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LINZ, Austria — June 13, 2025, marked a historic milestone for the Filipino diaspora in Austria as the community gathered at the prestigious Palais Kaufmännischer Verein to celebrate a dual milestone: the 128th Anniversary of Philippine Independence and the 80th year of bilateral diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Austria.
The grand venue was filled to capacity, drawing hundreds of guests from the local Filipino community in Upper Austria, as well as delegates traveling from other federal provinces, including Vienna and Lower Austria.
A Unified Platform for All Filipinos
The festive evening commenced with a powerful opening address by Marjorie Albeza, President of the Filipino Federation in Austria (FFA). Albeza情 emphasized that the federation serves as an inclusive foundation built to bring all factions of the diaspora together.
“Today, we honor every sector of our Filipino community—our workers, their families, our youth, our professionals, and all organizations that strengthen our presence in Austria,” Albeza stated. “We recognize the vital role of our partner institutions, the umbrella organizations who represent their members with unity and shared purpose. This platform, the Filipino Federation in Austria, is for all Filipinos regardless of profession or affiliation. We stand here as one community, not as separate groups.”
She further outlined the core vision of the organization: “We lead with a clear mission to unite Filipinos across Austria—fostering a strong, empowered, and inclusive community that preserves our heritage, promotes cultural understanding, and contributes meaningfully to Austrian society while strengthening the bonds between the Philippines and Austria.”
Linz Leadership: “Your Presence is Foundational”
The event featured strong representation from the local Austrian government, with city leaders delivering deeply moving, inspirational words that underscored the profound impact of the diaspora.
Mag. Samuel Puttinger, a member of the City Council of Linz, praised the community’s integration and cultural impact.
“The Filipino community in Linz is a valued part of our city’s society,” Puttinger noted. “It enriches our city through its cultural diversity, its contributions across various professional fields, and its commitment to fostering good community relations. The Filipino Federation Austria has set itself the goal of promoting Filipino culture and cultural heritage, strengthening the community, and deepening cultural exchange between the Philippines and Austria.”
Following this, Mag. Martin Hajart, MBA, Vice Mayor of Linz, captured a sentiment that has been echoing across the region: Filipinos in Linz are no longer just valued neighbors; they have become essential to the city’s social and professional heartbeat.
Hajart noted that many Filipinos who have settled in Austria understand deeply what it means to live and work here, embracing both opportunity and responsibility. “We in Linz are very glad to have you,” he emphasized, framing the relationship as one built on mutual respect.
Across the city’s institutions, that contribution is unmistakable. In classrooms, hospitals, long‑term care facilities, and a wide range of companies, Filipino workers have become pillars of reliability and compassion. Colleagues often describe them as hardworking, community‑oriented, and grounded in a positive outlook.
Vice Mayor Hajart did not shy away from stating the reality plainly: without the Filipino workforce, many essential services would struggle to function. Their presence is no longer peripheral; it is foundational to the city. For the city leadership, this recognition is more than ceremonial. “We truly appreciate you,” the Vice Mayor said, underscoring that the City of Linz stands firmly with the Filipino community in everyday partnership.
Empowering Community Leaders
Underscoring the theme of nationwide unity, the event served as an important gathering point for grassroots leadership. More than a dozen Filipino community leaders from all over Austria traveled to Linz to attend the historic celebration.
In a dedicated segment of the program, these leaders were given the floor to proudly present their respective organizations and share their forthcoming activities and initiatives for the upcoming year. To honor their dedication and vital role in bridging the diaspora, each leader was bestowed a certificate of appreciation, recognizing their active participation and steadfast support for the milestone event.
Deep-Rooted Ties and Global Recognition
The event was graced by the Philippine Ambassador to Austria, H.E. Evangelina Lourdes Arroyo-Bernas. In her keynote speech, Ambassador Arroyo-Bernas related a brief history of the emergence of Philippine-Austrian relations, highlighting how the bonds between the two nations have strengthened over eight decades. She thanked everyone in attendance for directly contributing to the well-being of the Austrians, particularly noting the immense reliance on Filipino professionals within the country’s health system.
The celebration received further high-level recognition from top government officials through a series of video messages:
- Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. extended his warm wishes, praising overseas citizens for being excellent ambassadors of goodwill.
- Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and Administrator Patricia Caunan sent messages acknowledging the resilience and vital social contributions of the migrants.
- The Government of Linz also presented video messages, with everyone unanimously praising the Filipino community’s work ethic and seamless integration.
Induction of New Leaders and Cultural Showcases
A key highlight of the evening was the official induction ceremony presided over by Ambassador Arroyo-Bernas. The ambassador formally inducted into office the newly elected officers of two major community organizations:
- The Filipino Federation in Austria (FFA)
- UGNAY (Filipino Association in Wels)
The formal proceedings seamlessly transitioned into a vibrant showcase of Filipino culture. Guests were treated to a spectacle of traditional cultural dances, featuring colorful costumes and rhythmic choreography that brought the rich traditions of the Philippines straight to the heart of Upper Austria.
In a city shaped by migration, work, and shared futures, the message from both the Filipino and Austrian leadership in Linz was clear: the Filipino community is not just part of the city’s story—it is part of its strength.
- Hector Pascua
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