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PRESS RELEASE:Last October 20, 2011, the Election Committee headed by Tom (Tatay) Avendano as Chairman of the committee conducted the annual election of new set of officer for the year 2012 of Filipino Canadian Construction Society(FCCS) at the Muticultural Helping House Society (MHHS) home office at 4802 Fraser st. (corner 32nd ave.) Vancouver. The committee officially declared the following list of elected officer right after the ballot counting and resolved some issue of concern raised during the election process. President : Jion Muyco Vice President : Rodel RiveraDirector : Charlie Valle : Jun Bartolome : Danny Boteros : Peter de la Torre : Tony Somera : Elmo Nevada : Ed Nicolas : Jay Razon : Ferdinand LontocMr. Mike Buensuceso was appointed by the committee, the next in line who gained the highest vote during the election to replaced Mr. Jay Razon who resigned as Director few days later. Our Philippine Consul General, Hon. Jose A.P. Ampeso is an officiating officer for the induction and oathtaking ceremony to be held on the annual celebration of Christmas party on December 02, 2011 at our Lady of Mercy function hall located at 7455 10th Ave, (Kingsway) Burnaby B.C.Everybody is invited to attend, for ticket reservation please contact Jun Bartolome at 604 765-4553 or Amado Mercado at 604-244-9528. (Ticket is $25.00/head-dinner and dance) In cooperation with MHHS, the group is publishing a souvenir program to raised funds from ads and sponsors. The net proceed will be share equally with MHHS. The organizer appealed to the public for their support and patronage for the benefits of MHHS to provide more charitable services particularly to the new immigrants. Likewise, the FCCS wishes to continue its mentoring and training programs to develop and enhance the skills of its members to be competitive in their chosen field of endeavour from the proceed of this fundraising. To place your advertisement and donation please contact Charlie Valle at 604-506-8518 or Jion Muyco at 604-561-3428. For more information of our activities, the association is inviting you to visit our web site www.fccsbc.org. You can place your advertisement for a minimal donation fee to supplement our funding on various projects and services. For interested party who would like to join the association can fill-up the form available on the website.____________________________________________Archived News:Welcome to our new website layout for the next generation 2012Involvement of FCCS Members:Construction, General Contracting,Trade Contracting, Project Management, Estimating, Architectural Design, Plans and Drawings, Drafting, Autocadd, Repair and Renovation, Drywall, HVAC, Plumbing & Electrical works, Painting & Water-proofing, Sales, Contract workers, and Other Professions, Accounting, Realty, IT, Immigration Consultancy Other Programs and Services:Working hand in hand with Multi-cultural Helping House Society (MHHS) in their various community programs and helping new immigrants to settle in Canada. Recommendation/referral of members and MHHS clients to numerous employers. Referral of members to other construction companies for possible contracts. Mentoring of new immigrants.Training and familiarization of old and new immigrants on their chosen field. Processing of immigration documents for permanent residency. Processing of documents to change employers.FCCS can refer you to the right person, for inquiries, please contact us

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If you wish to become a member of this

organization please fill up our contact forms or If you wish to contact one of our members directly, you can email us and we will gladly provide you their contact information.

2012 WORKSHOP PROGRAM

For 2012, the following workshops/topics are being planned (still subject to change). We advice everyone to check our website from time to time for the confirmed schedule

On October 20, 2011 we will be having our

AGM and election of new sets of FCCS officers

every qualified members are welcome to submit an acceptance of nomination to our election committee:

