Consultative-Assembly Towards Strengthening Filipino Fellowship and Solidarity in Cape Town

Mae Fe Ancheta-Templa Research Fellow Department of Social Development University of Cape Town

Introduction/Rationale
Background 1.Ambassador Vingnos visit to Cape Town
Areas of cooperation of the 2 countries Updates on Filipino Communities in Cape Town

2.Insights on the presence of two groups of Filipinos in Cape Town(see separate slide-matrix) 3.Iras attempt to study the lives of Pinoys in Cape Town and their relationship with RSA 4.Philippine country situation---socio-economic and political

Results of Consultations
Insights
Filipino Community I (June 23, 2012) Costly (time, material/financial constraints) Goals unclear Limited activities(tired of personal events and loose talks) Desire to respond to other concerns of Filipinos in need(local and in homeland) Filipino Community 2 (July 14, 2012) Organizational issues(leader-centered-big brother-patriarchal) Nature of activities limits participation Expect Accountability and responsibility

Desire to respond to other concerns of both SA and local Pinoys (and homeland)

Themes 1: Profile of Filipinos in Cape Town 2: Migrant experience in South Africa 3: Socioeconomic contributions to South Africa 4: Socioeconomic contributions to Philippines 5: Challenges and potentials

IRAS STUDY
IRAs study initial findings

Our Objectives of the Workshop August 25, 2012

SUMMARY OF EXPECTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR
Objectives 1)Create opportunity for discussion of both personal and social dimensions of living in Cape Town as Filipinos (Iras paper and 2 consultations) 2)Generate interest on collectively upgrading capacities for income generation(Boodys presentation on SEED) 3)Set Forward-looking strategy in solidarity with local Pinoys and those in the homeland (BROAD stroke for an action plan)