by EMILY D. RUDD
ARAW NG KAGITINGAN (April 9) ; ANZAC DAY (1915-2015)
The month of April has been a hectic month for ex-soldiers or ex-diggers and the general population of our two countries
On April 9, Bataan Day was commemorated by our countrymen with street parades. Our country is a proud race, with ex-soldiers ,families and friends still able to muse about the good old days. We still have surviving soldiers and families who can recall the Bataan Death March.
I have received a script of a story of an ex missionary in our country Fr. Gerard Spratt and how he spent some of his productive years in their Baclaran church. Such a family account of a sacrifice by foreign missionaries during the early days of our Freedom being enjoyed warmed my heart. I remember my father who was a soldier who saw action in the mountains of Ilocandia and Cordillera. As a veteran who sacrificed his young life when the Japanese Army still was causing grief to the men and women in the region, he had so many stories to tell. So Bataan Day will always stand for the great sacrifices by Filipino soldiers and allies who fought for the Philippines against harsh regime.
In Australia this year, we celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the Gallipoli landing in far away Turkey peninsula. Thousands of Australian and New Zealand soldiers or diggers died in that war. Thousands came home , scarred for life, into the loving arms of their families. Yearly, we commemorate this Anzac Day and honour the memories of the soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice. To those who went to the parade and Dawn Service, it was to honour and pay homage to their memory. As for us , we attended the Gosford Parade and watched the re-enactment of the First Anzac Day a century ago.
LEST WE FORGET. MY PCC-NSW – FIRST 100 DAYS 1. SAF-AFP FALLEN 44
In my capacity as a director of the Philippine Community Council, allow me to relate to you a few projects that we have already tackled this year. Since the new Board under the able leadership of Ms Evelyn Beed took over the mantle of responsibility, we can now say with pride and humility some of the tasks we have done so far.
The tragic SAF–AFP Fallen 44 whose encounter with MILF (Jan.25.2015) ended in their massacre, have been honoured and remembered on February 7, 2015 at the Seven Hills Catholic Church. Ambassador Belen Anota and Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis represented the Philippine government and have led the mourners on that evening at a Memorial Mass officiated by Father Florito Apalas, Parish Priest of Santa Monica Parish in Richmond. Among the 44 policemen, 13 were from the Cordillera. Pres. Evelyn Beed in her address to the congregation expressed her profound sadness that so many young lives have been lost at that Mamapasano encounter with the local MILF. Ambassador Anota, reminded us to exercise restraint in condemning the “perpetrators” as there will be full investigation by the government.
The evening was highlighted by the lighting of 44 candles by ordinary members of the public. The choir and local parishioners were kind enough to share their evening with a church full of mourners.
The PCC-NSW coordinated this event and we thank ex officers of the PCC-NSW, Affiliates and present board with families and friends, the local media and some local politicians who came to hear mass and shared in the fellowship.
PCC-NSW - AGM & UGNAYAN 2015
The 2015 Annual General Meeting was realized on March 14, 2015. The new set of officers is led by Evelyn Beed-President; Alric Bulseco – VP External; Bobby Lastica - VP Internal; Darrell Swadling – Secretary; Noel Bernardo – Treasurer; Alex del Prado- Auditor; Jade Cadelina - PRO; Directors: Cesar Bartolome, Mercy Jones, Emily Rudd, Penny Perfecto, Ethel Singzon, Lillian de los Reyes and Joseph Laquian. Serna Ladia is Internal Auditor and ;Jose Relunia Jr.- IPP. At the March AGM, the Finance Report by then outgoing treasurer was voted to be adjourned to be set at a later date as an “Unfinished Business” with the Chairman of the Election Ray Manoto asking for discussion/comments from the body. The body being the affiliates present voted to have this “Unfinished Business” to be followed up by External Auditor Leo Ceniza and the Board and meet as soon as possible
The reconvening of the AGM happened on May 2, passing the “Unfinished Business” being the 2014 Finance Report.
The Ugnayan happened after the happy salosalo. The presentation of the 10 PCC NSW Committees happened after which the Board reminded us to open the membership to the affiliates. An Ugnayan will be scheduled in the near future.
The 117TH PHILIPPINE NATIONAL DAY BALL “Wisdom of our History Guide to our Destiny” (Theme)
Preparations have started, committees have been formed and the various assignments are now being meticulously attended by all concerned. Pres. Evelyn Beed has professed her belief in the integrity of each one of us on the Board and has offered her own experiences as community volunteer of one of the bigger group affiliates, the Cordillerans in her leadership. Like the Ilocanos, Visayan, Mindanawenos, Tagalogs, Pangasinenses, Boholanos, Bicolanos among others, the integrity of any group is often questioned by the media, personal differences or just plain apathy. Know Thyself that is slogan that would bring out the best in people. What you do not have, you can’t give. Respect for one another is of prime importance for example. Awareness of our cultural background and values we adhere to, are essential in succeeding as a voluntary organization.
So, we are trying our best to create another night to remember. Together , we can do this, as we have done in the past. We are going to show the world, that we are ready to make our Motherland proud, by fostering a bayanihan spirit, sharing in the fun and laughter and not forgetting to feel a gratitude of the contributions of our national heroes in achieving our Independence, our freedom from oppression and tyranny of war and terror.
The night will be June 12, 2015, at the Rosehill Grand Pavilion, Rosehill from 6:30 pm. Mabuhay.
A LETTER FROM THE OLGR (Office of Liquor, Gaming & Racing)
A letter dated 11th May 2015 has been received by Pres. Evelyn Beed from a compliance officer of the OLGR about a Complaint by a member of the public which states, “Be advised that pursuant to section 26 of the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991, the Minister may enquire into any person or organisation that is, or the Minister has reason to believe or has conducted, or is participating or has participated in a fundraising appeal and the Minister may cause the enquiry to be made by an authorised inspector.”
From us on the Board, we are endeavouring to submit all necessary documents they need and try to meet the deadline of 25 May 2015. We assure you dear members and friends that we take this letter seriously and will write to you as soon as possible of the outcome of this complaint. We vigorously state , that the PADER is in good health and that truth will prevail.
Mabuhay ang Pilipino, masipag, mapagpakumbaba at nagmamalasakit sa kapwa tao!
