2015 APCO Freedom Day Ball

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Message from the Australian Prime Minister I am pleased to provide this message for the Freedom Ball Gala Dinner and Dance. On 12 June 1898, General Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed the independence of the Philippine Islands, marking the end of 300 years of Spanish rule. The event saw the unfurling of the Filipino flag, the performance of the national anthem, and the public reading of the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration stated that the Filipino people “are and have the right to be free and independent,” and that the nation from “this day commences to have a life of its own”. One hundred and seventeen years later, it remains a powerful symbol of Philippine sovereignty and selfdetermination. Tonight is an opportunity to celebrate this historic event and to reflect on the contribution of the Filipino-Australian community to our country. The Filipino-Australian community has grown significantly since the early 1900s when some 700 Philippines-born people were living in Australia. Over 170,000 Philippines-born people now call Australia home and they continue to greatly enrich our nation. Australia and the Philippines have an enduring friendship, underpinned by our trade, education and people-to-people links. In 2013-14 our two-way trade was worth almost $4 billion and some 9,000 Filipino students were studying in Australia. I pay tribute to the Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations for your efforts raising funds for people affected by Typhoon Haiyan. Australians were proud to lend a hand and our cooperation reflected the strong bonds between our peoples. I wish you all an enjoyable evening. Message from the Philippine President My warmest greetings to the Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations as you hold your Freedom Ball Gala Dinner and Dance in commemoration of the 117th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence. I am deeply heartened that you remain proud of your Filipino heritage even if you are now leading comfortable lives in your adoptive home. May these activities bind you closer as a community, promote a greater awareness among the youth about the culture and history of our people and foster a deeper appreciation and understanding about our country in mainstream Australian society. Let this occasion also be an opportunity for you to consider visiting the Philippines with your friends and families, that you may not only see the numerous attractions that our islands have to offer, but also witness for yourselves the profound transformation that our nation has undergone in the last five years. More than a century has passed since our forefathers lifted the yoke of foreign rule and founded the first democratic republic in Asia. Yet the fight for freedom continues, this time against the scourge of corruption, poverty and ignorance. May the determination and commitment demonstrated by our heroes inspire us in our present struggle, that we may bequeath to younger generations a future that they rightly deserve. May you have a happy and meaningful celebration. The Hon Tony Abbott MP Prime Minister of Australia BENIGNO S. AQUINO III M A N I L A 13 June 2015
Message from the NSW Premiere I am delighted to send my best wishes to the Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations on the occasion of its Freedom Ball Gala Dinner and Dance in celebration of the 117th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence from Spain. I would like to take this opportunity to commend the Alliance on its work over many years supporting the Filipino community of NSW. I am proud to say that well over 70,000 people from the Philippines presently call NSW home. Since its establishment, the Filipino community has positively contributed to NSW’s economic and cultural life through its many festivals and business endeavours. NSW is one of the most culturally diverse states in the world – I am proud of our diversity and I welcome a peaceful and harmonious multicultural society. On behalf of the NSW Government, I wish everyone celebrating this special occasion a wonderful and memorable experience. Happy Independence Day! Message from NSW Opposition Leader Luke Foley I send my best wishes to all attending the Freedom Ball Gala Dinner and Dance to commemorate the 117th anniversary of Filipino independence. Marking the return of the Philippines from colonial rule 117 years ago is a momentous occasion for Filipino people around the world. I congratulate the Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations on bringing together so many community leaders to not only celebrate Filipino independence but also to reaffirm a commitment to promoting peace and justice. On behalf of NSW Labor, I extend my warmest wishes to the Filipino community as you mark this important occasion and I hope you all enjoy the evening. Luke Foley NSW Opposition Leader MIKE BAIRD MP Premier
Page 6 and 7: Message from the Consul General Map
Page 8 and 9: REPORT APCO’s Accomplishments, Ac
Page 10 and 11: distributed to 100 very poor famili
Page 12 and 13: REPORT APCO delegates with MP Miche
Page 14 and 15: APCO Inc. Office Bearers, Directors
Page 16 and 17: APCO Inc. Freedom Ball 2015 Working
Page 18 and 19: Melanie-cristine Balagtas graduated
Page 20 and 21: FEATURE Amores receives NSW Medal f
Page 22 and 23: From housing to homes: How a commun

2015 APCO Freedom Day Ball

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