We are pleased to inform you that once again this year the Association Culture Ticino Network from Lugano is part of the Charity programme of the StraLugano.

By purchasing tickets at the Culture Network Association in Lugano, you can participate in the event and at the same time support our solidarity projects in Ticino and in the Philippines.

The traditional Run4Charity walk of the StraLugano will take place on Saturday 10 September at 8.30 p.m. The marathon has a purely charitable purpose and a gathering in the name of solidarity: the attendees can participate by running, walking or strolling as ranking and finishing time are of no importance. Precisely for this reason, the event is open to all people, families, groups of friends or associations who wish to experience a cheerful evening together.

Tickets for the event can be bought at our Association at only CHF 25 for adults and CHF 10 for children under 16.

On the day of the event, you can just go to the Run4Charity stand and present the ticket purchased from our Association. You will also receive the official StraLugano T-shirt as a gift.

Walk with us for solidarity!

To purchase tickets, please contact our Association and pay your contribution to the account:

Associazione Culture Ticino Network, Lugano
IBAN: CH140024724710719501F
BIC: UBSWCHZH80A

 

Our contacts:

Mail: info@culture-ti.net

Tel: +41 91 922 95 18

Facebook: Associazione Culture Ticino Network

Instagram: cultureticinonetwork

Thursday 12th May 2022 at 20:00

at the San Carlo Borromeo Church in Lugano

 

After two years of forced standstill due to the pandemic, the Association Culture Ticino Network of Lugano starts again with a solidarity Concert dedicated to “World Peace”: with the extraordinary participation of the Filipino baritone Joseleo C. Logdat, who has received several international awards and recognitions, and the extraordinary violinist Natalia Carpenco, of Moldovan origin, who collaborates with several important international musicians. You are therefore all invited to participate on Thursday 12th May 2022 at 20:00 at the San Carlo Borromeo church in via Nassa 26, 6900 Lugano.

Entrance to the event is free and we recommend the use of a mask.

 

We present you:

 

Joseleo C. Logdat, a baritone originally from the Philippines, winner of numerous international awards, including two Aliw Awards, one as Best Performer in 2020 and one as Best Male Classical Performer in 2019. He has performed with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra and many other prestigious international orchestras. He has also collaborated with numerous artists, embassies and performed in different parts of the world, including: Japan, Austria, Geneva, Romania, Italy, Spain and Australia. During the pandemic, he also launched his own TV talk show in the Philippines with the aim of promoting local artists and musicians.

 

 

 

Natalia Carpenco, a renowned violinist from Moldova, has participated in several competitions and festivals in Romania, Moldova and Ukraine. She collaborates with various musicians, including pianist Antonio Davì, playing pieces by Ennio Morricone. She has recently joined the famous Trio LiberTré and today she is also dedicated to Italian Swing with the duo “LE UNIO”, performing in squares and theatres with their show “Quei meravigliosi anni 50 e d’intorni”.

 

 

 

Malou Rauto, a talented Filipino pianist, graduated in Music with a major in Piano Performance from the University of Sto Tomas in the Philippines. She has extensive professional experience having performed several times live at the Philippine Dance Theater in Manila and at the Ballet School of Tita Radaic at St Theresa’s College in Manila. In addition, she is a piano teacher at St. Theresa’s Music School and Maestro Gianni Zari’s School of Dance in Milan, Italy.

 

 

The proceeds of this solidarity event will be donated to the neediest people in Ticino, “Tavolino Magico“, and to our Association’s solidarity project “Professional training in the gastronomy sector to support the start-up of independent activities in the Province of Bulacan, Philippines“.

For those who would like to support our Association, here are the bank details:

Association Culture Ticino Network, Lugano

IBAN: CH140024724710719501F

BIC: UBSWCHZH80A

For further information please contact us by e-mail: info@culture-ti.net

or by phone: +41 91 922 95 18

 

Our social media pages:

Instagram: cultureticinonetwork
Facebook: Associazione Culture Ticino Network
Facebook: Culture Ticino Network and Philippines Association

The Association Culture Ticino Network of Lugano launches, for all 2022 and beyond, a special fundraiser in collaboration with the historic bakery – pastry Bignasca of Sonvico to support “scholarships (Tesda programs) and start up” in the field of pastry and bakery in the Region of Bulacan, Philippines. For this purpose, the bakery Bignasca has created a baked product named: “GIOIA ESOTICA” that you can order at our Association in Lugano or buy directly at the bakery Bignasca in Pregassona. Part of the proceeds from the sales of the cake “GIOIA ESOTICA” will be donated to the project “Professional training in the field of gastronomy and support the start-up of independent activities in the Province of Bulacan in the Philippines”.  Partners of the project are Korphil Training Center in Bulacan and our sister Association Culture Ticino Network and Philippines Association in Paombong/Philippines.

