2014 APCO Freedom Day Luncheon and Ball

ALLIANCE of PHILIPPINE COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS INC
FREEDOM LUNCHEON and BALL 2014
Programme
Starts at 12:00 noon
Overture
Entry of Colours
Philippine and Australian Nat’l Anthems
Emcee Introduction
Invocation
Opening Remarks
Greetings
Carreon Quartet
APCO Office Bearers, Directors & Advisers
Carreon Quartet
Kris Albano & Darlene Macabulos
Jo Bonto, APCO Senior Vice President
Ruben Amores, APCO President
Hon Marford Angeles, Philippine Consul
(ENTREE SERVED)
Tableau 1 (Haiyan Disaster)
Tribute to Honorees 1
Traditional Song & Dance Number
Greetings
Greetings
Tableau 2 (Donations for Haiyan)
Tribute to Honorees 2
VIP Sydney Dancers
Dr Cen Amores & Jhun Salazar, Past Presidents
Linda Trinidad, MEDG &VAA
Hon Michael Baird, NSW Premier
Hon Tony Abbott, Prime Minister of Australia
VIP Sydney Dancers
Dr Cen Amores & Dr Jimmy Lopez, Advisers
(LUNCH SERVED)
Traditional Song & Dance Number
Song Number
Public Dancing
Presentation of Filipiniana & Barong
Competition Finalists
Song Number
Song Number
Production Number
Linda Trinidad, MEDG & VAA
Emerson Tuazon
Maynilad Band
Board of Judges & Amor Ramos & Committee
Brian Lorenz Babon
Sharina David
VSD & MEDG
(DESSERT SERVED)
Awarding of Filipiniana & Barong Winners
Duet
Speech of the Major Sponsor
Public Dancing
Song Number
Song Number
Closing Remarks
Final Raffle Draw
Public Dancing
Emcee Farewell
Board of Judges
Brian Lorenz Babon & Linda Trinidad
Tony Chiem, NTD Pty Ltd
Maynilad Band
Sharina David
Emerson Tuazon
Cora Perez, APCO Junior Vice President
Shiela dela Rosa & Pet Storey & Committee
Maynilad Band
Kris Albano & Darlene Macabulos

Message

Message

Message

Message

Message

APCO’s Accomplishments, Activities and Projects
For the Period of 14 June 2013 – 04 June 2014
Introduction
APCO as an alliance of several community organisations with various interests and focus: civic, religious, artistic, sectoral
welfare, cooperatives, etc continue to serve the Filipino-Australian Community in the NSW with very high distinction. It is also
outstanding in helping out Filipinos who are suffering many natural calamities in the Philippines while effectively advocating
and strongly representing the community concerns and interests in multicultural and mainstream Australia.
The following is a list of its activities and accomplishments (some with pictures) done within the current fiscal year.
However, because of sheer volume, a few activities particularly by the affiliate organisations may not have been reported.
APCO shall continue to help build the ideal Filipino-Australian community, promote a good Filipino image and actively
participate in the broad Australian society.
A. Advocacy
1. Served as co- presenter on the Success Story of Auburn
Small Community Organisation Network at the Conference on
Multiculturalism and the Future of CALD Community Organisations
at Cabravale Diggers Club on 12 June 2013.
2. Represented the community at the Community Forum with
NSW Ministers and Cabinet at Panthers Club on 1 July 2013 where
Dr Cen Amores advocated for the state government to provide more
affordable housing for low and medium income families
3. Represented the community at the forum on ‘Supporting
Refugees’ held at Auburn Town Hall on 18 September 2013
4. Represented the community at the conference on Racism and
Women at the Parliament House on 17 Oct 2013
5. Successfully applied and granted funding for the purchase of
electronic equipment under the Building Multicultural Communities
Program 2013 of the federal government
6. Successfully auspiced Plaza Filipino, an affiliate of APCO in their
application and was granted funding for the purchase of electronic
equipment and training materials under the Building Multicultural
Communities Program 2013 of the federal government
7. Attended the Insurance Information Session aimed to lobby for
discounted rate for ASCON members at Regents Park Community Hub
on 4 Feb 2014
8. Participated at the UNHCR Refugee and Asylum Seekers
Consultation at the Auburn Town Hall 0n 14 May 2014
9. Sent by mail APCO’s Official Stand strongly Opposing the
Proposed amendment to the Racial Discrimination Act s 18 c to
Atty General George Brandis and 6 federal MPs whose electorates
have high concentration of Filipinos such as: Ed Husic MP, Michelle
Rowland MP, Chris Hayes MP, Laurie Ferguson MP, Chris Bowen MP
and Craig Laundy MP.
10. Represented the community at the Walk for Respect rally
advocating to fight the attempt to amend the Racial Discrimination
Act s 18 C, participated in by multicultural communities at Lakemba
on 25 May 2014
APCO at Premier’s Harmony Dinner
Walk for Respect
Santa Cruzan organised by Fil-Oz Liverpool
B. Engagement and Partnerships with Culturally and
Linguistically Diverse Communities
1. Attended the Auburn Festival held at Wyatt Park, Lidcombe on
14 September 2013
2. Attended a Forum on Discrimination organised by Auburn City
Council held at Auburn Centre for Community on 17 September 2013
3. Attended the Forum on Supporting Refugees at Auburn Town
Hall on 18 September 2013
4. Represented APCO at the Ethnic Communities Council NSW At Sydney TAFE multicultural lunch

