Mahal kong mga kaibigan,
Dear friends, all members and non-members of the Association celebrating here today,
On behalf of the friendship and solidarity group Filippiinit-seura, I would like to express our warm congratulations to our dear partner Finnish-Philippine Association on its 20th anniversary. We appreciate very much your activities for the Filipino culture in Finland.
It has been a great pleasure to work with your association. Our cooperation started soon after both associations were founded in 1988 and has since developed year after year. Working together with your ever so active members has also stimulated our own organization. We are very grateful for all the help we have got. In so many events we have enjoyed your cultural performances, excellent Filipino cooking and smiling friendliness.
Since the end of the 1980s, the amount of Filipinos living in Finland has increased from a few hundreds to around 1300. So many things have happened during these 20 years. From the point of view of Filippiinit-seura, one of the most important activities was our joined effort combating trafficking in women during the years 1995-96 when the Sir Vili phenomenon was acute. Many a time you have helped us in giving information on the Filipino culture and language. And several times you also helped us in accommodating and hosting our Filipino visitors.
The Finnish-Philippine Association - Suomalais-filippiiniläinen yhdistys ry. is an energetic and fine organization. We wish that you will continue your lively activities for at least the next twenty years continually achieving more success, and we wish our mutual cooperation and friendship will continue to develop.
Best regards to you, board members of the Association and all the guests present and congratulations once again.
On behalf of the board members of Filippiinit-seura ry, with all good wishes,
Maligayang bati,
Sari Peltonen
Chair person
Filippiinit-seura ry.
Finnish-Philippine Society