 

Who is it addressed to? To individuals, companies, associations, foundations who wish to support this project.
It is perfect for any occasion!
Where can you buy it? At the headquarters of the Association Culture Ticino Network Via Cortivallo 3a, 6900 Lugano (c / o MaffeisNetwork SA), for orders you can contact us via e-mail: info@culture-ti.net or at: +41 91 922 95 18. Or at the point of sale of the bakery Bignasca SA in Pregassona.
In addition, there is the possibility to receive large quantities of product for your company or events.

Part of the proceeds from the sales of the cake “GIOIA ESOTICA” will go to the project “Professional training in the field of gastronomy and support for the start-up of independent activities in the Province of Bulacan in the Philippines”. 

 

THE PROJECT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bulacan Province is located northeast of the Philippine capital Manila in the central part of Luzon Island. The area covered by this project includes the southern coastal part of the province between the mouth of the Pampanga River and the north-eastern outskirts of Manila. This area is characterized by strong industrial development with an emphasis on the food industry. In addition, there are plans to build some high-income residential neighbourhoods, residences for tourist purposes and a new international airport flanked by a port area. These innovations will have economic implications, for example it will be necessary to train people in order to take advantage of the various employment opportunities that will derive from these infrastructures and this is especially true for the less affluent population.

A sector that is emerging as an economic activity with a certain potential for development is certainly that of catering and gastronomy. For this reason, our project wants to reach as many people as possible, giving priority to women, in order to allow professional training in the field of gastronomy that aims to enhance the local specialties. The modules offered will be: 144 hours of preparation for the trade of baker and pastry chef, 200 hours of preparation as NC II cook, 80 hours of Preparation of cold meals, and 40 hours for the Preparation of desserts.

The project thus aims to create the conditions for that part of the population that risks being marginalized or excluded from the dynamics of development in this region, and thus to help counteract the trends of increasing socioeconomic disparities among the population that is already currently evident.

In addition, during the pandemic, many people lost their jobs, increasing the problem of poverty to which they were subjected.

There will also be a phase of accompaniment for those who intend to start an independent activity, they will be helped in developing direct contacts with local producers, small businesses, up to the point of being able to create local agro-food mini-businesses.

The project intends to offer the possibility of training with related officially recognized Philippine national diploma through instruction modules of baker and pastry chef, cook, cold meal preparation and cake preparation, which are offered by KorPhil IT Training Center. Also, we would like to point out that the project will not have a time frame. The goal will be to offer scholarships, follow the candidates during their training, but most importantly once they graduate, Culture Ticino Network and Philippines Association in Paombong will continue to keep in touch with the graduates to ensure their placement in the workforce.

 

The partners that will make the project possible will be:

• Culture Ticino Network and Philippines Association in Paombong
• KorPhil IT Training Center (TESDA Program) – Bulacan
• Pastry shop Bignasca SA of Sonvico

The first partner is the twin association that is already active in the area, and that promotes various activities, from the support to less affluent families, through actions of distribution of meals, to the purchase of educational material for schools, but also in the environmental field with the collection and recycling of plastic waste. This association will give direct help in the start-up of independent activities and in the establishment of food chains.

The second partner mentioned is an institution that deals with professional training recognized by the Philippine government, which has given its willingness to collaborate on the basis of the objectives of the project.

The third partner is Bignasca SA Bakery, a historic pastry shop in Sonvico. In the month of December 2021, it has allowed the project to come to life through the solidarity sale of artisanal panettone cakes. Thanks to the positive feedback obtained, the collaboration will continue throughout 2022.

Our initiatives would not be possible without the support of our supporters and partners. In fact, we want to thank the generosity shown over the years, which has allowed us to help children and families in need.  Our project will be a start, to help introduce women and men in the world of work and allow them to get out of the poverty.

We take to heart every donation for fundraising, which is done with the utmost transparency and seriousness. Our Association Culture Ticino Network in Lugano/Switzerland is recognized of public utility by the Canton Ticino and for this reason you can deduct the donation from your taxes.

“The great wealth of humanity lies in solidarity” and to get out of these difficult times it really only takes a small gesture but of great importance. We will be very grateful to anyone who decides to donate something to fight this emergency that has affected the neediest people and we thank you already now for your solidarity.

