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Vienna, Austria, 15 October 2024—The European Network of Filipino Diaspora Austria (ENFiD-Austria) celebrated its 7th Anniversary with an intimate, exclusive dinner. The event brought together its members to reflect on past achievements and plan future initiatives.
Held in Vienna, the anniversary marked a pivotal moment for the organization as it laid out its roadmap for 2025, focusing on physical and mental health programs for the Filipino community in Austria and across Europe.
The celebration comes on the heels of ENFiD-Austria’s highly successful three-in-one event earlier this year, held from 31 May to 1 June 2024, which included:
- 10th Annual General Assembly and DARE Conference (Diaspora, Actions, Resilience, and Empowerment) at the United Nations, which brought together leaders and changemakers from various Filipino communities in Europe, divided into four segments:
- High-Level session featuring:
Opening Remarks – Marizel Rojas, ENFiD-Austria Chairperson
Welcome Remarks – Christian Estrada, ENFiD Chairperson
Inspirational Message –United Nations Correspondents Association Vienna (UNCAV), Hermann Kroiher
Messages of Support & Solidarity from International Organizations
Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP), Renate Amesbauer
Universal Peace Federation (UPF), Peter Haider
European Police Association (EPA), Heinz Habe
Country Reports – Achievements/Milestones & Challenges
Message: Mayor Myla Arceno, Stevenage, United Kingdom
Message: Consul General Roderico C. Atienza, Hungary
Message: Consul ad honorem Charmagne Garcia-Laconico, Cyprus
- Culture and Connection with presentations on:
“Roots & Routes: TCK Tales of Belonging,”
Conversation with Ren Mangaban, ENFiD-Austria &
Sarah Jozelle Rojas, ENFiD-Austria
Welcome to Vienna – Ms Regina Wiala-Zimm
Senior International Relations Officer
Chief Executive Office – City of Vienna
- Future of Filipino Communities, with Speakers:
Marvi Gil, ENFiD-Iceland
Valerie Badilla, ENFiD-Cyprus
Marison Rodriguez, ENFiD-Czech Republic
Christel Gaño, Founder of Ligaya Apparel
- Cyber Security/Money Laundering.
“Digital Pinoy, Are You Safe?”, Jeffrey Morales, ENFiD-Germany
“Anti Money Laundering”. Ms. Sofia Dems, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNDOC)
The AGA10 and DARE Conference wrap-up included a message from Gene Alcantara, ENFiD-UK, and poetry en masse, Dorcas Poloczek, ENFiD-Germany
- Gala Dinner and Tala ng Europa Singing Competition, showcasing talented Filipino vocalists from across Europe in a night of celebration and cultural exchange
- Pamana IV Philippine Festivals Parade featured vibrant performances, traditional costumes, and a showcase of Philippine festivals, with participants from 28 organizations and groups across Europe.
During the 7th Anniversary celebration, ENFiD-Austria reflected on these key moments, grateful for the overwhelming support from the Filipino community and their European allies. In looking forward to 2025, the organization emphasized the need to address Filipinos’ physical and mental well-being in Austria and across Europe, especially in the post-pandemic world. Plans for physical and mental health-oriented projects are now in the works, including lectures on Menopause and Andropause, Wellness Programs, Mental Health Support Systems, partnerships with local health institutions, and information sessions on Third Culture Kids (TCK), Artificial Intelligence, and many more.
ENFiD is a fast-growing Europe-wide cross-sectoral, all-inclusive overseas-Filipino platform in Europe with genuine developmental ambitions translated into timely and relevant actions for Euro-Filipinos and the Philippines. It is an open organization that reflects the diversity of Filipino society. It is a non-political, non-sectarian, and not-for-profit network. It comprises members from different sectors of the society, including all political leanings.
ENFiD’s foundations are formulated in its Constitution. It provides a forum for regional and global interaction between and among Filipino individuals and organizations within the European Community, with the Philippines, and with the rest of the world. It inspires and initiates nonpartisan dialogues and discussions on relevant topics and participates in the international dialogue on ethical, cultural, and political issues with a view to alleviating global poverty.
ENFiD-Austria, one of the most active chapters, continues to spearhead activities and events aligned with ENFiD’s four pillars:
- Educate and Learn
- Embrace the Environment
- Empower Euro Pinoy Youths
- Elevate Philippine Arts, Culture & Sports
Through these efforts, ENFiD-Austria reaffirms its dedication to empowering the Filipino diaspora, envisioning a healthier, stronger, and more resilient community in Europe for years to come.
For more information, please contact:
M: 0043 69914596190
FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1763959247220257
Photos by: Zandrine Kocjan
About the Author
Maria Zelda “Marizel” Rojas is a dynamic leader and influential figure in Filipino and international communities. As the Chairperson of the European Network of Filipino Diaspora-Austria (ENFiD-Austria) and a Board Member of ENFiD, she champions the causes of Filipino expatriates in Europe. Her passion extends to community building, as shown by her work as the President of the Bikol Society Austria (BSA), Founder 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), Auditor for the Vienna International Centre Gastronomy Club (VIC GC). She is also a Board Member of the United Nations Correspondents Association Vienna (UNCAV), Liaison and Councillor for the Philippines in the European Police Association (EPA), and a member of the Filipina Women’s Network (FWN), which honored her with the prestigious “Most Influential Filipina Women in the World” (Global FWN100™) award in 2019.
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