— Chamber News
Changing of the Guard: PCCT Elects New Executive Board
By Tony A. San Juan, OCT-Retired ·
TORONTO, Ontario — The Philippine Chamber of Commerce–Toronto (PCCT) has elected a new slate of officers and directors who will lead the 35-year-old Filipino-Canadian business organisation for the 2027–2028 term.
At its general assembly on Sunday afternoon, October 25, 2026, PCCT members gathered at the Filipino Centre Toronto (FCT) in Scarborough, Toronto, to participate in the organisation’s election and choose its 15-member executive directorate.
Elected to lead the prominent business development-focused organisation as its new president was Gizele Mirasol, who previously served as Vice President for Public Relations. She will succeed outgoing President Nestor Von Canton, who has completed the constitutionally permitted two-term limit after four years of leadership and service.
Joining Mirasol on the executive team are Lilac Cana, Vice President for Government and Trade Relations; Luis Brosas, Vice President for Membership; JB Ramos, Vice President for Public Relations; Erlene Sylvester, Secretary; Ben Corpuz, Treasurer; and Beethoven Crasco, Auditor.
Completing the 15-member executive directorate are the eight directors: Elma Antimano, Gladys Bumanglag, Priscilla Cantos, Loida Cox, Rommel Lumbao, Rainier Macandog, Valentina Salas, and Maricel Salvador.
In her acceptance speech, Mirasol paid tribute to Von Canton for his commendable leadership, stewardship, and dedicated service over the past four years. She expressed her commitment to sustaining the organisation’s established policies and ongoing projects while introducing new initiatives in collaboration with her newly elected team.
A noteworthy highlight of the election was the representation of nine women on the 15-member executive directorate, marking a significant milestone in PCCT’s leadership. This development reflects the important role women play in the organisation’s continuing growth and in the broader Filipino-Canadian business community.
The election was supervised by Tony A. San Juan, a community leader and retired Toronto educator, with assistance from the President and a Senior Officer of the Association of Filipino Canadian Accountants (AFCA). Following the announcement of the election results, San Juan informally inducted the newly elected officers and directors into office.
Adding a special touch to the occasion, the election day also coincided with Mirasol’s 46th birthday, making the event doubly memorable for the incoming president as she embarked on a new chapter of leadership and service.
Congratulations to President Gizele Mirasol and the newly elected PCCT executive directorate! May their collective leadership bring continued progress, stronger business partnerships, and greater opportunities for the Filipino-Canadian business community.
Congratulations and Godspeed!
