Damayan Elects New Officers [27 May 2006]

On May 27, the General Assembly (GA) of Damayan was held at Buurtcentrum ‘t Dok, Nieuwegein. About 20 members, including the current Executive Committee, were present to take an active participation in this annual occasion. Some tagged along their respective families and friends. Aside from their precious time and efforts, foods were also brought and shared by the generous attendees.

Before the meeting proper, a film entitled “Dubai” and starring Claudine Barretto, Aga Mulach and John Lloyd is shown. As the title implies, the film gives a glimpse of experiences of Filipinos living and working in this middle-eastern city. It is a story of two siblings, played by Aga and John, with the same dreams and aspirations of having a comfortable life after working in a foreign land. However, when an amiable and attractive woman, played by Claudine, crossed their paths, little did they know that everything between them would lead to decisions that could either break or bind their relationship. As every Filipino overseas could relate to this film in one way or another, almost everyone in the audience got teary-eyed after the show.

On the main and more serious agenda of the GA, an update on the current projects of Damayan such as Project Salamat, Gintong Aral and MGT was presented. Then, the existing constitution of the organization was reviewed and revised. Main points for revision were as follows:

1. The change of correspondence address to Damayan at Brigittenstraat 15 3512 KJ Utrecht.

2. The emphasis on responding to the needs of the next generation to cultural heritage as part of the main objectives and purposes of the organization.

3. Majority of Damayan members are Filipino by origin upon receipt of new application for membership from a Non-Filipino resident of The Netherlands.

4. Each member has the freedom to leave or terminate his or her membership in the organization after giving a formal written notice to the Executive Committee.

5. Each member has the duty to pay the annual membership dues of fifteen euros (€15). The collection of such amount is the main responsibility of the treasurer, with the assistance of the Vice-President for Internal Affairs and Secretary.

6. The executive committee (EC) shall be elected by the GA (through show of hands) every two years and six months prior to the start of each term, which starts on the first Saturday of the calendar year. It is composed of a President, two (2) Vice- Presidents (Internal and External), a Secretary and a Treasurer.

7. The Oath taking of officers shall be held during the Damayan Christmas Party.

8. The EC shall ensure funds for other administrative and operational expenditures and shall make efforts to seek financial assistance.

9. Major disbursements of funds shall be decided upon by the EC, who shall draft the Finance policies for approval of the GA.

After everyone has been enlightened about the amended Damayan constitution, the GA nominated and elected the new set of officers for 2007 as follows:

President: Tess de Man-Selibio
Vice-presidents: Yolanda Villanueva (for Internal Affairs) and Basco Fernandez (for External Affairs)
Secretary: Jonathan Palero
Treasurer: Cheryl Panizal