In behalf of the Philippine Embassy Team and the Filipino community in New Zealand, Philippine Ambassador Virginia H. Benavidez extended her heartiest congratulations to the members of AKLnzPINOYS for receiving the Print Journalism Award during the 1st Migration Advocacy and Media (MAM) Awards of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) last December. AKLnzPINOYS is a Yahoo group of Filipinos based in Auckland. The Awards are given to the print and broadcast media from government, private and overseas for channelling their resources to raise public awareness of issues faced by Filipino migrants, promoting the positive image of Filipinos overseas and highlighting the increasingly important roles of migrants as partners of Philippine national development.
According to the CFO, there were 64 official entries reviewed by the panel of judges and finalists from New Zealand and six other countries represented the best in their respective categories. AKLnzPINOYS produced “From Carabao to Sheep”, a highly informative handbook to help Filipino migrants get settled in New Zealand. It is a comprehensive resource material with valuable information and practical tips as Filipino migrants settle and adjust to their new environment and way of life in New Zealand.
Formed in February 2006, AKLnzPINOYS is composed of its founding members who were originally from another Yahoo group, the PINOYZ2nz and has grown to its current 1,300 membership. At the center of their collaborative efforts in linking up with the Filipino migrants are what AKLnzPINOYS call as its 3Ks – “kaibigan, kabarkada and karamay” so that every Filipino in Auckland will benefit from the support, assistance and advice of a wide network of friends and countrymen.
Ambassador Benavidez met the representatives of AKLnzPINOYS on 25 January 2012 and commended them for their continuing mission to help make a difference in the lives of every Filipino in Auckland, especially those who need a caring friend, an understanding group and helping hands as they start their lives, settle their families, pursue their careers and work in a foreign land. “The Filipino spirit of “bayanihan” (volunteerism and coming together), selflessness, sacrificial attitude and tireless service are very much alive in the hearts and minds of AKLnzPINOYS. What makes them even more special is their resounding call to their members and those they have helped to just “pay it forward” to the next Filipino who may be in need as he or she copes with resettlement and adjustment to the lifestyle in New Zealand,” Ambassador Benavidez said. The members of AKLnzPINOYS themselves aptly put it “This information booklet is one of our ways of paying forward the debt of gratitude we received back when we were new migrants ourselves.”
Recently, AKLnzPINOYS once again demonstrated their kindheartedness and generosity when they donated their prize money amounting to NZ$2615 to the victims of the devastating typhoon “Sendong”. “In words and in deeds, AKLnzPINOYS is the embodiment of the exemplary traits of the Filipino people. When their vision becomes their mission and as they pursue their passion with compassion, great things come to life. The Philippine Embassy and the Filipino community in New Zealand are truly blessed to have them as our vital partners in projecting a favourable image of our country and an inspiring reputation of our people,” Ambassador Benavidez said.
Present among the AKLnzPINOYS members were Mr. Mauro “Ka Uro” Oreta, Mr. Noel Matencio, Ms. Ruby Tomacruz, Mr. Sonny Tomacruz, Ms. Jinkee Say and Mr. Jun Dolon.