During the 4th anniversary of the KASAGIP Charitable Trust at the Dowse Art Museum, Lower Hutt on 17 August 2013, Ms. E. D. shared her inspiring testimony on how she was assisted by the officers and members of the KASAGIP Charitable Trust as she came to New Zealand in 2010 to build a new life and pursue her dreams with her children. Please click on the link below

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B424q6iVbZMQMExORlhFc1k4NjA/edit?usp=sharing

for her heart-warming speech entitled “Aotearoa: A Journey that Humbled a Migrant’s Heart.”

As the Philippine Embassy continues to promote the positive contributions of the Filipino community especially in helping migrants from the Philippines and other countries in New Zealand, Ambassador Virginia H. Benavidez attended the 4th anniversary of the KASAGIP Charitable Trust at the Dowse Art Museum, Lower Hutt on 17 August 2013. In the presentation made by Ms. Mimi A. Rojo-Laurilla, KASAGIP Charitable Trust was born out of a common objective among six individuals who wanted an organized grouping to assist Filipino and non-Filipino migrants and this paved the way for recognition of the KASAGIP Charitable Trust by the Charities Commission and its registration as a donee institution on 30 July 2009. The spirit and meaning of KASAGIP, an acronym for the Filipino language’s “Kapatirang Kabalikat sa Kagipitan” is translated into “Community Partners In Times of Need.” She gave an overview of the mission and vision, the range of support, assistance and services, linkages, outreach activities and projects to help new migrants, wherever they may come from, as they build their lives in New Zealand. As a recipient of the 2012 Best in Community Services Award, KASAGIP Charitable Trust’s successes in helping people address their various needs and concerns.

In their respective messages, His Worship Ray Wallace, Mayor of Lower Hutt and His Worship Wayne Guppy, Mayor of Upper Hutt warmly welcomed all the guests, acknowledged the vital contributions of the Filipinos in the multi-cultural enrichment of New Zealand and highlighted the positive roles and influence that organizations like KASAGIP Charitable Trust play in the well-being of communities. They congratulated the officers and members of the KASAGIP Charitable Trust on their fourth anniversary and as they reach another milestone in their assistance and services to their beneficiaries.

Ambassador Benavidez commended the KASAGIP Charitable Trust for “its mission and vision, commitment and dedication to assist migrants from the Philippines and other countries and address their concerns, needs and issues for more effective settlement and better integration in New Zealand.” True to its name, KASAGIP Charitable Trust and its members’ sustained efforts to be a community partner in times of need continues to demonstrate the renowned Filipino spirit of “bayanihan,” (coming together to help one another), volunteerism, selflessness, compassion and generosity. She acknowledged the presence of local officials in Hutt Valley led by Mayor Wallace and Mayor Guppy and all the distinguished guests for the anniversary of KASAGIP Charitable Trust which manifest the strong bonds of friendship, partnership, solidarity, understanding and goodwill Filipinos continue to enjoy with the people of New Zealand.

Induction of the new members of the Board of Trustees, namely, Mr. Mar Esparas, Board Chairman, Mr. Rey Cabauatan, Vice-Chairman, Ms. Tina Florenda, Treasurer and Mr. Michael Siazon, Board Member, acknowledgement of the new members of the Blue Angel Brigade composed of Ms. Liz Luna, Ms. Erica Wallis, Ms. Anna Orallo, Ms. Clarise Parinas, Ms. Barbie Lopez and presentation of tokens of appreciation to existing volunteers who are Ms. Rachel Pointon who is also the Secretary of the Board and Mr. Ed Alforte were made in the presence of Ambassador Benavidez, Mayor Wallace and Mayor Guppy.

Ms. E. D. shared her inspiring testimony on how she was assisted by the officers and members of the KASAGIP Charitable Trust as she came to New Zealand in 2010 to build a new life and pursue her dreams with her children. Please click on the link below:

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B424q6iVbZMQMExORlhFc1k4NjA/edit?usp=sharing

for her heart-warming speech entitled “Aotearoa: A Journey that Humbled a Migrant’s Heart.”

Mr. Mar Esparas, Board Chairman thanked Ambassador Benavidez, Mayor Wallace, Mayor Guppy and all the guests for their presence and participation and the KASAGIP officers, members and volunteers and all those who have worked tirelessly to make the 4th Anniversary of the KASAGIP Charitable Trust a successful and meaningful one.