multicultural Centre, expressed his gratitude for having the opportunity to serve the immigrant people, refugees, and all the marginal sectors.

“This award inspires us at Kababayan Multicultural Centre, the board of directors, staff, volunteers, the funders, the masses, and all stakeholders to strengthen our commitment to serving the people to the best of our abilities,” said Corpuz.

Our Chairperson, Ben Corpuz (left), together with Jerry Caingcoy (right) who was recognized as the Pinoy of the Year.

For her part, Rizza Solis, Executive Director at Kababayan Multicultural Centre, indicates that it is truly an honour to accept this award on behalf of Kababayan, which has more than 47 years dedicated to serving newcomers, helping them find their place and thrive in a new environment.

“Our mission has always been to create a welcoming and inclusive space where our people can feel at home, receive the support they need, and connect with a community that understands their unique experiences and challenges. This award is not just a recognition of our work but a testament to the resilience and strength of our community, which continually inspires us to do more”, Solis considers.

Solis explained that the recognition motivates all members of Kababayan to continue the organization’s mission with renewed passion and commitment, ensuring that every newcomer feels seen, heard, and valued.

Our Executive Director, Rizza Solis (right), photographed with Leny Rose Simbre (left) who was recognized for her Educational Excellence.

How Kababayan Became One of the Most Influential Organizations

Last year alone, Kababayan Multicultural Centre delivered over 8,600 services. It connected with over 3,000 individual clients through personalized support, and this award celebrates the impact and motivates the organization to continue empowering and uplifting the voices and stories of the community.

About The Golden Balangay Awards

The Golden Balangay Awards was co-founded by Ronnie Dela Gana of IKUBO Media and Jovito Favila of Awards Online Canada in March 2017. The award is a nationwide search for outstanding Filipino Canadians.

Balangay or barangay means community, and the name “Golden Balangay” was chosen so that the future generations of Filipinos will recognize the invaluable contribution of their forefathers in shaping the country’s maritime tradition and in passing on the values of solidarity, harmony, determination, courage, and bravery.

The Golden Balangay Awards symbolize the priceless journey as migrants and carrying the people today to their cherished goals. It promotes excellence, hard work, higher education, entrepreneurship, public service, positive relationships, and community involvement.