Phnom Penh – Filipinos spearheading the creation of a group among Cordillerans in Cambodia paid a courtesy visit to the Philippine Embassy on 14 September 2020. Ms. Myca Magnolia M. Fischer, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. of the Philippine Embassy, welcomed Mesdames Shiandy Puyao-Katoch, Jean Bomuwey and Ana Marie Soriano, Messrs Manny Nebaten and Fred Dicang who introduced the soon-to-be formally launched group called Cordillerans in Cambodia or CiC.

Considered the first regional grouping under the Samahan ng mga Pilipino sa Cambodia, the CiC aims to promote solidarity among Filipinos from the provinces of Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, and the city of Baguio. The CiC also intends to strengthen cultural identity and awareness, help achieve personal and professional development of its members, and better represent the group in SAMAPI.

The CiC core group members shared their plans to create sub-groups for culture, performing arts, professional development, among others, possibly in collaboration with individuals from outside the region who are Cordillerans by heart and have an appreciation of its culture. They announced plans to hold the official launch of CiC and holding of a General Assembly, tentatively in October 2020.

In response, Ms. Fischer expressed support for the CiC and commended their efforts to help one another and strengthen unity among Filipinos from Cordillera who are living and working in Cambodia. She also suggested conducting activities that will engage Cambodians and let them know of the rich cultural diversity of the Philippines. END