The Sydney Australian Filipino Seniors Inc (SAFSI) held their annual general meeting and elections last Sunday, 12 February at Marayong Community Hall, Marayong.
Starting off with prayers, anthem singing and an exercise routine, the elections were off and running.
Rose Natividad challenged incumbent president Jules Sanchez for the presidential seat. After a see-saw vote tally, Rose Natividad won over Jules Sanchez 85-64. Elaine Liddle won over Raymunda Morris for the vice president’s position, 75-72. No election was held for any other position.
In her campaign speech, Rose Natividad stated the Seniors desire for “Freedom.” “Freedom of speech – Democracia para sa lahat. Pag-galang sa kapwa. Basta sama-sama at masaya.” she added.
Jules Sanchez who has been president of SAFSI since 2009 focused on his abilities as a leader and the reason he was there was “makatulong sa SAFSI”.
For the members who had been clamoring for change for the past year the Natividad-Liddle win was a sigh of relief. Beaming with a smile, Mrs. Natividad said, “We look forward to the challenge. There will be a lot of things to be fixed.”
Jules Sanchez accepted his defeat but declared his resignation from SAFSI immediately after the winner had been announced.
SAFSI will be celebrating their 25th anniversary in October this year.
