On December 9, I had the honour of interviewing Lia Alastre Alcanices, the President of Filsa (Filipino International Student Association), an association aimed at building connections among students.
Lia, driven by a desire to assist others selflessly, recognized the difficulties that new students often encounter. With this in mind, she envisioned Filsa as a support system to help fellow Filipino students navigate the challenges of university life. Understanding the advantages of establishing an organization for Filipino students navigating unfamiliar academic terrain, Lia used her foresight. The start of Filsa in October 2023 was not only a testament to Lia’s personal commitment but also a combined effort involving enthusiastic volunteers from various Filipino student chat groups. One month after its establishment, Filsa organized its first workshop. The main focus was to aid students with course registration and guide them through their student portals. The workshop proved to be a resource for orienting newcomers on how academic processes function with Filsa’s framework.
In December 2023, an exciting Christmas party was organized by Filsa. The celebration was titled “Heart of Christmas.” It was an event that brought together new students, current students and alumni in a spirit of togetherness. The festive gathering created connections and fostered unity among members of the Filipino student community. Filsa’s remarkable journey, from its beginnings to its Christmas celebration, showcases its commitment to promoting inclusivity and diversity among Filipino students. Its story is a reminder of how building a community can make a significant impact within academic circles. Having witnessed Filsa’s growth first-hand, it is clear that its mission goes beyond facilitating communication – it is dedicated to establishing a support network for future generations of Filipinos who embark on similar paths.
Written by UCW MBA Student Elaine L.
Published on January 15, 2024.
