By Richard James Ford
PRO – APCO
A new organization called the Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations (APCO) has been formed on March this year, it is composed of various Philippine Community Organisations and individuals whose aim is to support its members and advocate for the welfare of Filipino-Australians in New South Wales. Membership includes Filipino-Australians from all over Sydney, metropolitan and various regional areas. APCO also aims to provide management, coordination, training, technical and financial assistance to its membership so that every organization can fully develop and achieve their community development-orientated objectives including social welfare advocacies and charitable events.
APCO was formed at the insistence of the Filipino-Community organisations who felt there was a need to have a change, a change for the better. So it was to their calls the organization was formed.. APCO will continue to voluntarily work with other organizations for the common good and benefits of the Filipino-Australian Community. To form networks and alliances with other groups and individuals that shares our vision for a democratic, just and united Filipino-Australian Community.
To ensure that APCO will be managed efficiently and smoothly, the following officers were elected on the 27th of March 2010: President- Dr Cen Amores, Senior Vice President-Jhun Salazar, Junior Vice President- Mariam McCauley, Secretary-Raquel Pellero, Treasurer-Violy Miguel, PRO-Richard Ford, Auditor-Emylee Tuzon. The elected Directors are: Nick Meissner, Linda Trinidad, Lourdes Wilman, also Gloria Papaioannou, Ruben Pasion, Rudy Reyes, Lee Meekan and Vivian Brewington. The Directors elected were chosen from the different regions of Sydney and New South Wales.
APCO will hold its first official function to celebrate the 112th anniversary of Philippine Independence, called the Freedom Ball. The Ball will be held at Maxims Function Centre, 11 Cross Street, Bankstown on the 12th June 2010 from 7.00pm to 12.00 midnight. The event is expected to draw 500 guests composed of officials from State and Federal Government, CALD and Filipino-Australian communities. For only $45.00 per person, guests will be treated with an 8-course ala carte meal, a friendly atmosphere, quality entertainment and a lot of dancing. To promote our rich cultural heritage and highlight the beauty and elegance of the Philippine national costume, a Filipiniana outfit competition for both male and female will be conducted. Everyone wearing a touch of Filipiniana will compete for the coveted prizes. Please come and support this event as we seek to hold more events in the future.
For further details about APCO please contact, Dr Cen Amores on 0407870771 or 02-9645-6670 after hours or at the following address, PO Box 2056 BERALA NSW 2141.
