By Cyr David Cuala and Shaina Pineda
The Association of Filipino Educators-Qatar (AFEQ), an organization that once started as a vision, had come a long way from its humble beginnings. On the 11th of September, educators gathered as they marked its seventh anniversary through a webinar with the theme “New Normal-DRIVEN.” A beautiful morning welcomed the members as they entered the zoom meeting with their radiating smiles and cheerful voices. Although bounded by limited means, it did not hinder AFEQ from manifesting positivity throughout as they celebrated this momentous occasion.
The first session of the event officially commenced as Mr. Jaspher D. Tapiz, the master of the event, received the audience with sincere greetings. The prayer was led by Ms. Laarni C. Pascual, the Public Relations Officer, and was followed by singing the national anthems. Afterward, Dr. Cleofe M. Pascual, the current president of AFEQ, conveyed her heartfelt opening remarks. She emphasized that no crisis is an impediment for teachers to fulfill their primary duty: Touch students’ lives. Shortly after, Ms. Aikko R. Pelayo, the Business Manager, oriented everyone on the house rules and the parallel webinar sessions. In the latter part of the session, the organization’s former presidents expressed their warmest commendation through various approaches. Dr. Nida H. Garcia, AFEQ President 2017-2019, felt nostalgic as she reminisced about the exciting activities and conventional manners practiced during the previous anniversaries. Mr. Jason A. Iyas, AFEQ President 2015-2017, came after as he stressed the organization’s strength, relying on its members’ power. Last but not least, Dr. Alexander S. Acosta, founder of AFEQ, asserted that this period is guaranteed to be the organization’s maturing stage. Moreover, he enlightened the teachers with insightful reminders to be pro-people, be passionate, and be purpose-driven. Undeniably, the former officers’ insightful messages filled the hearts of the members with great encouragement. Dr. Noemi F. Formaran, AFEQ Vice President-External, awarded them with a virtual plaque of appreciation to acknowledge their uplifting words.
Furthermore, Dr. Maria Anita P. Cervantes, AFEQ Secretary, introduced the guest speaker, Mr. David Des T. Dicang, the Labor Attaché of POLO OWWA. He mentioned the significant labor employment reforms in Qatar, covering the minimum wage and transferring jobs. He then concluded his speech by emphasizing the equal footing of fighting the crisis and its massive impacts, which taught us adaptability to different communication platforms. Soon after his speech, Dr. Cleofe Macaraeg awarded him with a certificate of appreciation.
To keep everyone energized throughout the event, selected PISQ teachers gracefully led everyone into a ‘zoomba’. Moving on to the most awaited part of the event, Dr. Cervales presented the sessions’ competent trainers with honor. She also briefed the members with designed topics that they may join. The webinars were as follows:
Without a doubt, the webinars widened the members’ grasps in managing their overall well-being amid the new normal. To recognize the AFEQ educators who imparted their expertise with excellence, Ms. Lei T. Asis, AFEQ Secretary, awarded them a certificate of appreciation. A delightful intermission number subsequently followed this from Mr. Marco Fernandez and fun games and fabulous raffle prizes were given. The event ended with the closing remarks from Mr. Jojo L. Calaque, the VP-External. AFEQ, once again, remarkably achieved a milestone on this day despite the limitations it came across. The educators unitedly embarked on a journey towards a bright future to reach greater heights of success.