ALLIANCE of PHILIPPINE COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS INC (
Ruben Amores
President
Jo Bonto
Senior Vice President
Edna Salazar Voros
Treasurer
Josephine de los Reyes
Auditor
Richard James Ford
Press Relations Officer
Emma Braceros
Director
Marx Canoy
Director
Violeta Escultura
Director
Mick Miguel
Director

C (APCO) OFFICERS and MEMBERS of the BOARD 2015-2016
Corazon Yco Perez
Junior Vice President
Pet Storey
Secretary
Dr Cen Amores
Advisor
Jimmy Lopez
Advisor
Jhun Salazar
Immediate Past President
Glorina Papaioannou
Director
Cora Paras
Director
Amor Ramos
Director
Linda Trinidad
Director

Inc’s AGM in Waterloo on 20 Oct 2013
5. Served at the Steering Committee for The Flavours of Auburn
partnership project of Auburn Small Community Organisation
Network (ASON). Dr Cen Amores co-emceed the program, the
Mindanao Ethnic Dance Group of APCO performed two traditional
Filipino dances and Marx Canoy cooked Chicken Afritada.
6. Represented APCO at a meeting with the officers of the
Vietnamese Association in Australia for Typhoon Haiyan Fundraising
initiatives at Cabramatta on 27 Nov 2013
7. Supported the Heritage Night Launch of the Sydney Blue Sox
at Blacktown International Sports Park on 10 Jan 2014 by providing
APCO entertainers
8. Represented the community at the Multicultural Lunch hosted
by Sydney TAFE Ultimo on 28 March 2014
9. Attended ASCON meeting aimed to Identify Common Issues of
Concern for Small and Emerging Communities in Auburn LGA.
10. Submitted Fill in the Gap Project Proposal for funding by
ClubGrants NSW
11. Represented APCO at the Ethnic Communities Council –NSW
Members Forum meeting at Waterloo on 4 June 2014
C. Capacity Building
1. Two APCO officers attended the free information session on
Community Grants Program at Auburn City Council on 13 Nov 2013
2. Nine APCO members successfully completed Managing
Community Organisations Training funded by Auburn City Council on
30 Nov and 7 Dec 2013
3. Two APCO officers participated at the free Preparing ClubGrants
Workshop at Auburn Exhibition Gallery, Auburn Town Hall on 1 Apr 2014
4. Three APCO officers attended the free Media and Advocacy
Training Workshop at the Exhibition Gallery, Auburn Town Hall on 6
May 2014
5. Four officers and affiliates attended the free Project Management
Training at the Auburn Centre for Community on 29 May 2014
6. Two officers of APCO participated at the free Evaluation
Strategies Training at Auburn Centre for Community on 5 June 2014
D. Humanitarian Emergency and Livelihood (HEAL) Program
1. Spearheaded the Sagip Kabayan Appeal aimed to assist the
victims of widespread flooding caused by typhoon Maring in the
Central and Northern Philippines
2. Sent Pamasko Package to Fr Raul del Prado in Pangasinan,
Philippines
3. Organised All Stars Charity Concert for Typhoon Haiyan Appeal
4. Successfully appealed for cash donations for typhoon Haiyan
victims at the Western Sydney Community Forum’s 30th Anniversary
Celebration and AGM in Parramatta on 14 Nov 2013.
5. Supported Michelle Baltazar’s Street Fundraising for Typhoon
Haiyan Appeal at Darlinghurst on 16 Nov 2013
6. Successfully appealed for cash donations for Typhoon Haiyan
Appeal at the Sydney Alliance meeting on Voting for the Issues for the
State Election at Granville Boys High School on Nov 2013
7. Successfully conducted two weeks of marathon Bucket
Collection Fundraising for Typhoon Haiyan at Sydney Trains Western
Sydney network
8. Successfully conducted a partnership Fundraising Appeal for
Typhoon Haiyan with Spanish and Latin American Speaking Cultural
Association at the Fairfield Multicultural Festival on 24 Nov 2013
ZEST Ambassador Cen Amores among community services winners
Teachers APCO members
Socialising at Albert’s
Project management training with ASCON
A typical APCO meeting

