By Cyrus A. Natividad
Dr. Mar Rafael Ambos (CPU BSE 2001 Cum Laude) is a former FAFQ scholar.
Former FAFQ scholars from CPU paid tributes to the Filipino-Australian Foundation of Queensland, Inc. during their 25th Anniversary celebration on December 4, 2021. The successful former FAFQ scholars namely, Dr. Necile Magno Capiñanes (CPU BSSE 2001), Dr. Mar Rafael Ambos (CPU BSE 2001 Cum Laude) and Rey Neil Catague (BS Mgt Acctg 2009 Cum Laude), expressed gratefulness to FAFQ for granting them the scholarships. The three were former work students, and now, are members of the CPU Faculty.
Dr. Capiñanes who is a full-time faculty at the CPU College of Education emphasized the great impact of FAFQ scholarship on her success. She said that “I can see the values of humbleness and giving in the FAFQ organization. She thanked the Centralian couple Mauro and Cecilia Somodio, FAFQ founder and current FAFQ President, respectively – for their generous help and support in the FAFQ scholarship program. She also attributed her successful career to the kind of education she had at Central Philippine University. She added that “Education is not a preparation for life, but education is life.”
Dr. Ambos, Chair and Coordinator for Professional Education Subjects at CPU College of Education in his tribute said, “The FAFQ Grant-in-Aid always reminds me of the greatness of the Lord”, “I worked in the farm early in high school; I thanked CPU for allowing me to be a work student, and here I was discovered to be a recipient of the FAFCQ scholarship.” The scholarship gave me unlimited opportunities to achieve more in my career”. Dr. Ambos received several Global Awards for Teachers.
Rey Neil Catague is now employed with a private company. He is also a part-time faculty at CPU School of Graduate Studies. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the FAFQ scholarship which he said: “provided me with great opportunity.” He recalled that “After I received the FAFCQ scholarship, I was able to buy my major textbooks and my first cellphone.”
The Filipino-Australian Foundation of Queensland Inc. is a non-political, non-stock, non-profit, benevolent, charitable community organization established in 1996. FAFQ Inc. provides access to Filipino language classes, awards grant-in-aid scholarships in the Philippines and gives educational assistance to deserving Australian and permanent resident students.
They also assist communities recovering from natural disasters, and coordinate events such as the One World… One Spirit Philippine Festival and Cultural Pageants which showcase Filipino culture. It is the center hub of the Filipino Communities in Queensland and has served the community in Australia and the Philippines for the last 25 years.
FAFQ’s Vision: A purpose-driven community. Its Mission: To provide the best resources and most conducive social environment for Filipino migrants in Australia while deeply responsive to the needs of disadvantaged Filipinos and other communities. Its core values: Honesty, Transparency, Commitment, Loyalty, Integrity, Service, and Dignity.