Philippine Consul General to Sydney Anne Jalando-on Louis urged members of Philippine community organisations to continue to take pride in the value of volunteerism both in Australia and back to the Philippines.
ConGen Jalando-on Louis spoke before members of Bicol Link Ltd otherwise known as Bicol Inc during the organisation’s 9th anniversary celebration at Lily’s Function Centre in Seven Hills, NSW. Some 300 guests attended the celebration.
ConGen Jalando-on Louis sworn into office 12 club officials for this year which comprised of theoretically two representatives each from the six provinces of Bicol in the Philippines.
The club has a unique rotating chairperson for its leadership, and this year the person in charge is Ms Penny Pefecto, from Camarine Sur.
ConGen Jalando-on Louis congratulated club members for their commitment, industry as volunteers on learning of the Bicolanos contributions in promoting Philippine tourism , particularly in Bicolandia. She said she is aware of the religious fervour of many Bicolanos in holding the yearly local Australian version of the Feast of of Our Lady of Penafrancia in Western Sydney.
ConGen Jalando-on Louis said it is mainly through volunteerism that civic organisations are able to achieve great things for the community.
The officers sworn comprise of Penny Perfecto and Demi Robinson for Camarines Sur; Ross Iglesia and Neria Soliman for Albay; Dan Elizes for Camarines Norte; Zeny Samar for Catanduanes; Elsie Noakes and Bobby Lastica for Sorsogon; and Rick Paenzuela , for Masbate.