22 January 2014 – Established on November 17, 2013, the OFW Kapitbisig Foundation installed its set of officers who took their oaths of office before Vice Consul Dennis John Briones, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., last January 05.  The induction ceremony attended by around 200 officers and members of the different Filipino community associations in Lebanon was held at the basketball court and open hall of the St. Francis Parish Church in Hamra, Beirut.

The objectives and goals of the Foundation, a conglomeration of 15 Filipino community organizations and groups in Lebanon, are to promote friendship and unity and to extend humanitarian assistance.  The group was formed after super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) hit central Philippines.  Its founders felt the need to do their part to donate for the victims of the super typhoon.  After being able to organize its first activity, a fundraising concert on November 17, 2013, which was held also at St. Francis Church, the founding members elected its first set of officers.

In his message to the officers and members of the Foundation, Vice Consul Briones thanked them and also the officers and members of the other Filipino community organizations present for their support to the activities of the Embassy and sought their continued cooperation.  Vice Consul Briones also reminded those present in the event to be extra careful and vigilant in view of the recent security incidents in Beirut and other parts of Lebanon.

After the oath taking, the Foundation gave away gifts for the children present during the event.  The group also collected cash donation to assist a Filipino-in-distress who is confined in a hospital in Beirut. END