Participation of 23rd FAWA (Federation of Asia Pacific Women's Asociat…

FAWA was first conceived in 1958 "so as to effect not only closer relations but also more effective planning and execution of programs for social welfare"  From Sept. 25th till Oct. 1st, WKIC President Jungsook Kim, WKIC Board members Youngsoon Lee, Youngja Lee and Secretary General Sunny Shin went on a trip to Manila to take part in the 23rd FAWA convention. It was its 60th anniversary celebration as of this year and the them was Our Heritage -Peace, Our challenge- Sustainable Development.

The first day, Wednesday, Sept. 26th, around 3 pm, arrival and registration started at Hotel Jen. At 5pm there was an opening ceremony rehearsal with country heads and flag bearers.

On Thursday 27th starting at 9:30, Opening ceremony started with Entry of Colours, Philippine National Anthem, Welcome Performance and Welcoming speech by Manila Mayor Hon Joseph Ejercito Estrad, Conference Chairperson Linda P. Gonzalez, and FAWA President 2016-2018 Mary Jane C Ortega and followed by FAWA song. Sunny Shin marched with a Philippine girl scout flag bearer holding Taegeuk-ki. Philippine Vice President Leni G, Robredo made a keynote speech and some inspirational messages were given by Cong. Madeleine Z Bordallo of Guam, Immediate Past President Sheila Shea of the General Federation of Women's clubs, and President of ICW and Past President of FAWA -Dr. Jungsook Kim. Luncheon speaker was Hon. Senate President Vincente C. Sotto III and the lunch was hosted by the Senate of the Philippines. Starting at 2:30pm, plenary session started under the themes like the following.

1. Women as an Entrepreneur

2. Woman o Population and Ageing

3. Woman and Education, Gender Equality and Empowerment

4. Women in Leadership and Networking for Service and Peace

The speakers were Senator Cynthisa A. Villar of the Philippines, Ms. Mariko Sato of UNFPA Tokyo, Dr Mary A.Y. Okada of Guam Community College, Soroptimist Governor Sylvia Crafton, PNP Concepcion Basilio of Inner Wheel Clubs of the Philippines, Inc and Teresa Lin of Zonta International -District Governor D17. At 7pm Gala Dinner was offered with an inspirational message by Lieom A. Loeak, Former First Lady of Marshall Islands. 

The third day, September 28th, right after the presentation of Sen. Loren Legarda of the Philippines on Woman in Environment, Culture and Heritage, workshop sessions started. Five sessions were held in different places and Korean delegates took part in the second workshop "Woman in Education and Gender Equality and actively shared the situation of Korea in education  and the progress made in gender equality. Five sessions were as follows. 

Workshop 1- Woman as an Entrepreneur, 

Workshop 2- Woman in Education and Gender Equality, 

Workshop 3- Woman in Leadership and Networking for Service and Peace, 

Workshop 4-Woman on Environment , Culture and Heritage, 

Workshop 5- Woman on Population and Ageing  

Afternoon visit to the National Museum was given. And after dinner, there was presentation of Country reports in the order of Singapore, Korea, Republic of China and Philippines. There were also presentation of President Minerva Laudico Awards for FAWA Past Presidents including Dr. Jungsook Kim. 

In the morning of the 29th, election of 5 members at Large (FAWA Board of Trustees and FAWA Board) was held and Sunny Shin from Korea was elected as one of 5 members. At noon Cong. Pia Cayetano made a speech during lunchtime, and at 1:30 workshop reports and adoption of resolutions were announced. Board meeting of the newly elected officers 2018-2020 was held and so was rehearsal of country performances. At 7pm, during the convention closing dinner, Senator Aquilino Pimentel III was the guest of honor and speaker, and he had the newly elected officers take an oath and installation of Newly Elected officers was set. The next host country was decided to be Japan and Korean delegates sang 'Que Sera Sera' and 'You are my Sunshine'. Out of nowhere audiences sang along with some handful of roses and someone brought a birthday cake in front of Dr. Jungsook Kim and we all were full of happy smile because of a surprise birthday party for her. The closing was singing and dancing with Philippines' country performance and it was fabulous. Everyone of us enjoyed every moment. 

On the 30th, from early in the morning the tour to Villa Escudero was offered and participants had delicious lunch on the water right by the waterfall. Some enjoyed the canoe ride in the lake, and others went on a museum trip and souvenir shopping. What happy moment!