Pinoys in Australia show ’bayanihan’ is very much alive

   The spirit of bayanihan remains strong among Pinoys — whether they are in the country or abroad.

    It may have become all too familiar among Filipinos but the idea that underlies it  tugs at the heart.

   It is very much alive among Filipinos in Toowoomba, Queensland in Australia who conducted recently a fund-raising project for charity.

    The Dalby Filipino Australian Community Association Inc. (DFACAI) has been very much involved in this tradition handed to us down through generations of Filipinos.

    DFACAI is headed by Agnes P. Cabe as president. She is also the State Secretary for the Filipino Australian Business, Industry and Communities Council of Queensland, Inc. (FABICCQ).

    The DFACAI is a Filipino community organization under the umbrella group FABICCQ whose president is Dr. Roberto C. Garcia.

    On Oct. 22, a Saturday, DFACAI held a fund-raising drive —Cent Sale— for the benefit of St. Vincent de Paul, its chosen charity.

    “The DFACAI is very active in Dalby and surrounding areas in the Queensland region in support of the Western Downs Regional Council,” Garcia said.

    The Western Downs Regional Council has been organizing cultural events that showcase and engender Philippine culture among Filipinos “who are mostly settled on migrant visas”.

    “Many of them have become Australian citizens working  in various sectors like agriculture, health, services, hospitality and industry,” Garcia said.

    The two MacDonald franchises  in Daiby and Chinchilla, Garcia added, were managed by Filipinos.

    Last year, he said, DFACAI also organized a fund-raising campaign for a charity of its choice.