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.
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.
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. 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, 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.
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.
UK Solicitor and ENFiD Europe Legal Advisor, Atty. Crystal Dias also joined this momentous gathering.
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.
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
Ambassador Lagdameo officiated the oath taking ceremony of the new Members of the Board of Trustees and Officers of ENFiD-UK.