At Parliamentary Greens forum
APCO leaders at ZEST function in Telstra Stadium
APCO leaders with Community Relations Commission CEO
Filipino Women’s Support Group AGM
APCO founder meeting with ethnic community leaders
9. Supported Street Fundraising and Charity Concert organised
by the Vietnamese Association in Australia by organising bucket
collectors and performers for their cultural program in Dec 2013
10. Successfully partnered with Sweet Vibrations Band and the
Indian Community by holding two Typhoon Haiyan Fundraising
Appeal at Wentworthville and Penrith on 13 Dec 2013 and late Jan
2014
11. Successfully partnered with the Sydney Blue Sox in raising
funds for Typhoon Haiyan during its Heritage Night Launch at
Blacktown International Sports Park on 10 Jan 2014
12. Conducted a Marathon 4-day Fundraising at Sydney Trains
North Shore network for Typhoon Agaton victims in Mindanao,
Philippines on 4-7 Feb 2014
13. A team of 7 APCO volunteers conducted a 2-week Overseas
Relief Mission to Eastern Visayas to directly delivered relief goods,
funds and services and organised partnerships with local NGOs for
on-going relief, rehabilitation, rebuilding and reconstruction projects.
E. Support to APCO Affiliates and Other Community Groups
1. Supported the Global Filipino Australia’s forum at Mt Druitt
Hub on 29 June 2013 and Dr Cen Amores, Founding President of APCO
served as Resource Speaker on the Highlights of APCO
2. Supported the Global Ilocano’s ‘Tribute to Mothers’ in
Wollongong on 6 July 2013 and Dr Cen Amores, People of Australia
Ambassador served as Guest Speaker.
3. Supported Fil-Oz Liverpool and District’s ‘Christmas in July’ at
All Saint’s Parish Hall, Liverpool on 27 July 2013
4. Served as a member of the Board of Judges for the Cordilleran’s
Mrs Philippine-Australian Quest held at Polish Hall, Quakers Hill on 3
August 2013
5. Supported the Thanksgiving Mass hosted by the Philippine-
Australian Community Foundation and Dr Cen Amores, People of
Australia Ambassador delivered a speech encouraging community
support to PACF
6. Attended the Public Lecture and Book Launch of Dr Floro
Quibuyen held at Mt Druitt Hub on 24 August
7. Supported the 10th Foundation Anniversary of the Visayan
Association of Australia held at All Saints Parish Hall on 24 August
2013
8. Attended a forum on ‘A Toolkit to Get a Corporate Partner’
organised by Western Sydney Community Forum at Parramatta on 27
August
9. Attended the Ateneo Alumni Association of Australia’s Charity
Ball held at the Hungarian Club, Glendenning on 30 August 2013
10. Attended SAFSI’s Fathers’ Day celebration at Marayong
Community Centre on 15 September 2013
11. Supported the Multicultural Talent Quest organised by
Flagccom and In-Life Magazine at Wenty’s Leagues Club on 29
September 2013
12. Attended the Grand Buffet Lunch hosted by Western Union
at Pinoy Lounge, Blacktown on 5 Oct 2013 where APCO presented
Certificate of Appreciation to Western Union for sponsorship of APCO
Freedom Ball
13. Supported Maharlika Inc’s Puttin on the Ritz function a Five
Dock RSL on 5 Oct 2013
14. Attended the Launch of Miss Asia Quest in Sydney on17 Oct
2013
15. Attended the Launch of Project Sanctuary in Sydney on 18 Oct

