The Making of Samar Association of Australia

By Ethel Singzon
President - Samar Assoc. of Australia
Sydney-Australia
January 25, 2018



With a view of helping the province of Samar and its surrounding Waray-speaking regional areas, the Samar Association of Australia was born on 7 January 2018.  Likewise, it was the clamor of Samarnons and Warays living in Sydney, Australia which could not be ignored who felt the need to build strong relations amongst each other and re-establish links to their native land of Samar.

Samar is the Philippines’ third largest island located in the Eastern part of the Visayas region of the country. The San Juanico Bridge, a famous landmark as reflected in the association’s logo connects the province to most neighbouring regions. However, Samar remains one of the poorest and most neglected in terms of government appropriations and project funding. It has logged behind for transportation, infrastructure and technological development.  Geographically situated in the Philippines’ typhoon belt, Samar also suffers some of the worst calamities afflicted upon the area. 

The Samar Association is a non-profit organization and aims to focus on education and livelihood projects.  Specifically, our objectives are:
1. to provide assistance to poverty stricken areas of Samar and its surrounding areas;
2. to provide financial assistance in times of calamities and disasters;
3. to help promote the provinces of Samar; 
4. to foster spirit of friendship and camaraderie among the people of Samar;
5. to foster good relations with Waray speaking Filipinos as well as the rest of the Filipino- Australian community.

The initiative was collectively expressed while practicing for a performance for an up and coming Sinulog event in Sydney and included:  Ethel Singzon, Mercy Jones, Serna Ladia, Irene Villamar, Nancy Paull, Pacita Villaver, Angie Jenkins and Espie Pogson.  The idea snowballed and the organization was formed as others expressed their desire to join.

Subsequently, the organization was formalized and the induction was held at the Philippine Consulate General in Sydney with Acting Consul General Marford Angeles administering the oath of office on January 18, 2018 at the Philippine Consulate.

The founding officers and directors include:  Ethel Singzon (President), Mercy Jones (Vice President), Cleo Baltazar (Secretary), Judith del Prado (Treasurer), Ligaya Zapalla (Auditor), Julieta Sabarre (PRO) and Directors Gina Figueroa, Daisy Lopez and Nancy Paull.

The vibrant and passionate officers are all geared up to serve the best interests of Samar.  “There will be challenges but the support from the Filipino community has been overwhelming and most encouraging,” said Ms. Singzon.  “We invite everyone to join us,” she adds. Individuals born or raised in Samar are encouraged to join the organization by contacting the President or any of the above-mentioned officers. 

For further information please contact:
Ms. Ethel Singzon, President on 0474 581 648 or via email at [email protected]