The Philippines Austrian Cultural and Education Society (PACES) held its 2025 General Assembly on May 5 at the Philippine Embassy in Vienna, marking an important moment as it moves toward its 10th founding anniversary in 2026.
With the theme “Moving Forward to PACES’ 10th Year,” the gathering brought together members, partners, and supporters for an evening of reflection, recognition, and renewed commitment to PACES’ mission of educational and cultural advancement.
The program began promptly at 5:15 PM with a solemn invocation led by Ms. Precie Confiado, PACES Vice President for Internal Affairs. This was followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem led by Ms. Debbie Beltran-Tschirch and the playing of the Austrian National Anthem.
In her opening remarks, President Dr. Jane Gerardo-Abaya highlighted PACES’ growing impact across both educational and cultural spheres, and its strengthened presence in Austria and the Philippines. She also highlighted PACES growing scholarship programs, currently supporting six STEM scholarships and seven scholars in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
“Our work becomes more critical and meaningful in the light of almost daily reports that as many as 18 million Filipino high school students fail to meet functional literacy standards, struggling with reading, writing, arithmetic, and comprehension skills, “ Dr. Gerardo-Abaya said.
A special message from Her Excellency Ambassador Evangelina Lourdes Arroyo-Bernas underscored the role of PACES as a bridge of cooperation and goodwill between Austria and the Philippines, praising its grassroots efforts and vision for the future.
“Part of the reason for the Embassy’s continued support for PACES is the compelling need to provide STEM scholarships to Filipino students,” Ambassador Arroyo-Bernas said.
Celebrating Milestones
The assembly then looked back on major accomplishments, particularly with regards to its scholarship programs. Dr. Efren Abaya, Director for Education Programme, reported on PACES core initiatives: the STEM scholarship program, which have successfully graduated eight scholars so far, and its recently launched TVET efforts.
Currently, PACES is supporting six STEM scholars in various Philippine universities and seven TVET scholars from Palawan at the Don Bosco Technical Institute of Makati. A STEM scholarship provides approximately EUR 1,500 per year in benefits and financial support to a scholar for tuition, school fees and living allowances. A TVET scholarship is valued at approximately EUR 1,500 for the full 1-1/2 year vocational training program, including dormitory in Metro-Manila for students from the provinces. The scholarships are being implemented in cooperation with Couples of Christ ANCOP.
Ms Nilsa Fischer, Vice President for External Affairs, discussed successful cooperation agreements forged with partner institutions, while Ambassador. Solphie Confiado (retired.) gave updates on the Philippine Representative Office, a milestone that further institutionalizes the presence of PACES in the Philippines.
Transparency and Forward Vision
Mr. Angelo Camarata, PACES Treasurer, and Dr. Hane-Gerardo Abaya (for the Internal Auditor), presented the financial and audit reports, affirming PACES’ continued commitment to transparency and accountability.
Ms. Precie Confiado returned to present a membership resolution which was approved unanimously by the attending members. Thereafter, Ms. Confiado also outlined key future activities, including a proposal to expand TVET initiatives in the agriculture and fisheries sector.
As a wrap-up,Dr. Gerardo-Abaya highlighted a lineup of major future evens. These include:
- Launch of a Lecture Series by Young Filipino Professionals and Experts
- The 9th Anniversary Thanksgiving Mass on May 16;
- A Concert of the Ateneo Chamber Singers at Canisiuskirche in Vienna on June 2;
- Wreath laying at the Catalpa Trees by the Vienna City Hall to mark Philippine Independence on June 11;
- Participation in the Frankfurt Book Fair in October;
- An Annual Charity Dinner in November;
- The Annual Thanksgiving Reception, and
- The 10th Anniversary Celebration and Charity Gala in May 2026.
The meeting concluded with a closing prayer led by Alessandra Jose Parco, Secretary of the PACES Board, leaving attendees inspired and united in their shared mission.
As PACES enters its milestone 10th year, it continues to serve as a beacon of cultural pride, educational support for the Filipino youth, and cross-cultural understanding between the Philippines and Austria.
Here are some photos from the General Assembly:
