News Updates:APCO,Inc – (NSW-AUSTRALIA)

APCO supports Dooleys Christmas Fair 2014

By Richard J. Ford (PRO)
Lidcombe-NSW-Australia
December 22, 2014



The Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations Inc (APCO) participated at DOOLEYS Lidcombe Catholic Club’s Christmas Fair held at Wyatt Park, Lidcombe on 7 December 2014 from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm by promoting Philippine products.

Every year, as DOOLEYS commitment to help Westmead Children’s Hospital, DOOLEYS organises a Christmas Fair to raise funds to enable them to assist more people in need of medical care. Participated in by many community organisations, businesses, charitable organisations, Auburn City Council and other entities, the support for this charitable event was overwhelming. Families were given free admission and children were treated with amusement rides, cartoon characters, face painting, cultural presentations and many other family-friendly activities.

As a community partner of DOOLEYS, APCO was given a free stall to promote and sell  Philippine-made products, display posters and distribute flyers for its upcoming ”Fill in the Gap” project. Incidentally, this community development project of APCO  is generously funded by DOOLEYS Lidcombe Catholic Club and supported by Auburn Small Community Organisation Network (ASCON) and the Auburn City Council.

Albert Prias, Chair of FLAGCOM & Friends, an active affiliate of APCO, brought in the merchandise for sale and put up the display, supported by Ruben and Cen Amores, current president and founding president of APCO respectively.  Later on the day, they were joined in by APCO Secretary, Pet Storey and her very supportive husband, Ron.

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Dr Cen Amores inspires jobseekers

By Richard J. Ford (PRO)
Parramatta-NSW – Australia
December 22, 2014

Dr Cen Amores, APCO Founding President was invited as a guest speaker at the “Transition to Work” training organised by Dawn Tindall of Fitted for Work, Parramatta on 10 December. Cen was joined in by APCO Director, Glorina Papaioannou.

Specifically, Cen was asked to share her success story as a migrant to inspire more than ten women jobseekers and assist them on their journey to work.

To inspire her audience, Cen used her personal experiences and those of her former clients who successfully faced the challenges associated in securing gainful and sustainable employment. She provided practical tips and answered all questions asked, to the satisfaction of the jobseekers.

In her excitement, after listening to Cen, one of the jobseekers said, “ I am glad that Cen came to share her success story as a migrant to us. It was so inspiring listening to her!”

Before Cen decided to retire early from work two years ago, she was employed with the employment services industry as the Lead Consultant/Trainer with MTC Work Solutions, AMES Employment and Working Solutions. Prior to that, she had 13 years teaching stint with South Western Sydney Institute of TAFE’s Granville and Liverpool Colleges, worked as a trainer with a few business and private colleges including Mission Australia and the Salvos and an outplacement trainer with Skilled Engineering.

Fully funded by the government, Transition to Work program consists of Life Skills Training, Mentor Support and Job Readiness Activities targeting women jobseekers. It is one of the free services provided by Fitted for Work, Parramatta, for jobseekers. However, their main free service includes mentoring, interview preparation, personal outfitting, work experience and a range of transition to work and staying employed programs.

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Ongoing PCYC-APCO assistance to Typhon Haiyan Survivors

By Richard J. Ford
NSW-Australia
December 22, 2014

PCYC Belmore in partnership with the Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations Inc (APCO) sent more assistance to typhoon Haiyan survivors. It is hoped that the 10 balikbayan boxes will be delivered via door-to-door through Australcargo in the New Year.

Senior Constable Chris Ambat of PCYC Belmore, organised youth volunteers in packing the goodies assisted by representatives of APCO Board,  Ruben and Dr Cen Amores,  current president and founding president, respectively and Glorina Papaioannou, director.

The goods were sent to Volunteers for the Visayans (VAA) a reputable non-government organisation which partnered with APCO in its Relief Mission early this year.  Among others, VAA received funding from APCO to successfully deliver a feeding program for the malnourished children in Tacloban City, Leyte.  A few months ago, VAA appealed to APCO for more assistance to the orphans. In response, APCO sent assorted goodies delivered before Christmas.