FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN SWITZERLAND DONATES FOR SCHOOLING OF LESS FORTUNATE CHILDREN IN THE PHILIPPINES
On 12 July 2015, the Filipino Community Network of Canton Berne (FilCom Network-Berne) turned over to the Embassy the amount of CHF 2,200 for donation to the Educational Research and Development Assistance (ERDA) Foundation, Inc. in the Philippines.
The amount was collected through fund raising activities held by the FilCom Network-Berne as this year’s organizer of the Switzerland-wide Filipino community celebration of the 117th Anniversary of Philippine Independence Day held on 06 June2015 in Uetendorf, Canton of Berne.
During a simple picnic-cum-turnover ceremony held in Wilderswil, Canton of Berne, Ambassador Leslie Baja formally received the donation from the FilCom Network-Berne for remittance to the ERDA Foundation.
Ambassador Baja thanked the FilCom Network-Berne for the generosity of its officers and members and for their readiness to support fellow Filipinos in need.
Ambassador Baja (center) during the turn-over ceremony of the Filipino community’s donation for ERDA Foundation, Inc.
ERDA Foundation is a non-stock, non-profit organization founded in 1974 by Jesuit Priest Fr. Pierre T. Tritz, SJ, a French national naturalized as Filipino, who conceived the idea of helping the poor but deserving Filipino children have access to education.
ERDA works closely with the Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and other government agencies to promote the total development, physical, social and economic aspects of poor children.
Since its founding, ERDA has helped about 750,000 children and youth in their studies. Its operation reaches nationwide through tie-up with 145 organizations. Aside from its educational assistance, ERDA has also developed programs for the families of the beneficiaries as well as their communities.
Ambassador Baja (third from left) and some members of FilCom Network-Berne during the picnic-cum-turnover ceremony held in Wilderswil on 12 July 2015.