2013
16. Supported the Dinner and Dance function of Club Filipino
Illawarra, Wollongong on 19 Oct 2013
17. Supported the Moda Filipina organised by Flagcom at
Burwood RSL on 25 Oct 2013
18. Attended a Consultative Meeting with the NSW Spanish
Pensioners’ Association regarding their interest to form a housing
cooperative at Fairfield on 1 Feb 2014
19. Supported Plaza Filipino’s Mothers’ Day celebration at
Burwood RSL on 2 Feb 2014
20. Supported Flagcom’s Mardi Gras Queen of the Night 2014 at
Burwood RSL on 21 Feb 2014
21. Supported the Illawarra Filipino and Multicultural Women’s
Group’s Masquerade Ball at Portufino Function Centre, Wollongong on
1March 2014
22. Supported the Filipino Womens Support Group’s Induction of
Officers at Dina’s Restaurant, Campbelltown on 12 March 2012
23. Attended the Association of Filipino Teachers and Academics’
informal get-together at Westpoint, Blacktown on 23 Apr 2014
24. Supported the Launch of Apolinario Mabini painting by Daisy
Cumming at Philippine Consulate Office, Sydney on 30 Apr 2014
25. Supported the Sedgewick Housing Cooperative Ltd’s 2nd
Anniversary Celebration at Sedgwick on 4 May 2014 where APCO
Founding President, Dr Cen Amores and KCL founding president
Ruben Amores delivered a message as the coop was organised and
mentored by Kapitbahayan Coop.
26. Supported Fil-Oz Liverpool and District’s Santa Cruzan at All
Saints Parish Hall, Liverpool where Dr Cen Amores, APCO Founding
President delivered a message.
F. Support to Government Initiatives, Functions and Programs
1. Represented the Filipino-Australian community at the Budget
and Government Services Forum organised by the federal government
at Diggers Club on 17 June 2013
2. Represented the community at the MCC Winter Symposium held
at Gov Macquarie Tower, Sydney on 3 July 2013
3. Represented the community at the CRC Forum at Novotel Hotel
Parramatta on 7 August 2013
4. Represented the community at the ‘3E Energy Efficiency
Community Forum’ held at Parkroyal, Parramatta on 14 August 2013
5. Represented the community to the 2013 Multicultural Marketing
Conference at The Westin Sydney Hotel on 21 Oct 2013
6. Represented the community at the MCC Spring Symposium at
Gov Macquarie Tower, Sydney on 13 Nov 2013
7. Twenty two APCO officers and affiliates attended the premier’s
Harmony Dinner at Rosehill Gardens Racecourse on 10 Apr 2014
8. Represented the community at the Launch of the Community
Relations Commission’s Report 2013: Communities Advancing
Multiculturalism in NSW at the Parliament House, Sydney on 20 may
2014
9. Represented the community at Auburn City Health Expo at the
Centre for Community, Auburn on 22 May 2014
With MP Ferguson and CENSW CEO Cahoun in Sedgwick Housing
Supporting Bicol Inc.
Cen congratulating artist Daisy
Cen among fellow ZEST Ambassadors
G. Awards and Designations Received
Kapit-bahayan members posed after a bi-monthly meeting
1. Ruben Amores, APCO President, was elected as a member of the Board of Management of the Common Equity New South
Wales (CENSW) with a tenure of two years
2. Dr Cen Amores, APCO Founding President was announced as a ZEST Ambassador at the Greater Western Sydney ZEST
Awards Ceremony organised by Western Sydney Community Forum, WESTIR Limited and TRI Community Exchange held at the
ANZ Stadium on 26 Feb 2014

2014 Freedom Luncheon and Ball Committees
Programme Committee: to organise the Freedom Luncheon and Ball 2014 programme
Ruben Amores (Chair), Albert Prias, Charles Chan, Emma Braceros, Michelle Baltazar, Victor
Valdez & Linda Trinidad
Staging Committee: to manage the presentation of the program on 8 June
Albert P. (Director); Charles C. (Stage Manager) Victor Valdez & Emma Braceros –
(Choreographers); Rodney Reyes & Grace Mantilla (Production Assistants)
Filipiniana Competition Committee: to organise the judging and awarding of the Filipiniana
Competition
Amor Ramos (Chair); Violy Escultura; Maggie Macatangay, Daisy Cummings, Denielle Gumabay,
Violy Miguel
Ticketing & Seating Arrangement Committee: to issue entry and collect entry tickets and organise
seatings
Jimmy Lopez (Chair); Myrma Lopez, Edna Voros, Josephine delos Reyes, Lina Bautista, Daisy
Cumming
Raffles Committee: to distribute raffle tickets, solicit prizes and manage raffle draw
Pet Storey (Chair); Linda Trinidad; Remy Harris, Violy Miguel, Santa Sundstrom and Rose Lay
Reception, Ushering and Security Committee: to welcome and accompany the guests to their seats
and secure the area against any risk
Jo Bonto (Chair), Dennielle Gumabay, Violetta Escultura, Sarah - Anne Johnstone, Mick Miguel,
Brillo Amores, Francis Balagtas
Ads and Sponsorship Solicitation: to solicit ads and sponsors of the Ball
Glorina Papaioannou (Chair); Cora Perez, Cen Amores and Mariam Mc Cauley, Noemi Ognila
Invitation and Communications: to invite VIP guests, solicit their messages and photographs, invite
honorees and guests
Cen Amores (Chair), Nhu Tran, Sunshine Batongbakal, Flor Barton, Delia Purisima, Prima West,
Mariam McCauley, Noemi Ognilla
Finance Committee: to keep and record the proceeds of the Ball and manage its safekeeping and
disbursements
Edna Voros (Chair) Josephine delos Reyes, Dr Jimmy Lopez, Ligaya Zapalla and Linda
Brandstatter
Awards and Citation Committee: to organise the list of recipients and handover tokens of
appreciation
Cen Amores (Chair), Jhun Salazar, Pet Storey and Larry Perez
Promotion and Media Liaison: to promote the Ball effectively thru various means
Richard Ford (Chair), Cora Paras, Daisy Cummings, Amor Ramos, Ruben Amores
Magazine Souvenir Committee: to organise the Souvenir Magazine
Ruben Amores (Chair), Jhun Salazar, Cen Amores (editor), Doddie Batac, Raphael Amores (layout
artists) and Bobbit Reyes and Nards Purisima (photographers)
Venue Décor and Logistics Committee: to create patriotic ambiance to venue, make the Filipiniana
winner sashes
Emma Braceros (Chair), Ruben Amores, Albert Prias, Joe Caballero, Larry Perez, Lina Bautista