Amado Mercado, Tom Avendano & Charlie Valle

about us

Mission:To have a united umbrella organization of Filipino Canadian Contractors and Professionals showcasing their talent, skills and professional expertise, and achieve recognition from the construction industry, the government and the public as well.Objective:To provide reliable and quality services and workmanship at the highest standards for our clients.To offer educational, training and familiarization seminars for members and new comers, that address emerging construction technology issues, business opportunities and Canadian construction systems.To provide networking opportunities for everybody allowing members to gain business, contracts, employment and friends. History of Filipino Canadian Construction Society Filipino Canadian Construction Society (FCCS) is an organization of Filipino Canadians who are engineering and architectural professionals engage in the construction industry be it a General Contractor, Trade Contractor, employed in the industry, contract worker, and those involve in sales of construction materials, tool and equipments. Lately the society had welcomed other individuals with various professional and business backgrounds who would like to join the society.Charter FCCS President Amado MercadoSometime in February 2006, a group of Filipino Canadian professionals thru the assistance of Multi-Cultural Helping House Society, conceptualized an idea to form an organization where the skills, talents, and education of Filipinos will be showcased to the Canadian community. It was observed that, there is a big number of Filipino immigrants in this country, with Engineering and Architectural background, there are Filipino Canadian contractors and construction professionals who are successful, but has never organized themselves and therefore are, rarely known or recognized. There was never a genuine organization, who can represent the skills and talents of Filipino immigrant professionals.By binding together, the organizers felt that Filipino Canadian Contractors, engineering & architectural professionals will have a stronger voice in the construction industry. They will have the strength when their talents and skills are combined together, where they can share, foster greater success, and achieve goals on their respective field. This move can also be an effective means to lobby with the government and impress to the Filipino Canadian community the presence of Filipino Canadian professionals who can provide construction services. Filipino Canadian Construction Society was then organized on February of 2006, and was registered as a Society on December of 2006. The people that initiated the move consist of; Mr. Tom Avendano, Eleanor Guerrero-Campbell, Amado Mercado, who became the interim President, and then later the first President of the society. Other members of the group were, Charlie Valle, Boni Canama, Boni Solano, Joseph Laranang, Raul Pineda, Nestor Roma, Jun Custodio, Caesar Pascual, Renato Delos Santos, and many more.During the past years, FCCS, also extended their commitment to help new immigrants to settle encouragingly in this country. Training, education seminars, job hunting, job referrals and networking, are continuously done to help newcomers established a new life. Various assistance to Temporary Foreign workers was also provided especially those that were displaced and were taken advantage by their employers. To date, the new officers and board of directors are committed to enhance the image of the Society, making efforts to achieve better recognition, obtain more contracts and jobs for its members, and improve services to the publicRene delos SantosPresident 2008-2010
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testimony

