2015 APCO Freedom Day Ball

Message from the Consul General
Mapayapa at masayang pagdiriwang ng Kalayaan 2015 sa mga
kasapi ng Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations!
As we join Filipinos around the world in commemorating the
declaration of Philippine independence 117 years ago, let us
remember the heroic struggle forged by the men and women
of the Philippine Revolution which paved the way for the
freedom that all Filipinos enjoy today.
As a nation, the Philippines has gone through a long journey
and our history shows that we have triumphed over many
challenges through the collective efforts of the Filipino
people. The theme for this year’s celebration is, “Kalayaan
2015: Tagumpay sa Pagbabagong Nasimulan, Abot-Kamay
na ng Bayan,” or “Independence 2015: Triumphs through
reforms, within nation’s reach”. To this day, the Filipino people
provide the strength to initiate and to sustain large-scale
reforms which could bring our nation to even higher levels of
growth and development.
The members of the Filipino migrant community, including
those who have found a second home in New South Wales,
Australia, play a role in this effort. They are active partners of
the Philippine Government in the task of Philippine nationbuilding.
In this regard, I urge my kababayans in New South
Wales to continue to contribute to our efforts to protect the
gains of democracy.
It is in this spirit that I also call on the members of the Filipino
community in New South Wales to be active partners of the
Consulate in promoting the Philippines as a business and
tourism destination. Let us all work hand in hand in pursuing
inclusive growth, improving competitiveness, generating
employment, and addressing the problems of food security,
natural disasters, among others, to help ensure that each and
every Filipino, whether at home or abroad, would enjoy the
dividends of progress.
President Benigno S. Aquino III has spoken on many
occasions about his belief in the patriotism, the willpower,
and the wisdom of the Filipino people, which he attributes
as factors that have “rescued our country from its darkest
moments”. President Aquino has also stated, “In the true spirit
of Bayanihan, the Filipino people will progress together.”
It is my hope and prayer that this Bayanihan (cooperation)
spirit will enable members of the Filipino community in
New South Wales to full their potential by rising above their
differences to become a united community and in so doing,
achieve even more for the benefit of its members in the years
to come.
I wish you all a most meaningful and inspiring celebration
of the 117th anniversary of the proclamation of our nation’s
independence.
Mabuhay!
ANNE JALANDO-ON LOUIS
Consul General
Message from the APCO Founder
I am very pleased to welcome all our guests and
supporters to our Freedom Ball Gala Dinner and
Dance 2015.
Five years ago, the Alliance of Philippine
Community Organisations Inc (APCO) was
organised as an alternative state federation for
the more socially conscious and morally upright
members of the Filipino-Australian community.
Since then, APCO has been effectively presenting
the best in the community by effectively supporting
its organisational affiliates and individual members
as well as productively engaging with the Culturally
and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) and mainstream
communities. APCO’s active membership with
Ethnic Communities Council, Western Sydney
Community Forum, Auburn Small Community
Organisations Network Inc and others is a testament
to APCO’s strong commitment in promoting social
cohesion and harmony in Australia.
The strength of APCO rests on its highly
committed, multi-skilled, socially-conscious and
team-orientated membership. Let us build on our
strengths as we continue to respond effectively to the
common needs of our community and intensify our
partnership initiatives with the wider community.
Amidst all the uncertainties and challenges that
threaten world peace, we need to reflect on this year’s
theme, “Promote Peace Founded on Justice”. Let us
all continue to be instruments of peace by building a
culture of welcome, mutual respect, compassion and
justice for the thousands of people displaced by war,
poverty and calamities who are seeking refuge and
peace in Australia and other places.
As we celebrate the 117th anniversary of the
proclamation of Philippine independence, let us
continue to pursue the ultimate aim of independence:
equal rights and respect for all.
Mabuhay ang Inang Bayang Pilipinas! Mabuhay ang
Inampong Bayang Australya!
Dr Cen Amores
APCO Founding President
ZEST Ambassador