The event Halina Sa Barangay undertaken by the Institute of Global Peace and Sustainable Governance (ISGPSG) under the leadership of its President, Dr Zeny Edwards, OAM was a success at many levels. This was held on May 22, 2022 in Chatswood in Pamana Restaurant in the upper North Shore area.
Halina Sa Barangay was an offering to celebrate World Day for Cultural Diversity which aims to highlight the richness of the world’s cultures and the significance of cultural diversity as an agent of inclusion and positive change for achieving peace and sustainable development. This year the focus was the Philippine culture through its cuisine and culinary delights.
The attendance at the event is only small but it represented groups whose aims and advocacies align with IGPSG’s mission and vision. The NSW Minister for Multiculturalism, Mark Coure, was unable to attend but send this message to the group:
New South Wales is the world’s most successful multicultural society. Irrespective of our cultural background, the language we speak, or our religious beliefs, we share the same values and wants. Here in our great State, we respect each other and we care for one another, no matter who we are or where we come from. In the spirit of this day, I would like to thank you for sharing in those values and for working with me to achieve our collective vision to make NSW even greater.
Those present were welcomed and thanked by Dr Edwards. These included Acting Head of Post, Philippine Consulate General Sydney Consul Manny Guzman; Jun Relunia and Lettie Aguilar President, The Philippine Australian Society for Senior Citizens, Inc (PASSCI); Aida Basto, President of the Philippine Language and Cultural Association Inc ( PLCAA); Mark Dyer, President, Rotary Club Sydney; Indy Singh, Founder of Vision Beyond Aus and Chairman of Fiducian; Adriane Lozano, Acting Executive Manager, Engagement, Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Leadership and Engagement) University of Technology Sydney; Judith Henderson, Past Co-Chair UN Women Australia Sydney Chapter, Former Adviser, UNAA International Peace Committee; Luiz Bispo, Secretary of the World Citizens Association of Australia since 2018 and a member of the World Security Community of Democratic Nations; Violi Calvert, Producer and Co-broadcaster, Radio Tagumpay at Triple H 100.1FM and Freelance Writer; KAPWA MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE Charlene Cai, Lead of KAPWA. Journalist, interpreter and member of the NSW Law Society and Effective Altruism Sydney; David Joshua Delos Reyes, Chairman, Filipino Student Council of NSW; and Sophia Maranan, President, Filipino Student Society of The University of Sydney
Dr Edwards also acknowledged her supportive family present at the event - her son Ian – problem solver and always willing to help; her understanding husband Bruce and Prisca, daughter in law; and public relations talent and grandson Zac, always helpful with decorations!
She also announced that the proceeds from Halina Sa Barangay will be given to KAPWA to establish a peer-to-peer support group among international students, managed by students for students. The KAPWA Program is led by IGPSG Management Committee. The IGPSG Trust has been established to assist in raising funds for the educational programs of the Institute. Donations can be made via EFT to: IGPSG Trust, BSB 032-157, Account No. 309432.
A part of the program of the event was the presentation of a few recognition by IGPSG: Jose Reluna Jr OAM, for service to the Filipino-Australian Senior Citizens; Violi Calvert for promoting Filipino culture and the arts; and Nonoy Perdon (in absentia) – for media promotion of Filipino culture and the arts.
As the aim was to highlight Filipino culture through its cuisine, information about the dishes served by Pamana Restaurant was shared: Lumpia Shanghai, Pancit Palabok, Chicken Adobo, Chop Suey, Crispy Pata, Sinigang na Bangus, the signature Lechon, Sweet and Sour Tilapia, Ensaladang Talong, Pamana Ensalada and desserts such as Turon with Langka, Brazo de Mercedes, Leche Fla, Bukod Salad and Sago at Gulaman.
Consul Manny Guzman commended the IGPSG for its initiatives involving people of various nationalities and background and promoting the Filipino culture at the same time, as well as support the Filipino international students' groups.