“A Night of Scholars” The 18th Founding Anniversary Celebration – July 27, 2019

The 18th Founding Anniversary Celebration was held at the Oak Ballroom of Sequoia Hotel, Mother Ignacia St. Quezon City on the 27th July 2019. The celebration began with the Breadcom Music Ministry singing praise and worship songs followed by an inspiring reading of the Scripture and invocation by Rev, Pastor Abet Almanza. With 90 members in attendance, this was participated by Philkofa members, guests and friends of Philkofans, and hosted by KOICA officer Ma. Regina Arquiza and UP Professor, Philkofan Jay-Ar Manuel Igno.

PhilKOFA President and a KOICA scholar in 1999 for TV documentary program, Ms. Gina Borinaga, opened the program with a message of thanksgiving and appreciation to the members, former Presidents, partners KOICA and KCCP. Founding President, Noel Sevilla narrated PhilKOFA’s early beginnings since its creation in 2001. KOICA Country Director, Mr. Sangback Lee expressed his admiration to PhilKOFA for being the leading KOICA Alumni Association among all the alumni associations all over the world, running independently and autonomously. Former CHED Director, Dr. Libertad Garcia, a PhilKOFAn herself, praised loyal PhilKOFAns who were very committed volunteers for 18 years.

Guest Speaker Atty. Jose Manuel Diokno, a Dean at the College of Saint Benilde and Chairperson of Free Legal Assistance Group, expressed his admiration to PhilKOFA, not only the leaders but the whole organization. “It takes a village to raise a child, I think it takes the entire support system to operate this for so long”. He also talked about his dream, that our country will have respect for each other, to live in harmony and live in peace and justice.

Plaques and Certificates of Appreciation were presented to former Presidents of PhilKOFA, the founding President Noel Sevilla, Ms. Judy Vermudo and Ms. Maria Aurora Quiray. Dr. Libertad Garcia and Atty. Jose Manuel Diokno were also awarded Plaques of Appreciation for their inspiring messages.

Likewise, Plaques of Appreciation were presented to the Korean Chamber of Commerce Philippines for their major contribution in giving out scholarships and donations in Philkofa outreach activities, as well as to Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) for being PhilKOFA’s loyal and generous partner for 18 years.

KOICA scholars who shared their learnings and expertise during the two-day Knowledge Sharing activities were also recognized through the awarding of Certificates of Appreciation. KCD Sangback Lee and PhilKOFA President Gina Borinaga handed the awards.

The celebration was filled with performances by guest performers Sindaw Philippines Performing Arts Guild and stand-up comedian Joel Olivera. Towards the end of the Program, Philkofans danced the night away while being serenaded by the Singing Duo of Nueva Ecija. Trivia games about PhilKOFA and KOICA also added the fun and fellowship during the night.