19th Annual General Membership Meeting: Resiliency and Sustainability Beyond Pandemic – Nov 15, 2020
The PHILKOFA fellows and scholars have gathered once again to celebrate the friendships gained through the KOICA programs and activities as well as to enhance camaraderie among members. Amidst this global pandemic, the Philippine KOICA Fellows Associations have organized its 19th Annual Membership Meeting for the first time virtually, with the theme “Resiliency and Sustainability Beyond Pandemic.”
President Gina Borinaga opened the program with an inspiring message of hope for a better future especially as Filipinos face the aftermath of Typhoon Ulysses and encouragement in our fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
KOICA Country Director Mr. Song Minhyeon expressed his appreciation to PHILKOFA and said, “On behalf of KOICA, I express my deep respect and gratitude for the dedication and effort of PHILKOFA. KOICA will always be with you and support your activities.” The President of the Korean Chamber of Commerce has also shared his message of support to the organization for its future activities.
Apart from the Secretary Report of Atty. Leah Banagui-Han and Treasurer’s Report of Col. Joey Benavidez, PHILKOFA member and scholar Ms. Rowena Weng Varela also discussed the best practices of being a KOICA scholar by imparting her experiences from the KOICA Capacity Building Program for Higher Education: Policy Making Course and Human Resource Development.
The program has also highlighted the sacrifices and contributions of medical frontliners in this global fight against COVID-19. PHILKOFA has recognized the dedication of their very own PHILKOFA frontliners working hand in hand with the Philippine government in this battle. Plaques of recognition were presented to Mr. Mechael Angelo Marasigan of the Quezon City Health Department, Dr. Rene Bagamasbad of the Laguna Provincial Health Office, Ms. Emily Rosario Rivera of the Cavite Provincial Health Office, and Mr. Edward Anthony De Borja of Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center to highly acknowledge their noteworthy and essential contributions to their organizations and the society stirring the people of the world to endure, work, and inspire.
This Annual General Membership Meeting also served as a fundraising event for an initiative called “LingaPhilkofa: Tara Bangon Project,” which aims to benefit some of the most vulnerable communities affected by the recent natural disasters and calamities. Through this fundraising project, PHILKOFA has raised a total of Php 237,542.55 that helped communities in Catanduanes, Laguna, and Cagayan. PHILKOFA members and partners from the Korea Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines have all taken part in this initiative in providing support for the children and families who were greatly affected by Typhoon Ulysses.
As done virtually, the 19th Annual General Membership meeting was attended by PHILKOFA members all over the Philippines and around the world. The meeting, which was hosted by Mr. Christian Kevin Latiza and Ms. Isabelle Pia Sison, also showcased inspiring performances by multi-awarded singer-songwriter, Mr. Ebe Dancel, and was concluded by the Vice President of Luzon, Mr. Marlon Flavier Tagorda.