Freedom Luncheon and Ball 2014 Committee MembersM
Promotion and Media Liaison
Invitation and Communications

embers and Crew ALLIANCE
OF PHILIPPINE COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS FREEDOM LUNCHEON & BALL 2014
Solicitation Committee
Finance Committee

Filipiniana Competition
Reception and Security
Raffles Committee
Tickets and Seating

What’s Driving Miss Daisy? Art Fit For Heroes
By Michelle Baltazar
Artist Daisy Ann Gonzalez Cumming is driven by her passion for arts and culture. She combines
that with Philippine history in her latest painting of the revolutionary hero Apolinario Mabini.
There is a lot to love about Miss Daisy. Or Daisy
Gonzalez Cumming- if you don’t know her.
Or Daisy Gonzalez Cumming, the painter,
philanthropist, mother, friend, mentor, benefactor,
wife, community leaders, adviser, dancer, cheerleader,
grandmother, teacher, fundraiser, fashionista, event
organized and artist- if you haven’t met her.
In short, when it comes to this dynamo of a persona,
calling her an overachiever would be an understatement.
It is unusual that she cannot be described as a singermost
Filipinos are- but she is yet to strut this talent on
stage.
But then again, one of her daughters played the lead
role in hit Broadway musical Miss Saigon so the genes
are definitely there. Perhaps the reason she hasn’t been
on stage is because she’s been hitting all the right notes
on one singular passion: art.
Auntie or Tita Daisy, as many call her, exudes
joie de vivre or joy of life. Her sense of play and her
boundless energy means she doesn’t venture too
far from he paintbrush and easel. After creating a
painting of Philippine hero Jose Rizal a few years ago
(which now lives in a receiving room at the Philippine
Consulate of NSW’s office), she painted another hero,
Andres Bonifacio, last year. And before the ink dried
on that project, she ventured on her third: a painting
of Philippine hero Apolinario Mabini ahead of Mabini’s
150th birthday anniversary celebration in July.
The local community and press gathered for a
preview of this painting at the Consulate office in
Sydney last night (April 30). In a few months, she will
hand-deliver the painting to the National Commission
for Culture and Arts (NCCA), the country’s primary
agency and highest institution governing culture and
arts. Last years, she was feted by the NCCA for her
Bonifacio painting .
The Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis praised
her trifecta of artwork celebrating Filipino heroes
(Rizal, Bonifacio and Mabini). She said there are not
many people in the community who are both big on
vision and big on action. “Daisy is one of them,” she
said.
Indeed, early this year, she taught a group of Filipina
women, all in their 50s or 60s, how to paint. For the
first time, these women-many of whom never picked
up a paintbrush nor sat in front of the canvas to create
something from scratch- are now proud owners of their
own art, under her tutelage and week of teaching.
She rarely does things by halves, but when she
does, they are still magnificent. The Mabini painting,
just like the Bonifacio one, is made up of two halves,
each measuring 6 feet in height and 4 feet in width.
Combined, the 6” X 8” acrylic painting on canvas is
a beautiful piece that highlights the life story of ‘the
brains of the revolutionary’ (In 1899, Mabini drafted
the first Philippine Republic Constitution and became
the country’s first foreign affair minister. He was just
34 years old and was Emilio Aguinaldo’s adviser at the
time).
And just when you think this was going to be
time for her to relax and unwind, she makes another
announcement : Next year, she plans to paint an art
series to honour the heroes of ANZAC and unveil them
in time for the ANZAC celebrations.