ENGINEERS CANADA A Personal Experience towards Professional RecognitionBy Ed Nicolas, P.Eng, AScTInternationally trained professionals (ITP) often face different challenges after becoming landed immigrant. Many left behind relatives, friends, and established careers to provide a better future for their family; only to become frustrated when they can’t practice or get a job based on his or her chosen profession. We heard many stories of engineers, doctors, lawyers, and other professionals who were forced to work as drivers, cleaners, or operators for two main reasons: lack of Canadian experience and unrecognized foreign credentials. Although there is dignity in manual labour, the effects are detrimental not only to the professional but to our society as well. I want to share my experience and provide an inspiration to struggling professionals who are facing the same difficulties in getting such professional recognition. My Story I became a landed immigrant on July, 2007 and after staying for one week, I went back home to my home country, the Philippines. It was only after four months that my entire family settled down in Vancouver for good. Just like any other new immigrant, I experienced the same difficulties and challenges during the start-up period. Two weeks after we arrived, I got a job from an established high technology electronics manufacturing company to manage the Process Engineering group of two manufacturing facilities and supervise a number of engineers, specialists, and technicians. I received my professional designation as a Provisional Applied Science Technologist (AScT) in Applied Science Technologist and Technicians of British Columbia (ASTTBC) within a year and became a full member a year after that.I received my certificate of registration from the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (APEGBC) as a Professional Engineer and as an Electrical - Field Safety Representative (FSR) Class B from British Columbia Safety Authority (BCSA). I recently completed my night studies in British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) to meet the academic and work experience requirements prior becoming a Certified House Inspector.While working full time as an employee, I managed to establish a part-time business offering technical services based on the certifications received. In less than three years I was able to get the certifications needed; started a business;and re-established my career to become a more effective and responsible professional. Professional RecognitionLike any other professions in Canada, Engineering is a regulated profession backed by provincial law. It aims to hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public and the environment. Although steps are being taken by the government and other regulating agencies to fast track the recognition of foreign trained professionals; still, it is important to know some practical tips to mitigate risks. Seven items an Internationally Trained Professional should know are as follows:1. Be prepared and do your homework. As a professional, we were trained to calculate, analyze, and reduce risks: the same should also apply when we became an immigrant. Be prepared and know as much as possible the challenges the lies ahead. The more you are prepared, the better for you to adjust in a shorter period of time. You should have a clear understanding on: a. The profession if it is regulated or not. b. The current market, labour conditions, and growth prospects of the profession and the industry. c. The job description and requirements of the employer against your current skills to identify the areas you should further improve. d. The supply and demand of the profession you may want to pursue. e. Providing a good resume. f. Knowing the techniques of having a successful interview. g. Providing the required and other supporting documents to prove your education and work experience. Conduct a thorough analysis on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for yourself and the industry to enable you to be more prepared and equipped in reestablishing your career and your professional recognition.2. Get the certification from the professional association. Most of the professions are regulated by law and a certification/registration is needed before you can provide any service. Many people will feel uncomfortable if the professional who builds your home, the doctor who prescribes the medicines or the accountant who manages your finances are not certified or qualified. Having a certification enable you to show that your credentials are within Canadian standards and will open different opportunities both professionally and personally.3. Understand and follow the certification process. Throughout the years, many new developments and policies were created to provide faster professional recognition. Professional associations understand the plight of Internationally Trained Professionals and started to offer provisional status. This status enables the applicant who meets the academic requirements but still don’t have the minimum one year Canadian experience to have provisional status prior to full recognition. It is unfortunate that some professionals didn’t even know that new rules exist since it was not done in the past. Relying on information based on the experiences of acquaintances, friends, or relatives who migrated before may no longer be accurate. Coordinate with the appropriate government agencies and regulating bodies on the proper procedure towards your professional recognition.4. Improve your soft skills. New immigrants who are professionals have a high technical knowledge and expertise but may lack the soft skills to back it up. We devote most of our time acquiring technical skills but fall short in developing our communication skills; that is, how to sell our ideas to others. When I conduct interviews, I see applicants having a well written resumes but failed to effectively express his or her opinion on certain subject matters. Writing an impressive resume is not enough; selling yourself to your prospected employer during an interview is even more critical. Interview is the time when you will be assessed both on the technical competency and soft skills to check if you are a fit to the organization. Develop ways to improve your interpersonal and communication skills. 5. Get a mentor. To be registered, you may need to provide references coming from a licensed professional. Get a professional you knew who can mentor, direct, and guide you during the entire certification process. By doing so, valuable advice will be given and you will have a better knowledge about the profession under the Canadian environment. Don’t be hesitant to ask for help.6. Strive for continuous personal development. Upgrade your knowledge and skills if necessary. To acquire professional recognition, you may be required to upgrade your academic qualifications or may need to conduct confirmatory examinations. Studying is an opportunity to re-invent yourself, learn a new profession that are more in demand, or follow the desire you may want to specialize in the past. Some professionals are hesitant to go back to school thinking they don’t have the time and luxury to study at night to pursue their dreams; thus, limiting the possibility of meeting the academic requirements prior the certification. Upgrading your skills through formal study should always be considered as a long term investment. 7. Work hard, be persistent, and don’t lose hope. Others feel too frustrated or already victimized with the current situation that no action was made to re-establish their lost profession. Provide a working plan that will keep you back on track on a career or a profession you passionately want to pursue. Work hard to follow it and don’t lose hope. Pursue your dreams despite the obstacles for you will never know the power of the human spirit. At the end of the day, it is you who will decide what will be the best and how you can be a better person.
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Filipino Foreign Workers after the Economic Slowdownby Rene Delos Santos 3-4 years ago the construction industry experienced the shortage of skilled workers here in BC and throughout the country. One of the major solution of the government was to get people from different countries to augment the manpower requirements of every employers. This was a win-win situation. The Canadian government was able to solve the shortage of skilled workers by hiring foreign workers, bringing them in, when the country needed them most. Many projects were completed on time and made the economy stronger. On the other hand, Canada had given the foreign workers an opportunity to earn a descent living and improving their way of life. Filipino workers are among those who came to Canada. They are perceived by employers as hard workers, industrious, dependable, flexible, and can easily communicate. Many employers want to hire Filipino workers. Some of them had become permanent residents through the BCPNP program. Now that there is decline in economic activity, few companies had to shut down, and some laid-off their people. Everybody was affected including the foreign workers. The Filipino workers understands the situation, and are willing to accept any job that would earn them an income, be it construction helpers, assistant mechanics, security jobs, cleaners, etc. They want to work, they want to survive, they had invested a lot of time, money and effort to be able to come to Canada. Their predicament that they will not be able to work for other companies, other than the once who hired them is now the main problem affecting these temporary workers. They are prevented from doing so by the policy of the government. The policy to give preference to local workers is somewhat discriminatory. These foreign workers are here, because we needed them during our critical necessity. They contributed to the economic development of BC, and the country. They are not supposed to be alienated now because the economy is idle. They are not here to compete with the local workers but instead compliment each other. They are supposed to be given the equal opportunity to find new employers, change employers, and given new work permit. Employers should not be burdened looking for local workers, who does not like to work. Many employers are still looking for people, especially Filipino workers because of their work ethics.There are employers eager to hire, there are available Filipino foreign workers, who are in town, and are willing to work, there are no local workers( or few) who are willing to work and accept low paying job. On behalf of the Filipino Foreign workers, we are asking for the federal and local government to consider their plea, to give them the equal opportunity as the local workers. That, once they can find jobs and employers, they should be given the chance to renew their work permit to be able for them to stay and support their families and have a descent way of life, and continue to contribute to the progress of their respective employers’ business, the economy and the country. Besides, they should be considered local per se, since they are physically present in Canada, were allowed to come and work during the time that they were critically needed, and had contributed to the economic development of BC and the country.
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membership 2011

