Ang Kalatas Volume IV April 2014 Issue | Page 12

12 COMMUNITY ROUND-UP ADHIKA salutes nurses TWELVE Filipino-Australian nurses who excelled in their respective specialisations were given awards. A posthumous award was given to the late Irene Velasco Kelly, a nurse who served and helped Filipino guerillas during World War II. ADHIKA Inc, a non-profit community organisation, paid tribute to Filipino-Australian nurses at its third annual gala held recently at the Rooty Hill RSL. Adhika collaborated with the Philippine Health Care Association of Australia/Philippine Nurses Association Australia (PHCAA/PNAA) to host the event. Twelve Filipino-Australian nurses who excelled in their respective specialisations were given awards. A posthumous award was given to the late Irene Velasco Kelly, a nurse who served and helped Filipino guerillas during World War II. Citations were given to professor Violeta Lopez for her outstanding contribution in research and education and consul-general Anne Jalando-on Louis, a clinical nurse educator before joining the Philippine diplomatic corps. R e c e iv i ng excellence in nursing practice awards were Nelly Detera Tiga (aged care and ad- ministration; Roel Hernandez (renal specialist/ nephrology); Sergio Jumonong (anesthetics); Veronica Alcantara (surgical nursing); Milagros Lopez (education and clinical teaching); Cynthia Duran (paediatrics and obstetrics); Myrna Bulanadi (disability and aged care); Cindy Leigh (education and research); Felicitas Perez (mental health); Edna Thompson (surgical nursing); Prescilla Luzon (administration); Marites Manese (oncology/palliative care). Guests at the event included Bart Bassett, MP representing Minister of Health and Medical Research, assistant general secretary of the NSW Nurse and Midwives Association, Judith Kiejda, MP Ed Husic, and UTS health lecturer and mental health nursing expert Kevin Kellehear. The event was held with the support of volunteers with Josie Musa as overall coordinator. Proceeds of the event will be donated to the Typhoon Yolanda fundraising programme. THE MESSAGE. BRINGING INTO FOCUS FILIPINO PRESENCE IN AUSTRALIA www.kalatas.com.au | Volume 4 Number 7 | April 2014 SAFSI inducts new officers CONSUL Marford Angeles recently inducted the new officers of the Sydney Australian Filipino Seniors Inc (SAFSI) led by president Ms. Virginia Atienza in a programme that also saw the presentation of citation to the organisation’s longest serving pioneers. Migrants Mr. Rolando Icasiano, 85 of Marayong, who joined SAFSI Inc. in 1986, and Ms. Anselma de la Cruz, 97, of Erskine Park who joined in 1987, were awarded with a sash and certificate for their loyalty and service to the cause of the seniors. The programme was held at the Marayong Hall timed for the celebration of the Seniors’ Week last month. A choral rendition of “Aawitan Kita Lagi” and the jolly “Kakabog-kabog” was presented by the Sydney Sonata Singers. Entertainment was also provided by the trio of Loy, Cesar and Clarita and couple Fred and Nita Sentinellar. The SAFSI Inc. is an ffiliate of the Philippine Community Council of NSW (PCC-NSW). PCC’s PADER donates $2500 to NSW-RFS CHECK of AU$2,500 was received recently by Superintendent Richard Petch AFSM  JP  (left) of the NSW Rural Fire Services (RFS), from  PADER Chairman Atoy Sayas, as witnessed by Brooke McCann RFS Administration Officer, Cr. Charles Lowles, and former PCC-NSW Director Robert Bock. APAII celebrates 35th Anniversary at Wollongong Josie Musa (ADHIKA Inc.), Mrs. Jumonong, Sergio Jumonong, RN Awardee, Judith Kiejda, Asst. General Secretary, NSW Nurse and Midwives Association, Ella Magallanes-Martirez (PHCA/PNAA). Photo by Bob Reyes. MARILIE BOMEDIANO is a University of Santo Tomas BS Tourism graduate. She pursued her studies in Linguistics and is fluent in Nihongo, advance in Deutsch, Farsi and Turkish. She is also involved in a local community radio program. THE Australian Philippine Association Illawarra Inc (APAII) celebrated its 35th Anniversary Fiesta last month in a colourful programme that also saw the induction of their new set of officers. Association members and guests enjoyed a variety of games and entertainment including dances by the local youth and a Pinoy ethnic dances. The day featured songs from different groups and individuals to raise funds for Typhoon Haiyan victims. The APAII is headed by president Cora Ibasco. APAII gave tribute to long term members including two posthumous awardees during the whole day fiesta that concluded with a raffle draw. CG updates on Yolanda funds OVER $247,000 has been raised by more than 40 individuals and associations in Australia towards the Typhoon Yolanda Reconstruction Plan, according to the Philippine Consulate General in Sydney which updated the community recently on the status of various community projects and programmes. “We acknowledge the efforts of the various Filipino community, to continue to extend their assistance to the survivors of Philippine’s Typhoon Yolanda. The outpouring of support has been very significant,” Consul-General Anne Jalandoon Louis said in a forum with community reps held at the consulate. Among other topics, the consul-general also said there is a more positive outlook in the economic ties between the Philippines and Australia following the recent visit of a high-level Australian trade delegation to Manila. Officers and members of APAII during their 35th Anniversary Fiesta celebration at Wollongong Pinoys celebrate Blacktown fiesta ARCHBISHOP Paul Gallagher, Papal Nuncio to Australia, led the celebration of the Mass for the Filipino-Australian chaplaincy of the Diocese of Parramatta at the annual fiesta honouring St Joseph in Blacktown last month. T h e archbishop, who was posted in Manila in the 1990s, lauded the Filipino Catholic community’s togetherness and devotion and expressed admiration at the closeness of Filipino families. Thousands attended the fun day of entertainment, dance and songs, and an array of Pinoy food in stalls set up by participating organisations. The fiesta was joined by Filipino clergy from different chaplaincies. Several government officials and MPs also joined the celebration. A raffle was held later in the day giving away a return trip to the Philippines as first prize. Photo by Darryl O’Brien