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Prague, Czech Republic, 16 November 2024 –The European Network of Filipino Diaspora (ENFiD) successfully conducted its election during the Board Meeting held in Prague, Czech Republic, on 16 November 2024. The event, a hybrid format combining in-person and virtual participation, showcased ENFiD’s commitment to inclusive and collaborative governance across Europe.
The newly elected Board Members for 2025–2026 are:
- Chairperson: Marison Rodriguez, Czech Republic
- Vice Chairperson: Jeffrey Morales, Germany
- Secretary: Ana Bel Mayo, Italy
- Assistant Secretary: Maribel Favor, United Kingdom
- Treasurer: Annie Estricomen, France
- Assistant Treasurer: Menchu Villegas, Italy
- Public Relations Officer: Marvi Gil, Iceland
- Directors:
Austria Sarah Jozelle Rojas, Darren Casuga
Cyprus Valerie Badilla, Esther Beatty
Czech Republic Emmylou Petrová
France Rafaelito Gomez
Germany Dorcas Poloczek
Hungary Carmelina Tolentino, Cyron Agustin
Iceland Evelyn Rojas Tagalog
Malta Florisa De Jesus, Carl Julius Cabrera
Norway Gina Sollano Hardy, Maria Roled
Switzerland Marcelina Manalo Ermert, Sarah Andrea Banaag
United Kingdom Leny Dadulla
Following the election, the new board was officially inducted by the Philippine Ambassador to the Czech Republic, Ambassador Eduardo Martin R. Meñez, accompanied by Consul General Indhira C. Bañares. In his inspirational message, Ambassador Meñez congratulated the new board and reiterated the Philippine government, his Embassy, and his personal readiness to support ENFiD’s noble endeavours. He also informed the group about the recently reopened embassies in Romania, Finland, and Ireland. This shows the government‘s recognition of the importance of the Filipino communities in Europe. He further stated that ENFiD’s revitalization and continuing work are timely and appropriate and that the transfer of leadership indicates the value of organizing the Filipino communities in Europe at a very opportune time. He encouraged ENFiD to establish new contacts in Romania, Finland and Ireland and collaborate with the ambassadors in the said countries.
ENFiD Chairperson Christian Estrada congratulated the incoming board and expressed his confidence in their ability to advance ENFiD’s mission and vision of empowering Filipinos in Europe. “I am confident that ENFiD will continue to thrive as a dynamic and unified organization for the Filipino diaspora across Europe under your leadership. As you begin this new chapter, I encourage you to build on our institutionalised initiatives, especially the 10 Dialogue to Diaspora events successfully hosted by Austria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Malta, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. These dialogues have fostered connections, exchanged best practices, discussed critical issues, and empowered our communities. I trust you will expand and elevate this program as a cornerstone of ENFiD’s mission and vision. The work ahead is great, but so is the potential to make a difference. Together, let us continue to inspire, unite, and serve the Filipino diaspora through ENFiD.“
In her acceptance speech, Chairperson Elect Marison Rodriguez expressed her commitment to building on the strong foundation laid by our outgoing Chairperson. She shared her excitement about working with the newly elected board to navigate the challenges ahead, celebrate the rich diversity of the Filipino diaspora, and ensure that ENFiD remains a dynamic force for positive change in Europe.
The hybrid election, managed efficiently by the COMELEC Committee composed of representatives from ENFiD-Austria and ENFiD-UK, demonstrated remarkable coordination. It accommodated member countries such as Iceland, Malta, and Cyprus, which participated via Zoom.
During the same event, the newly formed ENFiD-Czech Board was also inducted, signifying the growing network and strengthening community engagement in the region. Special performances were delivered by the YES Voice Champion, Carl Adrian, and the ENFiD-Czech Zumba Dancers. Commendations were extended to ENFiD-Czech for hosting and organizing the meeting, ensuring its success and providing an enriching platform for dialogue and collaboration.
Subsequently, more informal discussions about the way forward followed, including upcoming activities such as:
- Conference/Forum on the Roles of Youth in the Advancement of Eco-Socio-Cultural Community Development, 21 February 2025, United Nations, Austria
- ENFiD Annual General Assembly, 24-26 April 2025, Iceland
The election of the ENFiD Board for 2025-2026 marked a new chapter for the organization, uniting leaders across Europe to continue championing the Filipino diaspora and addressing pressing issues migrant communities face.
For further information, please visit: www.enfid.org
Photos ctto & Sarah Jozelle Rojas
About the Author
Maria Zelda “Marizel” Rojas is the Chairperson of the European Network of Filipino Diaspora-Austria (ENFiD-Austria) and a current Board Member of ENFiD, President of the Bikol Society Austria (BSA), 1st Vice President-Elect of the United Nations Women’s Guild (UNWG), 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), Auditor for the Vienna International Centre Gastronomy Club (VIC GC), Liaison for the Philippines and Councillor in the European Police Association (EPA), Board Member of the United Nations Correspondents Association Vienna (UNCAV) and a member of the Filipina Women’s Network (FWN), which honoured her with the prestigious “Most Influential Filipina Women in the World” (Global FWN100™) award in 2019.
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