The Philippine-KOICA Fellows Association (PhilKOFA) Inc., graduates of KOICA-sponsored training and scholarship programs, convened at Baguio City on June 23, 2012 for the 3rd Luzon General Membership Meeting (GMM).  The objectives of the meeting were: 1) to strengthen membership in Luzon; 2) to discuss plans for implementation of Regional Coordinative Mechanisms (RCMs) activities and projects for 2013; and 3) to conduct an outreach program with the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center for its patients with medical disorder. 

In her President’s Mid-Year Report, Ms. Aurora Quiray underscored the activities conducted by PhilKOFA after the new Board of Trustees were sworn into office by KOICA Resident Representative Mr. Kim Jinoh on January 16. The first major activity was the Aritao Livelihood Training among Women’s Organization of Aritao on March 16 in partnership with the local government of Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya. The following day was the launching of the PhilKOFA Mobile Training Institute. Its purpose is to utilize the expertise of KOICA fellows and to increase networking with local government units. Mr. Eligio Ildefonso, Chairperson for the Committee on Education and Training of PhilKOFA, gave a lecture on Solid Waste Management (SWM) while PhilKOFA President Ms. Quiray gave a lecture on Family & Gender to the barangay and municipal officials of Aritao. In April 22, Operation Tuli (Circumcision) was delivered to 56 school children of San Isidro, Lupao, Nueva Ecija and an SWM lecture was given to the officials of Lupao in the afternoon. Another major activity was the Adopt-a-School project wherein PhilKOFA donated a computer and printer, and hygiene materials as well as slippers to the Mangyan School of Victoria, Oriental Mindoro.

Another highlight of the meeting was the election of Regional Coordinative Mechanisms (RCMs) officers for Luzon. They are Ms. Margarita Guinomma for Region 1, Ms. Marilyn Estrada for Region II, Ms. Edna Dizon for Region III, Ms. Vivian Valdez for Region IV-A, Ms. Rizalde Rogelio for IV-B, Ms. Elenita Fuentes for Region V and Ms. Imelda Walcien for CAR. Soon after the elections, PhilKOFAns grouped themselves by region to discuss and plan projects and activities in Luzon to be included in the Work and Financial Plan (WFP) for 2013.

In the afternoon, PhilKOFAns proceeded to the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) for their outreach program entitled “PhilKOFA Cares.” This activity was geared towards patients with mental disorder who are on the mend. After introductions, games were played to break the ice. Later on, PhilKOFAns divided into groups of three to engage a patient in conversation. This was an exercise in self-confidence and in preparation for their reintegration with society. To end the activities, gifts were given to the patients.