List of FCCS Members:

Agudera, OrlandoAlbindia, BernardAlgas, Ace, B. Arch, UAPArdez, Melvin CWB WelderAvedano, TomBaclaan, ArleneBadlis, Ramil, B. Arch, AT AIBC, UAPBaguio, Edwin Bartolome, Teodoro Cert ElectrianBarredo, Jasby, B. Arch,Leed AP UAP Bautista, Gani Bognot,Tita Bolos, NecitoBondoc, Vic Borja, Carlo, B. Arch, AT AIBC, UAPBoteros, Danilo Bugayo, EronCaguioa, Karen Calingo, RobertoCastor, MarlonCatris, EdgarCatungal, ReneCatungal, Rolly Cayco, Siegfred Simon J.Chan, Alan, Architect, UAPCortes, Zaldy, B. ArchCruz, RomeoCruz, Francis, B. Arch, MRAIC. RD.AIBC, RBDCruz, Nelia, B. Arch, MRAIC. RD.AIBC, RBD, UAPCustodio, Jun De Chavez, RhodoraDe Guzman, RobertDe La Cruz, ArsenioDe La Torre, PeterDe Los Santos, Renato, AScTDel Rosario, EricDel Rosario, RogerEstrada, Ariel, M.Sc., P.EngGuieb, Arnold Guerra, Maria, P.EngHernandez, Mario Ijirani, RobertJadie, Joseph, B. Arch, UAPJamosin, Thom, AScT, REE,Member iIEE Inc. Phil & Saudi Arabia.Jones, John P.Joson, WilfredoLagman, MiguelLaguit, LloydLaraño, Joe, MAIBC, LEED AP, UAPLim, Edna Avenido, B. Arch, UAPLim, JoselitoLipio, Rommel Lontok, Ferdinand, Red Seal ElectricianLoro, Philip Cert ElectricianMaglanque, EdManliclic, Leopoldo Marquez, Nelia Mercado, Amado, EstimatorMontemayor, JesusMontes, Bob, CWB Welding InstructorMorelos, BertMuyco, Jionatchy Narva, ErnestoNicolas, Edelando, P.Eng, AScT, CHI(P)Ochoa, JuanOdango, Felizardo Oliverio, JoelOnting, Erwin Oro, EnriqueOrogo, RomerPareja, Romeo, B. Arch, Master CraftsmanPascual, Caesar, B.Arch MRAIC, UAPPentalcorin, NestorPineda, Edwin, Construction Surveying & LayoutPineda, Raul, B. Arch, MRAIC, Assoc AIARamos, Fredelyn, B. Arch, UAPRamos, RamilRazon, Jay Razon, RogerRedila, David Redulla, Arnold Retita, RichardRigor, Edwin, IA AIBC, MRAIC, UAPRivera, DanielRivera, RodelRoma, Nestor CWB Welder SupervisorRomero, FernandoRosales, RonnieRuiz, Sherwin, B.Arch, UAPSarte, FeSarte, RobertSerna, VicSison, Joselito Solano, BoniSomera, Tony Soriano, TomasSumakot, NelsonTadeo, Angelito, B. ArchTan, Felix, B.Arch, Building Technologist, BIM CAD UAPTutor, Rey AScTValle, Charlie Velasco, Corazon MariaViaje, Noel Villamin, Salvador, Project ManagerVillaruz, Victor, B. Arch, UAPYawan, George

