Filipino diaspora in Europe strengthen bond in Europe Summit
PARIS, France – Filipinos from across Europe joined the European Network of Filipino Diaspora (ENFiD) in a gathering held on October 19 to 21 this year.
Over 16 representatives from each country or a total of 91 delegates gathered in Paris to interact and hear inspiring stories especially from senior members and teach young Filipinos of the culture, values, arts and environmental projects of the group in Europe.
“I would like always to champion the rights of our compatriots not only in France but all over Europe and we will try to do what we can to unite our community in this diaspora of Europe,” said ENFiD member Rafaelito Gomez.
The Philippine Government expressed support to the event considering the number of Filipinos in Europe now reaching to more than 866,000.
Maria Regina Angela Galias, Division Chief for Administrative and Finance of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, it is also a way to hear their concerns and to extend help whenever possible.
“So naging strength nila yung kanya kanyang expertise ng bawat member mismo at ng bawat country. They contribute to the objectives one is environment…para matulungan yung environmental problems natin sa Philippines,” she said,
According to Christian Estrada, ENFiD vice chairman and recipient of the 2018 British Community Honours Awards, they are also finding ways to connect not only with Filipinos in Europe but also with those in the Middle East and in America.
“Believe that there always an advocacy like ENFiD that will help you through your challenges and make your living abroad a success,” he said.
Notable Filipinos who graced the event were international artist Tommy Aquino dubbed as the “Picasso of Vienna” as well as father-and-son visual artists Dale and Aris Bagtas who performed an art demo during the event. – Marje Pelayo (with reports from Jhun Garin) of UNTV News