Tuesday, 18 June 2024

 Meng Heang TAK (Clarinda) (15:48): Last week it was my pleasure to join with the Consul General of the Philippines Maria Lourdes Salcedo, along with colleagues and friends, to celebrate the national day of the 126th anniversary of the Philippines’ independence. It was another fantastic opportunity to come together and celebrate the occasion and to celebrate the amazing Filipino community in Victoria and the many strong people-to-people connections that exist in our thriving and growing community.

We have an amazing Filipino community locally in Clarinda and in the south-east, with some truly amazing local organisations. The Pilipino Elderly Association of South East Region, or PEASER, as they are affectionately known, is one. For more than 30 years they have been a vital resource for the local community, providing an important space for companionship and cultural activities. Members’ activities include visiting nursing homes and the sick and holding regular cultural activities, social events, information sessions and the like. There are also the members of the dancing group, which performs cultural dances from different regions of the Filipino sections of the community and at festivals around Melbourne. It is based out of the Sundowner Community Centre in Clarinda, and there is such a friendly and welcoming atmosphere there. I would like to commend – (Time expired)