Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Charles C. Jose (rightmost) administers the oath of office to the Federation of Filipino Associations in Malaysia (FFAM) for 2019 (from right):  Divina C. Bacnis (President), Myrna M. Pacquing (Vice-President), Aileen H. Yap (Secretary), Thelma Aguira (Assistant Secretary), Elena L. Ballesteros (Treasurer), Jeannette B. Concha (Assistant Treasurer), and Sunday Gilles (Auditor).

26 February 2019 – Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Charles C. Jose administered the oath of office to the seven new officers of the Federation of Filipino Associations of Malaysia (FFAM) at an induction and turn-over ceremony held on 24 February 2018 at the YMCA, Kuala Lumpur.

The following are the newly-elected officers leading FFAM in 2019: Divina C. Bacnis of Triskelion Kuala Lumpur Regional Council (President), Myrna M. Pacquing of Samahang Impok Bayan (Vice-President), Aileen H. Yap of the United Resource Speaker Group (Secretary), Thelma Aguira of Aim Global (Assistant Secretary), Elena L. Ballesteros of Isabelino Ako Malaysia (Treasurer), Jeannette B. Concha of Tatak Pilipino Coolest (Assistant Treasurer), and Sunday Gilles of Saint John’s Tahanang Pilipino (Auditor).

In his inspirational remarks, Ambassador Jose lauded the accomplishments of FFAM over the years and their enduring partnership with the Philippine Embassy.  “Naging magkatuwang ang Embahada at FFAM sa mga gawain para sa ikabubuti ng mga Pilipino sa Malaysia.  I am proud to have worked in collaboration with you on projects that showcased the positive aspects of the Filipinos in Malaysia, such as the yearly Fiesta sa Embahada, Pamaskong Handog, and various fund-raising activities for good causes such as the Alternative Learning Centers in Sabah.  Para sa akin, iyan ang tatak ng tunay na Pilipino: Malasakit sa kapwa,” he said.

Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Charles C. Jose (center) is flanked by the newly-elected officers of the Federation of Filipino Associations of Malaysia (FFAM) as well as community leaders representing the member-organizations comprising FFAM.

The Ambassador also thanked last year’s FFAM officers under the leadership of Mr. Ruly Cagadas, and encouraged the new batch of officers led by Ms. Divina Bacnis.  “May FFAM grow and prosper under your leadership.  Rest assured that the Embassy will continue to support FFAM.”

“Ang Filipino community ang mukha ng Pilipinas sa ibang bansa,” the Ambassador reminded the FFAM members in closing.  “I hope that you will continue to embody the best qualities of the Filipino people in Malaysia and bring pride to our country.”

During the event, certificates of membership and recognition were given to its 36 member-organizations around Malaysia.  The FFAM members also held their first general meeting under the new leadership.

The Federation of Filipino Associations of Malaysia (FFAM) is the umbrella group of Filipino organizations which was organized on February 2012, and was subsequently registered in the Malaysian Ministry of Home Affairs’ Registry of Societies (ROS) in August 2012.  The FFAM serves as the Embassy’s conduit in reaching out to Filipino communities in Malaysia, and is its partner in Filipino community-sponsored events. 

For more information, visit the Embassy’s website at http://www.philembassykl.org.my or its official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PHinMalaysia/.