 

For Donations:

Associazione Culture Ticino Network, Lugano
IBAN: CH140024724710719501F
BIC: UBSWCHZH80A

 

For more information, please contact us by e-mail: info@culture-ti.net or at the number: +41 91 922 95 18

 

Our social pages:

Instagram: cultureticinonetwork
LinkedIn: Culture Ticino Network Association Lugano
Facebook: Culture Ticino Network Association
Facebook: Culture Ticino Network and Philippines Association

January Update: On Friday, 29th January 2021, the first distribution of school supplies for the neediest children of  the Elementary School in Paombong took place. Due to pandemic, the materials were distributed to parents because the children cannot go to school yet. We sincerely thank Mrs. Janet and other teachers for their valuable cooperation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Updating July month: After a long period of stalemate, due to the sharp increase of COVID-19 infections in Philippines, another distribution was organized on 11^th July 2021, in collaboration with our twin association Culture Ticino Network and Philippines association of Paombong in Philippines, in Barangay San Isidro I of Paombong in Bulacan region. The Barangay lives in a state of extreme poverty. Most people live by fishing, meanwhile the others live by collecting rubbish.

During the day, the food parcels composed of 2kg of rice, noodles, coffee and canned goods were distributed to 120 poor families. For the occasion, 144 bottles of vitamins were also distributed to malnourished children with a very weak immune system.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our warm thanks to all the supporters and in particular to our volunteers in the Philippines, the Head of Barangay Mrs. Kagawad Jong Vergara for precious help and Mr. Jude Trinidad of St. Luke’s Medical Foundation of Manila for vitamins sponsorship.

 

You can make your donation to the following bank account in the name of the association:

Associazione Culture Ticino Network, Lugano
IBAN: CH140024724710719501F
BIC: UBSWCHZH80A

 

Heartfelt thanks for every donation! We will treat every support with the most transparency. Our association in Paombong will follow this project on site.

Our Culture Ticino Network Association in Ticino/Switzerland is recognized as a public utility by the Canton of Ticino and for this reason you can deduct the donation from your taxes.

“The great richness of humanity grows in solidarity” and to get out of these difficult moments only a minimal but enormously important gesture can do the difference. We will be very grateful to anyone who decides to donate something to support this emergency that has affected the Philippines, in particular the neediest people in the Region of Bulacan. Thank you so much in advance for your donation and solidarity!

 

For more information:  info@culture-ti.net or by phone +41 91 922 95 18

Facebook: Associazione Culture Ticino Network

Facebook: Culture Ticino Network and Philippines Association

 

DOWNLOAD THE COMPETITION ANNOUNCEMENT AND APPLICATION FORM:  CLICK HERE

On the occasion of the 8th edition of the “Walking for Peace and the Environment”, which took place on 13 October 2022, the call for competition “Write the Song of Peace” was launched to celebrate the first 10 years of activity of the Culture Ticino Network Association. Children from primary and secondary schools as well as children’s choirs from the Ticino, Como and Varese provinces are invited.

This new competition is an ideal continuation of the project for the creation of a “Culture of Peace” in continuity with the historical commitment of our association and its initiatives “Create a Flag for Peace” in 2018 and “Poems of Peace” in 2019.

The Culture Ticino Network association confirms, thus, on its 10th anniversary, its constant commitment to the creation of opportunities for sociability, exchange and cultural growth.

The subject of the 2022/2023 call for entries is the creation of lyrics for one or more songs for peace, with a focus on the dissemination of the culture of peace and the protection of the environment, addressing the themes of kindness, friendship and cultures. It is also possible to submit the lyrics accompanied by a melody or musical basis. The songs will be assessed by the association’s board of directors and people with musical experience.

The “Song of Peace” must be the result of productive teamwork based on solid values of friendship, brotherhood, sharing and cooperation between apparently different peoples and cultures.

The registration deadline for the contest is Thursday 15 December 2022.

The deadline for delivery of the songs is Friday 28 April 2023 and can be made by ordinary mail to the Culture Ticino Network Association or by email to: info@culture-ti.net

The awarding of the winning elementary and middle school classes as well as the children’s choirs will take place during an event specially organised by the Culture Ticino Network Association, to be held in May 2023. More information about this event will be provided later.

We would like to thank you in advance for your participation and for putting your creativity at our disposal.