Valerie Tolosa JUDGE, FILIPINIANA ATTIRE COMPETITION
Valerie trained under a scholarship at the KVB Institute of Design in
1998. She launched her label at Mercedes Australian Fashion Week
in 2002. Her collections combined feminine vintage aesthetic with
Valerie’s own modern style. It is old world elegance with a new edge and
individuality.
With Miranda Kerr, Paris Hilton, Kate Hudson, Nicole Richie and Fergie
all keen to wear Valerie Tolosa designs, the label has its fair share of high
profile fans. Featuring in just about every glossy magazine on the stands
in Australia, the response to the media attention speaks volumes. In
Summer 2006, Valerie’s celebrated Ashley Frill dress received a full page
editorial which resulted in hundreds of calls to stockists nationally.
Valerie’s showing at Rosemount Australia Fashion Week in 2007
demonstrated her ability to stand out from the pack. Girly but grown up,
Valerie has since diversified her range to include must have everyday dresses and separate, complimenting her glamorous silk
printed dresses. Now stocked in over 50 boutiques nationally, more than 100 internationally and a flagship store in Paddington
Sydney, Valerie has already well and truly made her mark in Australian fashion.
Mahalia Golebiowski JUDGE, FILIPINIANA ATTIRE COMPETITION
Mahalia was born in Legazpi City, Bicol, Philippines
and migrated in 1976 to Australia with her family
at the age of 11. She has been in the fashion
industry for over 28 years. After graduating from
East Sydney, she established her own label, Mon Taj
for 6 years. Among the famous well known labels
she has worked with are: Lisa Ho, Nicola Finetti,
Josh Goot, to name a few.
Blooms Design is a well established label for over
30 years and Mahalia took over the company with
two partners when the owners decided to retire in
2010. She is the designer of the label and currently
they have 4 shops: QVB, Neutral Bay, Canberra
Centre and Brisbane Wintergarden.
Kris Albano EMCEE
Emerson Tuazon PERFORMER
Darlene Macabulos EMCEE

VIP Sydney Dancers PERFORMERS
Brian Lorenz Babon PERFORMER
Carreon Quartet PERFORMERS
Sharina David PERFORMER
Maynilad Band PERFORMERS

Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations, Inc
Typhoon Haiyan Appeal Honorees
• Australian Federal Government
• Australian NSW Government
• Western Sydney Community Forum
• Vietnamese Association in Australia
• Think Education Group
• Sweet Vibrations Band
• William Stimson Public School
• Disciples of the Sacred Heart
• Le Royale Coiffeur
• Sydney Trains
• Sydney Alliance
• Sydney Blue Sox
• Spanish and Latin American Speaking Cultural
Association
• Food Express
• Association of Filipino Teachers and Academics
• Concerned Citizens Over 50s
• Club Filipino Illawarra, Inc
• Flagcom
• Filipino Womens’ Support Group
• Fil-oz Liverpool and Districts Inc
• Global Ilocanos of Australia
• Kapit-bahayan Cooperative Ltd
• Maharlika, Inc
• Mindanao Ethnic Dance Group
• Plaza Filipino and Friends
• Sedgwick Housing Cooperative
• Visayan Association of Australia, Inc
• VSD Dancers
• Aurora Nicholls
• Brian Lorenz Babon
• Mario Aisa
• Dr Myrna Jover
• Penny Perfecto
• Michelle Baltazar
• Linda Trinidad
• Joe Caballero
• Nedy de la Cruz
• Arlene Luna
• Maricon Yap
• Marcus Rivera
• Melanie Balagtas
• Allan Huang
• Dr Nimy Chishanthan
Volunteers for APCO Overseas Relief Mission
• Dr Cen Amores
• Dian Ford
• Jhun Salazar
• Josephine Brown
• Ligaya Zappala
• Marx Canoy
• Sarah Salazar
APCO AFFILIATES
Abra Association of Australia • Agoenians Association • Alliance of Humanitarian Aid Association • Australia
Philippines Network Inc • Australian Filipino Business & Workers Club Inc • Association of Filipino Australian
Accountants • Association of Filipino Teachers and Academics • Baguio Colleges Foundation Alumni Association
• Bulakenos and Friends • Cagayanos Association • Calapenos and Friends • Charismatic Prayer Group • Club Filipino Illawara
Inc • Concerned Citizen for over 50’s • Ex DBP Employees Association of Australia • Filipinas-Petals • Pilipino and Friends
Association, Inc • Fil-Oz Liverpool & District Inc • Flagcom and Friends • Global Ilocanos Australia Inc • Global Ilonggo Australia
• Harvest Mission • Illawara Fatima Devotion Group • Illawara Filipino & Multicultural Women’s Group • Jovens Rondalla and
Friends • Kalingawa Cultural Dance Group • Kapitbahayan Cooperative Ltd • Leon Aguila Association • Maharlika Inc • Mindanao
Association of Australia • Mindanao Ethnic Dance Group • Minto Prayer Group • MPC Cumbacheros • Newcastle Prayer Group
• Nueva Viscaya Ethnic Association • Philippine Australian Society For Senior Citizens, Inc • Philippine Talent Society • Plaza
Filipino Inc • Pilipino Club of Australia • Praise Family Apostolate • Professional Association of Filipino Australians • Radio Agila
• Radio Kawayan • Radio Mabuhay • Radio Rizal • Radio Tamaraw • Rhythm in Partners • Sedgwick Housing Cooperative Ltd •
Sizzling Filo • St Declans Parish Choir • Studio 7 Fine Arts International • Sunday Harmony Dance • Surigaonon and Friends • The
Filipino Australian Consumer • The Isabela Association of NSW • The Philippine-Australian Friendship Association, Inc • United
Pangasinan Association • UST Alumni Association • Visayan Association of Australia Inc • Wattlegrove Prayer Group • Hundreds
of Individual Members

