The 5 Executive Committee members of the Federation of Filipino Associations, Societies and Clubs in New Zealand Inc (FFASCNZI) made use of the Easter Holiday to hold their midyear meeting in Christchurch. Bles Sutherland hosted the meeting at her residence attended by Chairperson Dr Tony Noblejas, Secretary Bert Ricacho, Treasurer Cherry Andrews and Vice Consul Myla Macahilig.

Among other things, suggestions arising from previous Labour Weekend events, particularly last year’s national reunion at Tauranga, were taken into consideration. To encourage Filipino organisations in New Zealand to become more involved in events requiring fuller commitment and more formal cooperative efforts, it was agreed that only member organisations of FFASCNZI can participate in the annual Labour Weekend events. The rules on player’s eligibility shall also be strictly implemented in the forthcoming event.

The Federation shall continue to make its assistance available in the solicitation of donors and sponsors. The Pagdiriwang sa Christchurch 2005 organising committee has reported completed negotiations with some of the perennial sponsors but is still open to other firms or individuals wishing to be a partner in this event. Letters of invitations had been sent to various Filipino organisations and updates will be given as the planning and other arrangements are firmed up. While the cultural programme aspects are being managed mostly by the Philippine Society of Canterbury Inc, the management of the individual sports events are being handled by coordinators from the Filipino Sports Club of Canterbury Inc.

Articles for the midyear issue of the Federation newsletter are now being solicited from member organisations. Pls e-mail all articles to nric.eir.ltp@xtra.co.nz for inclusion in the May-June 05 issue of the newsletter. The Federation website will also be launched soon where member organisations can have their own links through which to put up announcement and other relevant material.

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