 

For further information: info@culture-ti.net  or Tel. +41 91 922 95 18

Facebook: Associazione Culture Ticino Network Association

Facebook: Culture Ticino Network and Philippines Association

Instagram: cultureticinonetworkonetwork

We are glad to inform you that the 8th edition of “Walking for Peace” has been postponed in Date to be defined. As soon as the coronavirus situation allows us to continue the organization, we will immediately update you about the program. This important and symbolic cross-border event, organized by the Culture Ticino Network Association of Lugano and that will be held in Malcantone and Varesotto, is supported every year by the Italian and Swiss municipalities involved, sponsored by the Province of Varese and other institutions.

The whole event will be animated by performances and shows, in correspondence with the various stages of the journey and aims to promote the culture of peace by unite all peoples between the Swiss and Italian state.

Two group of participants, one from Switzerland and one from Italy, march toward a common goal: the border bridge of Ponte Tresa, which has become the “bridge of peace” and symbol of the union of people. A convivial moment will follow with the presentation of our projects and a fundraising.

All the money raised during this event will be used to support the projects of the Culture Ticino Network Association in the Philippines and Ticino.

This year will be a special opportunity to show together our solidarity for the people all over the world, an event to celebrate all together!

More information about the organization can be obtained by contacting us or by following our social pages:

Mail: info@culture-ti.net

Tel: +41 91 922 95 18

Facebook: Association Culture Ticino Network

Instagram: cultureticinonetwork

 

Discover the 2019 edition of “Walking for Peace” [CLICK HERE]

After the great successes of the past editions, this year the Culture Ticino Network Association of Lugano is very pleased to announce that the organization for the 10th anniversary of the World Peace Forum, that will take place in the year 2022, continue! We are not able yet to give you more information about the general program, due to the coronavirus situation, but as soon as possible we will inform you about it.

It will be an extraordinary Forum with the aim of bringing all generations closer to the culture of peace and solidarity; through various activities, round tables, convivial moments, shows and solidarity. As always there will also be the “Village of Peace”, an entire day dedicated to the schools in Ticino, with interesting workshops developed by professionals on current issues, from the environment to human rights.

The funds collected during all the World Peace Forum events will be used to support the projects of the Culture Ticino Network Association in the Philippines and Ticino.

This year will be even more an special opportunity to show our solidarity for all the people of the world, an event to be celebrated all together! Peace must start from small groups, from ourselves, from the family, and then be spread all over the world through important values such as dialogue and solidarity.

More information about the organization can be obtained by contacting us or by following our social pages:

Mail: info@culture-ti.net

Tel: +41 91 922 95 18

Facebook: Association Culture Ticino Network

Instagram: cultureticinonetwork

 

Discover the 2019 edition of the “World Peace Forum” [CLICK HERE]

This pandemic, characterized by so many difficulties for the entire world population, is forcing all of us to change our habits of life and to open more our hearts to the neediest people. One of the most important human rights is certainly the right to food, and unfortunately in the poorest areas this important right has difficulty to be fulfilled.

5 years ago our Culture Ticino Network Association started to support the neediest people in Ticino and in the Philippines too, especially in the Bulacan Region. In January 2020 we also founded our twin association “Culture Ticino Network and Philippines Association” based in Paombong. This was strongly desired by our President Margherita Maffeis-Natale, also Honorary Consul of the Philippines in the Canton of Ticino, and by our committee to help with projects in the poor area of grade 3, which includes Paombong, with about 53’000 inhabitants, where the majority of the population lives in extreme poverty.

SUPPORT OUR FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN!

With Covid-19 the Region of Bulacan and Paombong, currently in quarantine, are facing serious food supplies difficulties. For this reason, the Association Culture Ticino Network of Lugano immediately responded to the request for help of the Rdo. Fr. Anacleto C. Ignacio of the Parish of Paombong in the Philippines, with the aim of helping 1’000 families living in extreme poverty. The aid consists in preparing food packages containing rice, noodles, canned goods for these neediest families.

From 2 to 4 April 2020, thanks to an initial payment by our Association and the support by other sponsors in the Philippines, have been distribuited food packages to the neediest families.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Update of May: the Culture Ticino Network Association in Lugano/Switzerland and the Culture Ticino Network and Philippines Association in Paombong/Filippine are pleased to inform you that in the first half of May 2020, in collaboration with the local parish of Paombong, other food packages were distributed to the most needy families in Paombong. Our donation included 116 packages containing 3 kg of rice, noodles and canned meat. We sincerely thank the sponsors and the parish of Paombong for their valuable cooperation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We would also like to thank the pharmaceutical company Pasqual Laboratories Inc. in Manila for its sponsorship of medicines and vitamins.

