5th Global Filipino Networking Convention in Sydney
6-8 September 2007  :  Fair Go for Filipino Empowerment 
 
The 5th Global Filipino Networking Convention Sydney 2007 was a huge success. This convention proved to be another significant milestone for overseas Filipinos and for our kababayans in the Philippines.
 
Held on 6 to 8 September 2007, at Holiday Inn Rooty Hill, participants came from Europe(UK), Asia (Philippines, Japan, Pakistan), the Middle East (Kuwait, Egypt, United Arab Emirates), and North America (USA, Canada), Oceania (Australia, New Zealand), including prominent Filipino leaders and organizers from all over Australia (New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia, Northern Territory, Australian Capital Territory) and from the Philippines.
 
The convention theme “Fair Go for Filipino Empowerment” which stands for Filipino Australian Integrated Response to Global Objectives, hopes to expand the discussion on the socio-economic and political entitlement due all Filipinos working and living overseas.

   

The delegates met and heard the address of Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at Four Seasons Hotel in Sydney on 7 September 2007.  President Arroyo was in Sydney for the 15th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Summit 8-9 September 2007.

  

“It’s historic on my levels,” says Mrs. Lolita Farmer, head of Global Filipinos Australia.
 

“Participation of overseas Pinoys is reaching critical mass and we want to harness and direct that to the platform that would be good for everyone,” she adds.

  

It was indeed historic as this was the first time that GFNC was held outside of USA and the Philippines.  Unprecedented, yet may lead to another country outside of USA and the Philippines vying for the next venue.

Convention organizers FILCAA, PCC-NSW and GF Australia lined up speakers and panelists within the academe, business sector, Australian and Philippine diplomatic corps.
 
“We want to engage the global Filipino community in a relevant discussion that would lead to lasting outcomes. Just as we want our Kababayans to enjoy Sydney, we want to create strong and active partnerships, too,” says FILCAA president Malyn Andres-Chun.

  

“We encourage everyone to participate, kung ano ang makakaya, Malyn adds. It’s time for optimism and cooperation …..we need Pinoys to come together now more than ever.”

  

If you want to know more about the outcome and the proceedings of the recently concluded 5th Global Filipino Networking Convention, please check under Proceedings menu, otherwise please call: