ENFiD UK AGM AND ELECTION OF TRUSTEES PUSH THROUGH

(The new set of ENFiD UK trustees and officers posed with Ambassador Antonio M. Lagdameo)

The hiatus brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic in conducting the Annual General Membership (AGM) Assembly of the European Network of Filipino Diaspora United Kingdom (ENFiD-UK) is finally over as leaders and influencers in the Filipino community convened and elected a new set of Members of the Board of Trustees (BOT) on 12 September 2021 at the Holiday Inn Hotel, Kensington, London.

Filipino Leaders and Inflencers in the UK with Ambassador Antonio Lagdameo

It was attended by heads and representatives of thirty (30) organisations and individuals from England and Wales. The government restrictions on indoor events limited the number of people allowed to attend.

Maria Mae Janoras of Haraya Choir led the singing of the Philippine and British national anthems

The programme started with the singing of the Philippine and British National Anthems led by Maria Mae Janoras of Haraya Choir. This was followed by a prayer by Regin Dullas of Philippine Education Support Organisation (P.E.S.O) UK.

Cllr. Myla Arceno making her spontaneous sppech before Filipino leaders

Cllr. Petmyla “Myla” Arceno, the first elected Filipino Councillor from the Labour Party in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, England, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour and Speaker. She eloquently shared her life and experience amidst the pandemic that are relevant to the event’s theme, “The Filipino Diaspora: A Story of Indomitable Strength and Resilience.” Cllr. Myla used to serve as one of the Trustees and Secretary of ENFiD-UK and one of the committee chairpersons in ENFiD Europe.

Cllr. Myla spoke why Filipinos are indomitable and resilient amidst any crisis

Cllr. Myla, who injected humour into her speech, spoke on key points on why the Filipinos are indomitable and resilient in view of the struggles not only against the covid-19 crisis but also as regards the day-to-day survival in life. She said that one should have the following characteristics: physically fit by engaging in physical activities, emotionally happy by giving loved and be loved, intellectually updated with learning, psychologically accepting that one cannot change and control everything, spiritually strong by keeping up the faith, financially stable by buying only what is needed, live with integrity because one’s word of honour, dignity and reputation are a reflection of one’s self, and supportive of community activities for no man is an island.

Ambassador Lagdameo speaks before Filipino community leaders and influencers
Thereafter, His Excellency Antonio Lagdameo, Philippine Ambassador to the UK gave an inspirational message. He praised the Filipinos for being resilient in the middle of a global crisis. He stated that Filipinos give the word “resilience” a new meaning – “whenever a Filipino is, he or she will do his or her utmost to thrive, in spite of the challenges and difficulties that may come his or her way.” He emphasised how may Filipinos have “risen to positions of responsibility and influence” in the UK with a “large pool of highly skilled and highly qualified Filipino professionals and workers who can compete with the best and the brightest in the world.” He also exhorted the next set of ENFID-UK Board of Trustees, together with the Filipino community in the UK, “to help each other, to look out for one another” and do each other’s share in “uplifting the lives of fellow Filipinos.”
The Annual General Assembly is honoured with the presence of Ambassador Antonio Lagdameo

Christian Estrada, ENFiD-UK Chairperson gave his report on the accomplishments of the organisation during his tenure. He also gave thanks to everyone for entrusting in him the leadership of ENFiD-UK.

Chairperson Christian Estrada gave his report and achievements before passing on the leadership to the next Chairperson.

UK Solicitor and ENFiD Europe Legal Advisor, Atty. Crystal Dias also joined this momentous gathering.

(From L-R: Solicitor Atty. Crystal Dias, Cllr. Myla Arceno, Ambassador Antonio M. Lagdameo and Dean Edwin Dela Cruz)

The second part of the programme proceeded with the election of the Members of the Board of Trustees to serve the term from 2021 to 2023. There were thirteen (13) nominees for thirteen (13) posts. 

Canvassing of Votes by Peps Villanueva, Edwin Dela Cruz and Christian Estrada

The election was conducted and supervised by Christian Estrada, Edwin Dela Cruz and Jose “Peps” Villanueva. After the election, the trustees-elect held a special meeting and formed a new set of officers, as follows:

Atty. Ronald Sipat
Chairperson 

Leny Cordero-Dadulla
Deputy Chairperson

Atty. Arnulfo “Arnold” De Francisca
Vice-Chairperson for England

Linda Williams
Vice-Chairperson for Wales

Gieo Galvez
Vice-Chairperson for Scotland

Hugh Dela Cruz
Vice-Chairperson for Northern Ireland and Assistant Auditor

Atty. Novo-Mar Ramos
Secretary

Madelyn Dela Cruz-Richardson
Treasurer

Janette Vicera
Assistant Treasurer and Assistant Head, Membership

Engr. Danilo Cantero
Auditor

Ricardo Gacayan, Jr.
Public Relations Officer

Regin Dullas
Head, Young ENFiD (YENFiD) and Sports

Leonila Bacatan-Dela Cruz
Head, Membership

New ENFiD-UK Trustees Take Oath of Office before Ambassador Antonio Lagdameo

Ambassador Lagdameo officiated the oath taking ceremony of the new Members of the Board of Trustees and Officers of ENFiD-UK.