On Sunday May 31st 2020, the Culture Ticino Network of Lugano Association, in collaboration with the Culture Ticino Network and Philippines Association of Paombong, distributed food packages in the Barangay Balite of Malolos (Bulacan Region) to 100 neediest families. Our donation included 3 kg of rice, noodles, tinned meat and coffee.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Update of June: on Monday June 1st 2020 another distribution of food packages to the poorest families in Paombong took place, again in collaboration with our Culture Ticino Network and Philippines Association, which operates on site. On this day were distributed rice, noodles, coffee, medicines and vitamins for adults and children.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On June 28th 2020, the fifth distribution of food packages and medications took place in the two Barangay Balite and Balayong of Malolos, in the Bulacan Region. Helping the poorest of the poor is the mission of the association Culture Ticino Network of Lugano (Switzerland) and Culture Ticino Network and Philippines Association of Paombong (Philippines). This distribution has touched our hearts. Many families have no more rice and risk suffering even more hunger. All these families live in very poor situations and also need your help.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Update of August: on 15 August 2020 there was the 6th distribution of the relief goods in the Barangay Isla Masile – Malolos City – Bulacan, Philippines.
It was a day full of emotions and a lot of heart. Many families live in extreme poverty and many homes are flooded. Food is scarce and fishing is not always fruitful. Culture Ticino Network Association in Lugano (Switzerland) and Culture Ticino Network and Philippines Association in Paombong (Philippines) are already organizing the next distribution. We are looking for sponsors, so we can help more families in need.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Updates for the month of September: We are proud to inform you that on 26 September 2020 the seventh distribution of food packages took place in Barangay NG Caliligawan (City of Malolos) and Malolos. After an hour of boat trip, on Saturday, a hundred relief goods were distributed to very poor families living on this island of fishermen. The Associazione Culture Ticino Network of Lugano (Mainsponsor in Switzerland) and the Associazione Culture Ticino Network and Philippines Association in Paombong did not stop and on the same day they delivered another 40 relief goods to needy families in the area in Malolos. Another 30 relief goods will be distributed in the next few days to people who live in the Bulacan Region and who for months no longer receive a salary due to the pandemic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Update November: We are glad to inform you that on the 28^th of November 2020 the eight distribution was made in Barangay Tibag in Pulilan, Bulacan Region. During the day, over one hundred food packages containing rice, noodles, coffee, and canned fish and meat were distributed to very poor families, who were greatly affected by the pandemic and the typhoon Ulysses which in november hit strong the Philippines.
After the heavy rain this Saturday, our local committee members, Jennefer, Elsa, Justine, and Ernie were unable to reach all the various huts, and for this reason, the distribution was organized safely, gathering part of the beneficiaries in one location.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Update December: We are glad to inform you that on the 30^th of December 2020 another important distribution was made in the Barangay Meysulao in Calumpit. During that day, food packs with rice, noodles, coffee and canned goods were distributed to a hundred very poor families who still lives in the evacuation center. Unfortunately these people can not yet return to their homes, because they still have floods in their houses. We wanted to bring them a little joy, aware that it is only a drop, but made with the heart.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To be able to continue with the distribution in the coming months we need your help! Even a small donation can make a big difference!

 

You can make your free offer to the following bank account in the name of the association:

Associazione Culture Ticino Network, Lugano
IBAN: CH140024724710719501F
BIC: UBSWCHZH80A

 

Heartfelt thanks for every donation! We will treat every support with the most transparency. Our association in Paombong will follow this project on site.

Our Culture Ticino Network Association in Ticino/Switzerland is recognized as a public utility by the Canton of Ticino and for this reason you can deduct the donation from your taxes.

“The great richness of humanity lies in solidarity” and to get out of these difficult moments only a minimal but enormously important gesture is really enough. We will be very grateful to anyone who decides to donate something to support this emergency that has affected the neediest people in Paombong. Thank you so much in advance for your donation and solidarity!

 

For more information:  info@culture-ti.net or by phone +41 91 922 95 18

Facebook: Associazione Culture Ticino Network

Facebook: Culture Ticino Network and Philippines Association

 

Our President Margherita Maffeis-Natale, and Honorary Consul of the Philippines in Ticino, went again this year with her husband from 1st to 17th January 2020 to the Philippines; this year with a special mission, namely to consolidate our newly founded twin association Culture Ticino Network and Philippines Association, based in Paombong, and to start with our local committee the important project “Sustainable Development in Paombong”. Below is the story of her journey:

“I’m glad to tell you about my fourth humanitarian trip to the Philippines, which took place this January 2020. We left on December 31, 2019, celebrating with positive emotions, and in various places around the world, the end and beginning of the year. After a long journey of 24 hours, on January 1 my husband and me arrived at Manila airport, where we were warmly welcomed by Jennefer Espinosa (our local representative) and accompanied, with another 2.5 hours of travel, to our hotel located in the Bulacan Region. After a day of adaptation to the Jetlag and after recovering our strength we start our humanitarian mission.

