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Athens, Greece — 29 March 2025 — In a landmark gathering of Filipino migrant leaders, the European Network of Filipino Diaspora (ENFiD) held its 11th “Diaspora to Dialogue” (D2D 11.0) Talk Series in Athens, Greece. Held at the Pinoy Fitness Dance Studio on Alistratis 3 in Ambelokipi, the event was themed “Filipinos in Greece: Strong, Resilient, United” and marked the first-ever D2D in Greece—a promising step toward establishing ENFiD-Greece.
The event was spearheaded by ENFiD Vice Chairperson Jeffrey Morales (ENFiD-Germany) in close cooperation with Accredited Community Partners (ACP) and Filipino Community Organizations (FilCom) in Greece. It united more than 30 community leaders and representatives in a spirit of unity, dialogue, and purpose.
“This gathering is more than a dialogue—it’s a movement toward empowerment and recognition,” said Jeffrey Morales. “We hope that this D2D event becomes the cornerstone for organizing and amplifying the voices of Filipinos in Greece.”
At the forefront of local organizing were two dynamic leaders, Bella Sanchez Pearson and Chona Pamintuan, whose tireless efforts ensured the event’s success and underscored the Filipino community’s readiness in Greece for greater cohesion and representation.
“The Filipino community in Greece is vibrant and deeply engaged,” said Bella Sanchez Pearson. “The prospect of establishing ENFiD-Greece is timely and promising, pending thoughtful consultations with ACP and FilCom leaders. With the strong backing of ENFiD chapters across Europe, we’re optimistic about expanding our collective voice and presence.”
“Filipinos in Greece are highly active and community-oriented,” echoed Chona Pamintuan. “There’s great potential here, and we recognize the value of unity and coordination. Exploring the path toward ENFiD-Greece is a natural next step in our growth as a community.”
A key supporter of the initiative, Welfare Officer Marivic L. Mondina of the Philippine Migrant Workers Office in Athens, warmly welcomed the D2D participants and emphasized the value of regular dialogues in bridging government services and grassroots realities.
The program featured a stirring inspirational message from Christian Estrada, former ENFiD Chairperson (ENFiD-UK). Estrada reflected on ENFiD’s beginnings and reaffirmed the power of unity, volunteerism, and leadership in the diaspora movement.
ENFiD-Austria was strongly represented by Marizel Rojas, Chair and Adviser of ENFiD-Austria, who delivered a compelling presentation on ENFiD’s mission, milestones, and upcoming projects—including the Annual General Assembly in Iceland this April, D2Ds scheduled in Norway (June) and France (October), and cross-border initiatives to empower migrant Filipinos.
Rojas’s presence underscored ENFiD-Austria’s mentorship role in inspiring and guiding emerging communities like Greece. Her presentation encouraged attendees to view ENFiD as an organization and a growing movement for advocacy, visibility, and community leadership across Europe.
An open forum followed, creating a safe and inclusive space for attendees to voice concerns, share experiences, and explore ideas for stronger representation. With over 30 organizations in attendance, the event fostered solidarity, collective leadership, and renewed motivation to formalize a national chapter in Greece.
As a fitting conclusion, the local community warmly invited Morales, Estrada, and Rojas to return to Athens for the 127th Philippine Independence Day Celebration on 8 June 2025—a gesture symbolizing deeper cooperation and growing ties between Filipino communities in Greece and ENFiD leaders across Europe.
The success of D2D v11.0 is a powerful catalyst for what could soon be the birth of ENFiD-Greece—a dynamic platform for advocacy, empowerment, and interconnection of Filipinos living in Greece.
ENFiD calls on all Filipino community groups and Accredited Community Partners in Greece to join hands in formally establishing ENFiD-Greece. This initiative will further strengthen Filipino unity across borders and elevate the voices and aspirations of our kababayans in Europe.
For more information about ENFiD and its initiatives, visit www.enfid.org
Photos ctto, Christian Estrada, Melinda Magistrado
Maria Zelda “Marizel” Rojas is a Board Member of the United Nations Correspondents Association Vienna (UNCAV), Chairperson of the European Network of Filipino Diaspora-Austria (ENFiD-Austria), and a current ENFiD Adviser. She is also the 1st Vice President of the United Nations Women’s Guild (UNWG) and a Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) member. Founding Member and former President of the Philippine Austrian Cultural and Educational Society (PACES), Adviser and former President of the Vienna International Centre Club Filipino (VIC CF), Liaison for the Philippines and Councillor in the European Police Association (EPA), and a member/awardee of the Filipina Women’s Network (FWN).
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