PHILIPPINE CONSULATE WA HOLDS 1ST FILIPINO INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS FORUM
More than 100 Filipino International Students (FIS) in Western Australia attended the 1st Filipino International Students Forum on 12 October 2024 in Perth.
A project of the Philippine Consulate in Western Australia spearheaded by Honorary Consul Melissa Dalisay Aguasa, the students summit was organised as an initial step towards the formation of the FIS Council of WA which will serve as the conduit of the Consulate in reaching out to student nationals and looking after their concerns and welfare with the help of the Filipino community in WA.
Consul Aguasa launched the program as cornerstone of her first 100 days in office. "I always hold our young Filipino students as a priority sector as I believe they are among the most vulnerable I envision to create a constant linkage with these student nationals and to ensure that their stay here in WA would be productive, secure and safe," Aguasa said.
The Philippines is ranked fourth among the country of origin for international students in Australia for the January to April 2024 period.
Honorary Consul Melissa Dalisay Aguasa with Filipino international students during the first ever FIS Forum Western Australia in Perth on 12 October 2024.
PHILIPPINECONSULATEWAHOLDS1STFILIPINOINTERNATIONALSTUDENTSFORUM
The number of international students studying in Australia totalled 704,931 for the JanuaryApril 2024 period. 35,309 of these students are from the Philippines. In Western Australia, the Philippines ranked fifth among the country of origin for international students at 3,723 as of the same period
The forum involved exchange of information in the areas of migration and visa services, financial management, mental health, education and work opportunities.
Michael John L Santos was elected interim Council Chair with three representatives each from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. They are Yvonne Cher Masilang, Christian Amador Andrada and Jon Michael Retales (Luzon); Fritzel Lou Sajulga, Ruchie Mark Pototanon, and Kailee Mae Dag-uman (Visayas); Manuel Cortina, Raphael Aguirre and Allan Edge Eje (Mindanao).
(Top photo) Honorary Consul Melissa Dalisay Aguasa with Filipino international students representatives. (Left to right) Leo Ramos (Mental Health), Dalwallinu councilor Jimwell Cruz, Consul Aguasa, Phoebe Lyn Lopez, HR Manager of Duton Hotel.