USTAAB at the 1st Kapihan sa Pasuguan

The UST Alumni Association in Brunei Darussalam attended this year’s first Kapihan sa Pasuguan at the Philippine Embassy. Attendees on behalf of the USTAAB were officers Tere Cordova and Joji Castillo. Held last Friday, 31 January 2020, this regular meeting with various Filipino associations is one of the Embassy’s means to inform and/or gather information about current relevant issues facing OFWs in Brunei Darussalam.

Spearheaded by the Philippine Ambassador to Brunei – HE Ambassador Christopher Montero, the meeting kicked off with a short presentation of the Embassy’s accomplishments in 2019. Highlighted were visits of dignitaries from both Brunei and Philippines together with the various socio-civic activities held to assist our kababayans and promote Philippine culture. The presentation was followed by a quick run-through of the 2020 Calendar of Activities.

With recent issues such as the threat of pandemic and war, the most important topic discussed during the gathering is Contingency Plan and Crisis Management. The Philippine Embassy felt it necessary for everyone to know that there is a framework of logistical activities ready to be implemented should a crisis arise. Col. Ricky Laniog led the presentation that explains the meaning of each “Alert Level”, the key personnel in charge of each task, and the need for future volunteers who can assist in implementation. Further discussion with group leaders will be scheduled for the polishing of the said Crisis Management Procedure to suit the needs of all Filipinos in Brunei.

The final topic discussed that evening concerns the Philippine delegation joining the parade on the 23rd of February 2020 for the 36th Brunei National Day Celebration. Updates on the uniform design and rehearsal schedule were mentioned.