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Thirty-five years ago, in March 1989, a small gathering took place in front of a restaurant in Vienna, Austria, that would begin a transformative journey for the Filipino Visayan community abroad. Excited by the prospect of connecting with others from their homeland, a handful of Visayans joined together and envisioned a formal organization. “Bay, kadaghan god diay nga Bisaya sa Vienna. Unsa kaha no, magtukod ta og Kapunongan,” one of them suggested, noting the growing number of fellow Visayans in the city. With these words, the idea for the Kapunungan sa mga Bisaya sa Austria (KBA) was born.
The Founding Vision
The founding members saw KBA as more than just a social club. Their vision was for a space where Visayans could gather, share their experiences, and foster a sense of identity in a foreign land. The group wanted to ensure that their culture, language, and values stayed alive despite the distance from home. Additionally, they aspired to create a platform to empower them to support each other and give back to their homeland.
On June 1, 1989, the group convened at the Afro-Asian Institute in Vienna to lay down the formal groundwork. Here, they prepared the official constitution of the organization, an essential step toward legitimizing their efforts and paving the way for meaningful future projects. By committing to a clear set of goals and values, KBA would go on to become a source of strength and pride for Visayans in Austria.
Expanding Influence and Fostering Community
As KBA established itself, it gained the support of the Visayan community and the larger Filipino diaspora in Austria. The organization became a hub for activities encouraging cultural exchange, supporting social integration, and celebrating Filipino heritage. Through festivals, community gatherings, and outreach programs, KBA shared the beauty of Visayan culture with both Filipinos and Austrians, bridging gaps and fostering understanding.
Over the years, KBA’s role expanded to include programs that directly benefited people in the Philippines. From educational scholarships for underprivileged children to fundraising events for disaster relief, KBA consistently extended its compassion to those in need back home. This commitment strengthened the bond between the organization and the Filipino community, which viewed KBA as a cultural organization and a compassionate ally.
Celebrating a Milestone Anniversary
On October 25, 2024, KBA celebrated its 35th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its journey. The celebration was a testament to the enduring legacy of the organization and the hard work of its leaders and members. KBA’s anniversary was more than just a date; it was a celebration of resilience, unity, and the spirit of giving back. The gathering honoured the original founders and all those who, over the decades, helped to grow KBA into a beloved institution.
Looking to the Future
As KBA moves forward, its legacy inspires Filipinos in Austria and around the world. What started as a simple conversation outside a restaurant became a powerful organization that brought Visayans together in a foreign land and created a network of compassion across continents.
Congratulations to Kapunungan sa mga Bisaya sa Austria on 35 years of dedicated service to the Filipino community and to their efforts in making a difference back home. May KBA continue to thrive and create a lasting impact for future generations.
- Hector Pascua/pictures: (2) Facebook
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