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If you are a Filipino architect, engineer or a skilled construction worker living in Metro Vancouver area, we would like to invite you to join the FCCS.

Fill up our contact form give us a brief summary of your profile on message box and click the send button, or send your e-mail to membership_fccsbc.org

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FCCS WORKSHOP AND MENTORING PROGRAM YEAR-END REPORTINTRODUCTIONThe construction industry is a fast phase, competitive and regulated industry. With strict code compliance enforcement and tradesman certification requirements, the Filipino Canadian Construction Society (FCCS) was formed to fulfill the following objectives:1. To provide a reliable and quality services and workmanship at the highest standards for our clients.2. To offer educational, training and familiarization seminars for members and new comers, that address emerging construction technology issues, business opportunities and Canadian construction systems.3. To provide networking opportunities for everybody allowing members to gain business, contracts, employment and friends.Having this in mind, the society aims to fulfill its mission to its members by providing workshops, seminars and mentoring programs; thus, uplifting the morale, share the expertise, and provide a venue for the Filipino tradesmen to be at par with global standards.2010 ACHIEVEMENTS FCCS conducted seminars and workshops throughout the year providing vital information to our members and guests regarding the technology, the standards, and practical tips on different trades.Although the program was still on its infancy, I am happy to announce the completion of the following workshops for the year 2010:1. Ground Penetrating RadarSpeakers: Ed Maglangue & Llyod LaguitDescription: Provided an overview regarding Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Technology, the usage and its application to the construction industry.2. Workshop on APEGBC Registration: The Process, Challenges and Practical TipsSpeaker: Ed NicolasDescription: Provided an overview regarding Professional Engineer registration process and tips how to successfully acquire such professional recognition. 3. Workshop on Welding & Trade AccreditationSpeakers: Steve Siu and Bob Montes Overview: Provided an overview regarding the welding industry: the standards, business, the opportunities, and the certification process.4. Plumbing and Trade CertificationSpeakers: Mario and Marvyn HenandezOverview: Provided a practical experience regarding the Plumbing certification process, the history of Bro Marv business and provided some practical tips regarding the plumbing industry.In behalf of the FCCS Board of Directors, I would like to thank the speakers and the people behind who made the following workshops a success.For those people who are interested and/or want to hear these seminars once more, please channel/email your requests to our FCCS president. _____________________________________________________________________________________________2012 WORKSHOP PROGRAM:For 2012, the following workshops/topics are being planned (still subject to change). We advice everyone to check our website from time to time for the confirmed schedule: 2012 Workshop Schedule MONTH TOPIC FACILITATORJanuary 19 Electrical Trade Accreditation Ferdie LontokFebruary 16 Leadership nd Volunteerism Tom AvendanoMarch 15 How to Start a Small Business Karen CaguioaApril 12 Project Management Jun BartolomeMay 17 Waterproofing and Painting Jun Custodio and Carlie ValleJune 14 Home Inspection and Certification Process Ed NicolasJuly 12 Real Estate and Mortgage Industry Roselyn JavierAugust 16 Cleaning Services Industry Peter dela TorreSeptember 13 Estimating, Sales & Marketing Amado MercadoOctober 18 General Meeting: Election of new Officers FCCSNovember 15 BOD: Planning Activities FCCSDecember Induction of New Officers and Christmas Party FCCSMENTORING PROGRAM:The society also aims to establish a mentoring program. Mentoring is a relationship which gives people the opportunity to share their professional and personal skills and experiences, and to grow and develop in the process. Through mentoring, the mentee learns the industry through the mentor’s practical experience and able to understand the unspoken rules of the game. It is an on-going, planned partnership that focuses on helping the mentee reach specific goals over a specific period of time.Watch out for our future activities regarding the said program.Sincerely yours,Ed Nicolas, P.Eng, CHI(P)Chairman- Mentoring CommitteeFCCS

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01 Oct. 2011http://www.worleyparsons.com/careers/Pages/CareersHome.aspx24 Sept. 2011FYIReferrals If you receive any phone calls, resumes, or would like to refer a friend to any of our open positions, please direct all applicants to our external website, www.ledcor.com/careers.Building:Construction Safety Coordinator – Vancouver, BCConstruction Safety Officer – Edmonton, ABEstimator, Intermediate – Edmonton, ABContractors:Accounting Clerk - Tumbler Ridge, BCHealth Safety & Environmental Coordinator – Elko, NVDispatcher – Chetwynd, BCIndustrial:QA/QC Coordinator - Piping (Duplicate) – Edmonton, ABShared Services:Business Systems Analyst – Vancouver, BCTrades Recruitment Coordinator – Edmonton, ABTelecom (LTS): CPE Technician - Installation and Repair - Fort McMurray, ABField Operations Manager – Telecom – Toronto, ONField Operations Supervisor – Telecom – Toronto, ONField Operations Technicians – Telecom – Toronto, ONRiggers – Telecom – Edmonton, ABRiggers – Telecom – Burnaby, BCRUS Project Field Engineer – Mitchell, INWireless Technician – Senior – Calgary, ABDenise CliffordHR AssistantLedcor Industries Inc., Human Resources1200-1067 West Cordova St., Vancouver, BC V6C 1C7p 604-605-1743 | f 604-605-1730 www.ledcor.comThom JamosinQA/QC Coordinator- E&ILedcor Contractors, Industrial ConstructionSuncor Energy, Firebag Project, Tar Island 1, Fort McMurray, AB T9H 3G6p 780-588-4699 www.ledcor.com1 Sep. 2011We are in need of a licensed electrician on a project basis. Knowledge on estimation, permit follow-up and can work independently a plus. e-mail your resume and expected salary to ed.nicolas_sigmatechservices.com1 Sep. 2011Needed for various projects in structural steel erection and welding works in greater vancouver area. Flexible to do shop welding and/or fabrication works when needed. Please contact Salvador Villamin e-mail: salvador_westeelfabrication.ca, tel:604-805-7172 or 604-543-766531 Aug 2011:Various Architectural CAD designs/drafting positions still available visit their websites under careers:www.genesisland.comwww.techskillplanning.comwww.empirecustomhomes.comwww.tricohomes.comwww.beattiehomes.comwww.Jacobs.comwww.planningprotocol.com30 Aug 2011:Wanted Cleaners for demobilization Project at Surrey BC Area, for detailsPlease contact Jun Bartolome: 604 765 4553 or Gani Bautista: 604 505 9312place your ads:place your ads:place your ads:
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