T he CFAA was formed in the year 2000 as council of organizations in the Filipino community.

Its

fundamental objective is to unify the different Filipino organizations here in Austria. It is composed of 12
organizations which are represented by their presidents or chairpersons in the council and 1 individual
member. Since its birth, the CFAA, in cooperation with the Philippine Embassy, has taken charge of
significant and considerable activities of the Filipino community, such as the yearly Philippine
Independence Day Celebration and other activities, like the traditional Barrio Fiesta, the Paskong Pinoy or „
Filipino Christmas―. Other activities like Philippine cultural shows and painting exhibits have been
organized and supported by the CFAA . It has also conducted several symposia, providing information on
topics regarding retiring here or in the Philippines, on health insurance, on acquiring properties in the
Philippines, on inheritance and taxes, to name a few. Financial support has been endowed to various
projects in the Philippines through its member organizations. It also actively participates in the activities of
the other organizations in the other parts of Austria.
The Philippine community has always been considered one of the most integrated communities in the
mainstream of Austrian society. The CFAA aims to continue its active participation in promoting the
objectives of the integration office of the Republic of Austria. The vision of the CFAA is a unified,
progressive and peaceful Filipino community in Austria.
— Lorna Titgemeyer,CFAA Adviser

Filipino Assistance Movement in Austria(FAMA) promotes Filipino heritage,

culture, traditions and values via the organisation of socio-economic
community activities geared towards creating a wholesome, sustainable
Filipino environment in Austria.
Our objectives are:
To foster and encourage greater understanding, coooperation and interaction
amongst Austria‗s multicultural society. To facilitate the provision of information
regarding various programs and services to the Filipino-Austrian community. To
assist and consult with existing community services to develop more appropriate
and relevant services for Filipinos in need. To raise funds and make donations for
charitable and community purposes. To take any action deemed necessary and/or
desirable in the promotion and attainment of the objectives and purposes of the
association, and in general for the benefit and to advance the interests of the
Filipino-Austrian community.
Organizational Beginning and Development
Babaylan Austria began as a civic and charitable organization founded on July 11, 1996 with 20 Filipino women
ratifying its constitution in Vienna. The Founder of the Babaylan Austria Org. was Ms. Cecil Orola Cech.
In September 1996, Pilipina sa Austria was registered as a member of Babaylan Europe and its name was
correspondingly changed to Babaylan Austria. At present, Babaylan Austria has 23 registered members and
officers.
Organizational Aims
Babaylan Austria‘s aims to:
Promote Filipino women‘s empowerment in educational, economic, cultural and social spheres
Provide assistance to women and children in need
Contribute to the continuing enlightenment and liberal education of Filipino migrant women
Establish links of support with women‘s groups of other nationalities in Europe and in the Philippines
Provide channels of campaign on women‘s issues
Contribute to the strengthening of family ties
Activities and Campaigns
Media work
Networking among women at the national and Europe-wide level
Educational and self-development courses
Activities for charitable causes, with preference given to organizations with causes directly related to our aims,
like women‘s / children‘s crisis centers.
Participating in and contributing to humanitarian campaigns and projects
Referrals to other organizations, private and governmental institutions in legal, health, educational, and socio-
cultural areas; providing practical advice, for example, on housing and additional insurance needs of Filipino
women, also addressing interrelated issues that affect the family, like family counseling and addiction
Fundraising in the form of cultural presentations, symposia, and educational and vocational training seminars;
soliciting support from NGO‘s, private individuals and private/public funding institutions
Our Organizational Structure
Babaylan Austria is legally registered in Austria. It retains its autonomy as a separate entity from Babaylan
Europe, although it participates in the decision-making process of the latter through its 3 representatives at the
Babaylan Network Council of Representatives, which holds its meetings annually, and through participation of its
members in the Babaylan Congress, the highest body, which meets in a General Assembly that takes place every
two years.
Babaylan Austria has a Chairwoman or President, a Vice-President, a Secretary, an alternate Secretary, a Treasurer, an
alternate Treasurer, a Public Relations Officer, and an Auditor, all with specific responsibilities. The Executive Board has the
decisive authority