On January 3rd we held the first meeting in the hotel with the committee members of the newly founded Culture Ticino Network and Philippines Association based in Paombong. The first topics discussed were the projects to be carried out for the most needy and the organization of our Spyri award ceremony that would be held the following 14th of January.
In the following days I held several meetings also aimed at establishing the legal basis on which to finish the accreditation of our new association.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On January 7th I met in the morning the parish priest of Paombong, the Rev.Fr. Anacleto C. Ignazio, and Francis Bartolome, vice chairman of the parish council, with whom we began to discuss various future projects to help those most in need in Paombong.

 

 

 

 

 

Subsequently I wanted to see the validity and progress of the educational project, launched by our Culture Ticino Network Association in Ticino in January 2019, at the “Central Elementary School” in Paombong, being able to see with pleasure the functionality and positive involvement of the students.

During our visit I delivered another new Laptop LABDOO, in addition to the other four provided during the last year; on all the 5 devices provided is installed an educational software able to help the training and learning of the students.
The project is having a lot of success and our Association wants to provide other educational laptops to the school in the future. A heartfelt thank you for the valuable collaboration also goes to the headmaster of the school Marquez T. Cartel and the teacher Ms Janet Principale.

 

On January 8th I met in Manila Ms. Susan “Toots” Ople, president of the Blase F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute Foundation in Manila, to which we will give our Spyri award. It was also a valuable opportunity to inform her about our humanitarian projects for the most needy in Paombong. On the same day, also in Manila, I held other meetings.

On January 10th I had the opportunity to meet the Swiss Ambassador, Alain Gaschen, in Manila. It was a very positive meeting with the desire to help the most needy in the Philippines.

On January 13th, the day began with an event with catastrophic consequences for all of us, but especially for the population of the towns near Manila: the eruption of the volcano Taal. This catastrophe has allowed us to understand even better how these people are living in constant danger, due to both poverty and possible natural disasters. The ashes of the volcano have reached a few kilometers from our hotel and saddened us all. However, I have noticed that despite everything, these people have not lost the solidarity and courage that distinguishes them. The Government immediately took action to inform and help the people who had to evacuate the affected area. Many local people and associations also met in the following days in community centres to cook and help those who had to leave their houses. Immediately afterwards, the Manila airport was also closed, putting our return back home at risk.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On January 14th the award ceremony for our Spyri Award was held in a room of our hotel. The Spyri Award is a recognition of the Culture Ticino Network Association that rewards a person who has distinguished himself for peace and solidarity. In 2019 it was awarded Ms. Susan Ople, who was unable to join us on November 16th 2019 to receive it in person during the ninth edition of our World Forum for Peace.
Ms. Ople received the Spyri Award for the help her foundation has provided and still provides to exploited and abused Filipino workers around the World.

On January 15th finally comes the news that our return flight has been confirmed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On January 16th the constitutive meeting of the Culture Ticino Network and Philippines Association took place, where all the roles were defined and the will to create a multifunctional centre in which to carry out training activities was expressed. The evening took place with joy and a great desire to realize important projects for the most needy in Paombong and in the Bulacan Region. Among the first projects scheduled for 2020 are the distribution of 31 scholarships lasting 2 years to the most needy students; a medical mission (free visits and surgery for the most needy) in collaboration with the parish of Paombong and the St. Luke Medical Center Foundation; the creation of training programs for cooks (Tesda program) and the implementation of the “Sustainable Development” project in Paombong.

 

On January 17th we leave for Switzerland, leaving us always the nostalgia of this wonderful country and the people we met, but also with the certainty in our hearts that we now have a valid local committee that will work with our Association in Ticino to implement humanitarian projects for the most needy of the region, and to have strengthened the bridge between Ticino and the Philippines!

Mabuhay Culture Ticino Network and Philippines Association in Paombong and Culture Ticino Network in Switzerland. God bless us all!

 

You can stay informed about all the news of Culture Ticino Network and Philippines Association by following the dedicated Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/cultureticinoandphilippines/