Filipino Community Meeting

A few days after our arrival in Athens, my friend presided over the meeting of the Filipino community (Filcom) in Greece. This was their first meeting for this year to discuss plans and other relevant matters. The new Ambassador as well as the Labor Attache were also present.The meeting was attended by officers and representatives of the 38 Filipino groups registered with the embassy. 

There are around 5,600 Filipinos in Greece, according to the  Greek National Statistics Office (2006).And there are about 40,000 Filipino seafarers serving in various Greek ships.

My diplomat friend told me to attend the meeting to familiarize myself with the programs of the embassy for the Filcom. It was also an oppurtune time for me to get to know the officers and other members. As a government employee for 29 years, I also joined similar meetings with other government agencies. I was also the president of our employees association for 3 years. That is why joining Filcom is an activity which is near to my heart.

Those present participated actively in the discussions. And the questions and issues presented were favorably addressed by the Ambassador, the Labor Attache and my friend.The meeting lasted for about two hours after which a simple merienda was served.


The next meeting will be in February.