It’s been a hectic but definitely rewarding year for the Philippine Community Council of NSW (PCC-NSW), under the helm of President of Arturo Sayas.

It led the way for Independence Day celebrations and reverberated the Rhtyhm of the People theme during its Independence Day celebrations.

 In addition the independence day celebrations, PCC-NSW scored The FilCom Meeting whcih was organised in partnership with the Filipino Communities Council of Australia (FILCCA), the Philippine Embassy, Canberra and the Philippine Consulate General, Sydney and cemented PCC-NSW’s reputation as the peak organisation of the Filipino community in NSW.

As the umbrella organization of the Filipino community in NSW, PCC-NSW rolled out a heartwarming welcome for the President Aquino at William Murray Hall of John Therry Catholic High School, Rosemeadow, Campbelltown, NSW.  The community event coincided with the President’s 3-day State Visit to Australia and the historical unveiling of the Rizal Statue at the Rizal Park, Rosemeadow which occurred just prior to the community meet.

Mr. Sayas presented President Aquino with an akubra hat, an Aussie favourite,   a befitting token of his 3-day visit of Australia.  The crowd roared when Mr. Sayas urged the President to put the hat on and he happily obliged with a smile.

“We in PCC stepped up to the task of organizing an event that the community could be proud of.  I’m glad we were part of this momentous occasion,” said Arturo Sayas, President of PCC-NSW.  Consul Marford Angeles of the Sydney Consulate General emceed the event and was also the Chairperson for the event,  alongside Mr. Mao De Vera of PCC. 

And there’s more….

On their list of achievements for the year, PCC-NSW has also organised regular community dialogues through its Ugnayan sessions aimed at identifying and addressing key issues affecting the Filipino community and lobbying government for much needed support.  Committees include: Seniors, Immigration, Education, Health, Youth, Sports, Women, Arts and Culture, Special Projects and PADER (Philippine Australian Disaster Emergency Response) Program.

And as another calamity hit the Philippines, the PCC-NSW through its PADER program was quick to rush aid for the victims of Typhoon Bopha in the southern Philippines. Monetary aid in the amount of A$5,000 was wired through to Ms. Angie Jenkins, PCC Director, who was coincidentally on holidays at her home province of Surigao.  Ms. Jenkins will travel to Davao to supervise the relief operations in conjunction with Mt. Apo Lions Club of Davao. 

  The PADER program has been very successful in sending immediate relief assistance to disaster stricken areas in the Philippines.  In 2012 alone, it conducted the “Bukas Palad” appeal for Sendong victims and the “Sagip Kapwa” appeal for Metro Manila flood victims with the help and cooperation of the artistic talents of the community who gave their time to perform for free.

PCC-NSW has also continued to provide the support to Juriel Amora for his prosthetic scheduled annual limb change. 

In partnership with ABS-CBN educational program PCC-NSW will once again provide aducational assistance to a poverty stricken school and this year and the selected recipient is Cantilan East Central Elementary School at Surigao del Norte,  in the Mindanao region. 

 And last but not least, it’s found a place to call home at Nirimba Bussiness Centre at Quakers Hill. 

“We’re most grateful to all the volunteers and PCC supporters who’ve shared with us their talent and time throughout the year,” said Mr. Sayas.

Let’s see what 2013 holds as it moves to it’s 23rd year of existence.