Haiyan Mission: A truly rewarding experience!
By Dr Cen Amores, Founding President and Volunteer for APCO 2014 Overseas Relief Mission
I
decided to join APCO’s Haiyan Relief
Mission, a week before the scheduled
departure to the devastated areas
of Eastern Visayas. Concerned for my
welfare, our two older sons orchestrated a
scare campaign – I may not be able to cope,
there is no electricity there, sanitation was
a serious issue, I may get sick, etc, etc.
These tactics did not dampen my interest
though. Luckily, both my husband, Ruben
and our youngest son, Karlo were very
supportive!
Then, reality set in. Realising that going
on a relief mission was a new and challenging
experience, I quietly panicked! I felt overwhelmed
by the prospect of getting myself into an
unchartered territory! I was concern about
what and how we shall effectively and promptly
respond to the actual needs of the survivors. Did
we have enough funds to cover the mission cost?
Did we have a contingency plan in the event that
something untoward happens? Definitely, I was
not expecting the group to just fork out a dole.
There’s got to be a way by which we can deliver
much needed services with sustainable impact to
the people and the communities.
In any thing we do - especially if it’s something
new, I believe preparation is crucial. While most of
my co-volunteers were originally from the Visayas
Cash donations to feed malnourish children
region, they have been away for a while and they
themselves shared similar concerns as mine. But
having been involved in managing community
development projects previously and with a
husband who had formal training, experience and
expertise in project management, I knew I could
get the help I needed. Brainstorming with him
was the way to go. Actively listening to him as he
generously offered useful tips did help.
I knew then that I was on the right track. Using
google and accessing a few websites to identify
reputable NGOs locally operating in the devastated
areas we planned to visit was critical. After
spending considerable time doing my research, I
was happy with the information I gathered. Two
NGOs stood out – the Water, Agroforestry and
Nutrition Development (WAND) Foundation and
Volunteer for the Visayan, Inc
(VFV).
Two weeks fund raising at Sydney train stations
The WAND Foundation is
based in Ormoc City. It has a
very high reputation having
been a recipient of the Bill
and Melinda Gates Award for
Global Health Explorations,
Israel International Award and
Tech Award for Technology
Benefiting Humanity.
Currently, WAND Foundation
is implementing two major
projects in Leyte: low-cost safe

Sedgwick coop members and others bucketing in Sydney
sanitation project and food resilience through
root crop production and vegetable gardening.
Volunteer for the Visayan, Inc (VFV) on
the other hand, is based in Tacloban City. A
non- profit, non-government organisation
that combines international volunteerism
with child sponsorship and community
development to help address some of the basic
issues concerning education, healthcare, social
welfare and community development in rural
communities, VFV was credited for having
rehabilitated 45 children from scavenging
inside Tacloban City dumpsite, provided them
with the means to go to school, receive school
supplies, social welfare support, and livelihood
development for their family. Among other
rehabilitation and rebuilding projects,
Volunteer for the Visayan, Inc is implementing
a nutrition project that aims to address children
who are nutritionally at risk or undernourished
and teaching mothers how to prepare food with
good nutritional value at the least cost.
To better prepare our mission team. I
happily shared to my fellow volunteers,
the relevant information I gathered.
I contacted Dr Elmer Sayre of
the WAND Foundation and Wimwim
Canayong, CEO of Volunteer for the
Visayan, Inc. Both of them were excited
and interested to partner with us in the
delivery of much needed goods and
services to the typhoon survivors. Dr
Sayre even offered logistical assistance
by providing transport for the mission.
I became very eager to meet these two
remarkable local community leaders!
Immediate remittances to victims of typhoon Haiyan
Confident that we were ready for our relief
mission, we finalised our itinerary and looked
forward to a smooth delivery of goods and services
to the typhoon victims. The APCO volunteers
were: Dian Ford, Jhun Salazar,
Ligaya Zappala, Marx Canoy,
Josephine Brown, Sarah Salazar
and yours truly.
The appeal for help goes on
Of course, prior to this
mission, APCO and its many
affiliate organisations and
individuals had responded
generously to the call for
immediate help to the super
typhoon victims. APCO
affiliates and their organisational
were mobilised to conduct
various fundraising campaigns:

Truckloads of relief to the far-flung victims and distribution of basic building materials, seedlings and fishing gears
Cooking demo and nutritious feeding using local ingredients (left) and students getting their bags of supplies
organising concerts, appealing in various types
of gathering, holding charity bazaars, collecting
food stuffs and second-hands goods meetings,
doing busking in the thoroughfares and passing
the buckets in train and bus stations. While we
were able to collect many things, we also gained
much in terms of the outpouring of goodwill and
expression of sympathies and the opportunity to
talk directly with people. We experienced directly
the generousity of ordinary Australian both longtime
citizen and newly arrived ones!
From these fund campaigns APCO members
were able to immediately send 172 big balikbayan
boxes of assorted relief goods direct to the
devastated areas at a discounted rate through
Austral Cargo and distributed money remittances
to many victims through their relatives in Sydney,
Australia.
Services delivered
The following are the services delivered by our
team:
• rebuilding assistance (provision
of building materials to repair badly
damaged houses)
• livelihood programs (gardening and
fishing nets distribution)
• provision of funds to run a nutrition
and feeding program for malnourished
children and provision of training to
their parents in food preparation using
available local products
• feeding programs and distribution of
school supplies to schools and day care
centre
• distribution of assorted relief goods to
far-flung villages not yet serviced by the
government and NGOs
• provision of 2nd hand spectacles to
replace lost eyeglasses during the storm
Overall, the two-week marathon relief mission
was physically taxing and emotionally heart
wrenching but the experience was truly rewarding
and fulfilling. It was a privilege to be a part of
the Overseas Relief Mission of APCO. Engaging
the victims in person, actively listening to them,
showing empathy and genuine interest in their
welfare backed up by delivery of much needed
goods and services is most fulfilling . I will forever
treasure this experience for the rest of my life.

Lessons gained
Some of the lessons I gained from this relief
mission are: Preparation is crucial. Researching
and identifying reputable local NGOs to partner
with is a must. Do not assume that you know what
the people need, ask them and do what you can to
effectively respond within your capacity. Identify
logistical needs and local resources available to
use. Communicate effectively as a team. At the
end of each day, hold a meeting to debrief, identify
strengths, weaknesses, gaps and challenges.
Consider your budget and be transparent,
responsible and judicious in allocating funds
for projects. Look after yourself, eat a balanced
diet and have a good sleep to avoid getting sick.
Above all, enjoy the opportunity of helping others
and making a difference in their lives as well as
working with others who are equally committed
to help the less fortunate.
Top left: Boxing the donations by APCO volunteers and local recipients. Top right: Children lining up for their
special slippers. Below: APCO and local community volunteers after relief goods distribution
About the Author: Dr. Cen Amores EdD
An outstanding community leader with more than 40 years experience in education and training, educational
counselling, employment services and community development. Her strength of moral character is best illustrated
in organising APCO which support and foster democracy and ethics among organisations. She has represented
the Filipino-Australian community in various symposia and fora - presented twice at CRC’s annual state conference,
was a panellist at the forum on ‘Multiculturalism, Inclusion and Participation’ jointly organised by Macquarie
University and Ethnic Communities Council, NSW Inc and was a presenter at the CALD Coalition Conference on
‘Enhancing Representation of CALD Communities’. She has been awarded ‘Most Outstanding Community Leader
(Voluntary Capacity) for Greater Western Sydney and the ‘Women of the West’ high distinction from the UWS.
She was appointed as a ‘People of Australia Ambassador’ for multiculturalism, Member of NSW Ministerial Consultative
Committee, Member of the NSW Multicultural March Advisory Committee, ZEST Ambassador for Greater
Western Sydney and appointed to ECC-NSW, Inc Members Forum. She is the Chair of Kapit-bahayan Coop’s
Membership Development Committee and a member of the Steering Committee Member of Auburn’s ASCON.

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