On 23 August 2020, the Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations (APCO) held at NARRA's ACI Central its second distribution of aid to the international students. This was undertaken in cooperation with APCO’S affiliates – NARRA, Plaza Filipino, the Filipino Women Support Group, Sedgwick Housing Coop Ltd., FLAGCOM and the Kapitbahayan Housing Cooperative Ltd.
The outreach was undertaken in collaboration with Vida Fernandez, head of the Australian Pinoy Students Association (APSA) and their volunteers.
In her welcome talk, APCO President, Violeta Escultua said:
"Good morning and welcome to ACI. The pandemic has impacted us and most especially you, Filipino student visa holders. APCO or the Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations as part of its Humanitarian Emergency And Livelihood (HEAL) project collaborated with APSA through MS Vida Fernandez who contacted us for the Feed-A-Student appeal. We immediately campaigned for cash donations and were able to hand in to APSA $3,800. Then came a NSW government announcement of grant to help those affected by Covid19. APCO applied for the grant with you Pinoy international students in our hearts and mind and in God’s grace our application was approved. We are well aware that you lost your jobs and badly in need of support for your day to day necessities. We are here this morning to distribute food packs, winter wear & blankets as well as rental/utilities assistance. We, the officers and members of APCO are delighted to see you today and we hope to assist you in whatever way we can.
"For some of you, this is the second time we are holding this project here in ACI Central. Thank you NARRA President Albie Prias for allowing us to use ACI as our venue for free.APCO deeply appreciates the hard work of APCO officers namely Vice President Charles Chan, Treasurer Dr. Jimmy Lopez, Secretary Carmen Fraser, Member of the Board & FWSG President Rose Lay, Members of the Board Zeny Piosik, Emma Braceros and George Torres, members Jo and Mr. Tada and Ana Carmichael all of whom helped a lot in planning, organising and implementing the objectives of the NSW government’s Covid19 grant. Thank you also to Ms.Violi Calvert, broadcaster and journalist for your presence. Salamat din sa mga APSA volunteers, Apple and Vincent. Magandang umaga at Mabuhay ang mga Pinoy!"
It was good to observe that COVID-19 recommended protocols were following. Everyone signed the register, used hand sanitiser, wore masks and practiced social distancing. The international students, some of whom came with their children, expressed their appreciation of the assistance they received.
APSA head Vida Fernandez, in her appreciation talk said:
"We would like to thank APCO for supporting our Adopt-A-Student Program by providing Rental Assistance to 54 of our members. We also had our 30th batch of students invited for our Feed-A-Student Program last Sunday, & continued our Cover-A-Student Program by giving out winter clothes, blankets & comforters. Our sincerest thanks to all our collaborators – individuals, businesses, & Filipino Community Organisations for the generosity and love you have shown to this group of our kababayans who were greatly affected by this covid-19 pandemic. You did not only fill a hungry stomach, but also gave hope to the Filipino International Students. Maraming Salamat Po!!!"
After the assistance distribution, the officers of APCO and APSA were invited to visit the adjacent NARRA Multimedia Studio. Everyone was advised that after all the necessary equipment were installed and operational, the facility will be available to the community for booking for recording, video production, live FB broadcasting and associated functions.