Press Release

European Network of Filipino Diaspora (ENFiD) Holds Annual General Assembly in PRAGUE on 16-18 September 2016

By Vanda Brady (ENFID)
Prague-Czech Republic
September 2, 2016



The European Network for Filipino Diaspora will have its Annual General Assembly on 16-18 September 2016 in Prague, Czech Republic.  With the theme “The Filipino community in Europe facing the challenges while maximizing the potential in the spirit of inclusiveness,” more than 100 Filipino leaders and community members from about 15 European countries and Israel are expected to converge and jointly re-examine the challenges of the past year, look on to the opportunities ahead, and ultimately reinforce the ties of cooperation among Filipinos throughout Europe.

Participants of the General Assembly will include Filipinos from Italy, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, U.K. and delegates from the Philippines, Middle East and North America; Public and Private Agencies and Non-Filipino NGO’s involved in Migration Issues; and Business establishments with Overseas Filipinos clientele. 

The AGA will start with a closed Joint Comprehensive Assessment Meeting of ENFiD Board and Country Representatives at the Philippine Embassy in Prague, followed by two days of general assembly sessions at the Czech Association of Scientific and Technical Societies which are open to all ENFiD and non-ENFiD members, relations, friends and observers. 

The closed meetings on the 16^th of September, which will be hosted by the Philippine Embassy in Prague, will cover an assessment of processes, resources, and programme/advocacy themes, as well as decisions on dormant country members, ENFiD events, memberships, and Constitution & By Laws motions and policies.

The general assembly sessions will cover substantive discussion on the current affairs around Europe which will include the Brexit and its effects, the ongoing refugee flow, the recent terrorist threats, and the changes in Philippine administration, particularly the policies around migration and development.  There will also be an input on gender followed by an opportunity to discuss its relation to development, plus a presentation of the developments of ENFiD’s activities and course within the framework of its Five Year Strategy Plan and the Two Year Action Plan. For example, the successful Paaralan Project of ENFiD Italy will be presented after which workshop groups will be broken down with the following themes: Euro-Pinoy Youth, the environment, art and culture and education and training. Challenges and opportunities relating to these themes will be discussed in the groups and contributions that Euro-Pinoys can do will also be mapped out.

On the evening of Friday, 16 September, the Philippine Embassy in Prague led by Ambassador Victoriano Lecaros, will have the 5^th ASEAN Film Festival in Prague.  The film "Kid Kulafu" will be screened during the Philippine day at the Kino Cinema. AGA participants will be special guests to this special screening, which will be followed by cocktails.  The Film Festival is organized by the ASEAN Committee in Prague.

An exclusive Filipino-themed art exhibit will also be running during the assembly.  Spearheaded by ENFiD Board Director and art curator Ver Cuizon, "Filipinism: What Makes Art Filipino" will display a special selection of pieces created by renowned Filipino artists, showcasing the craft of emerging Filipino painters. A raffle draw will give away some of the artwork, plus items donated by various ENFiD members and reputable donors, such as two-framed post Haiyan/ Yolanda sketches of Tacloban by Ed Rompal, an artist survivor who recently exhibited his works in London, Filipino woodcrafts, native Filipino wraps, 3 to 7 days free accommodation in Stockhom, Sweden, EcoHotel accommodation in El Nido and Tagaytay, free balikbayan boxes shipping via BCS Vogt Magno from selected countries in Europe to Philippines and many others. Fibre Filipinas, a leading enterprise specializing in piña, abaca and jusi fabrics will be coming straight from Laguna to exhibit and sell Barong Tagalog, shawls, pañuelos, bags, accessories and fibers.

The ENFiD General Assembly will culminate with a Prague river dinner cruise on Sunday, September 18 in a private boat with live music, spectacular sights and wonderful Czech cuisine.

ENFiD acknowledges the support of the Philippine Embassy in Prague, especially Ambassador Victoriano Lecaros and Consul Jed Dayang.

A registration fee of €50 is required to cover the venues, lunch, a certificate of attendance and AGA materials.  
Sept 17 Dinner Concert & Walking Tour - €30
Sept 18 Prague Dinner Cruise - €50!

For more information: http://enfid.org/event/2016-enfid-annual-general-assembly-in-prague/
Email: [email protected]