The 3rd Continental Convention of the Federation of Asian Kolping Organizations (FAKO), with the participation of delegates from six Asian countries, including a representative from Cologne, Germany, has turned out, as expected, a meaningful and highly successful activity that drew praises and congratulations from here and abroad. It achieved its objectives and developed a higher level of solidarity among the decision makers of its members –national organizations, according to Fr. Victor Santiago of Kolping India.
The convention also gave honor and special privilege to Bicolanos especially to Camarinenses as it was held February 25 to 27, 2007 at the Governor’s Mansion Suites at the Provincial Capitol Complex in Cadlan, Pili, Camarines Sur, Philippines. The 1st FAKO Convention was held in Mexico, the 2nd in India.
ONE WORLD.
ONE ASIA.
ONE KOLPING FAMILY
Kolping Society is a Catholic Lay Social Development organization with headquarters in Cologne, Germany. Founded more than 160 years ago by Father Adolph Kolping, it is in over 60 countries now, worldwide. Asian countries which sent their Kolping national leaders and other top officials to the FAKO convention were India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and the Philippines, the host of the 3-day event.
With the convention theme “One World, One Asia, One Kolping Family” one of the key objectives was for the attending delegates to share their experiences, learn from each other to plan and priorities FAKO programs, projects and activities for the next three years. Germany had a representative.
Caption: 3rd FAKO Convention Host, Kolping Society Philippine National President, Mr. Daniel De Leon, presiding the convention at the Governor’s Mansion, Provincial Capitol Complex, Pili, Camarines Sur, Philippines with the delegates from 7 countries.
HELPING PEOPLE HELP THEMSELVES
Each of the Asian Kolping country reported on what they have done and on what they are going to do in the years ahead. Subsequently, their respective reports were integrated in line with the FAKO programme outlook for their next 3-year development goals. And, as they said, they will do these to make Kolping Society more responsive in its service, more cognizant to pursue the mission they have embraced, that of helping people help themselves.
In the precise words of Mr. Martin J. Ruber who is the International Kolping Society Project Development Coordinator for Asia and Brazil, in his message of thanks to Kolping Philippines for a job well done he said: “FAKO is not just a continental association for itself, but yes, it is an instrument to improve the life, the living conditions, and the human dignity of many human beings in Asia, our sisters and brothers in God. Whatever you did for FAKO, you have done for the rest of them.”
In the Philippines, the first Kolping Families were organized in the province of Camarines Sur in 1992. In the succeeding years, Kolping Society saw a rapid spread in nearby towns, in Naga City and now in the other Bicol provinces, and in Pangasinan. Today, Kolping Society Philippines has more than 4000 members and 95 Kolping Families.
KSPI national office is located in Haring, Canaman, Camarines Sur. Its national officials are composed of Most. Rev. Leonardo Z. Legaspi, OP,DD, National Protector; Rev. Fr. J. Nelson B. Tria, National Praeses; E. Daniel A. De Leon, National President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees; Dolora S. Pempeña, Board Vice Chairman; Allene B. Baluyot, Board Secretary; Nonie F. Cañeso, Board Treasurer; Franklin Parpan, Board Auditor; Alden S. Bonot, Diocesan Representative, Archdiocese of Caceres; and Victor P. Estrella, Diocesan Representative, Diocese of Daet.
Caption: From Left to Right : Fr. Piet Olin (Kolping Indonesia), Fr. Michael Kyi Lwin (Kolping Myanmar), Fr. Feliks Djawa (Kolping Indonesia), Fr. Victor Santiago (Kolping India), Mr. E. Daniel A. De Leon (Kolping Society Philippines), Mr. Martin Ruber (International Kolping Society), Mr. Anthony Croos Robert John (Sri Lanka Kolping Society), Mr. Luke Joseph (Sri Lanka Kolping Society), Mr. Andrew Nguyen Huu Nghia (Vietnamese Kolping Society), Mr. Damiah Diah Ngoc Thieu (Vietnamese Kolping Society), Mr. Peter Tran Van Chuan (Vietnamese Kolping Society), Mr. John Kennedy Arockiam (Kolping India)
WORKSHOP OUTPUTS
The participant-delegates of the six countries were divided into two workshop groups. Each discussed specific issues, what they have done during the past three years 2004-2006 and the plans to take-up in the next three years (2007 – 2009). The Philippines was grouped with Vietnam and Indonesia.
The Kolping Society Philippines (KSPI), under the leadership of its national President E. Daniel A. De Leon, enumerated KSPI’s accomplishment, on institutional development as follows:
1. Intensified focus on Kolping Youth and kids development
2. Consolidation and strengthening of existing Kolping Families and new KFs.
3. Intensify strategic alliances and networking synergies
4. Distinctly differentiated the members from beneficiaries: roles and expectations
5. Recruited more committed members, double by 2007 and 20% increase annually.
6. 20 – 25% annual increase in projects and activities institutionalized (a) occupational and Entrepreneurial Trainings Cum Production (b) “One product. One family”
7. Interfaith joint projects conducted
On program development Mr. De Leon also discussed, in detail, the following:
1. SEED, FEED, and LEAD Programs of Kolping Philippines
2. “Kaizen” and technology innovations
3. Start common service facilities, ultimately converting the national office into a “Learning and Service coordination center”
Caption: The FAKO Praeses, Fr. Victor Santiago from India (left) and the International Kolping Society Project Coordinator for Asia and Brazil, Mr. Martin Ruber (right) donning the Ceremonial Robe ( a Chennai silk cloth from India) to the Chair of the 3rd FAKO convention KSPI President Mr. Daniel de Leon, as an expression of gratitude for the resounding success of the convention. KSPI is now considered as FAKO’s headquarters.
