Rebranding Freedom As One Solid Network
“Nothing comes after Freedom” – this statement explains the period after the word Freedom in the new corporate logo of Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) launched in early 2019. Shared by Minnie Salao, Regional Communications Manager for Southeast and East Asia and an IAF Alumna herself, the launch of the logo is only one of the highlights in the program for the first IAF Alumni Gathering this 2019.
“A full stop follows after the word freedom, signifying its importance. Working For Freedom is a emboldening statement,” explained Salao. This gathering served as revalidation of the programs of FNF Philippines. Together with its alumni, network and partners, it allows the people to understand the freedom they are capable of having, and to realize that the journey to attain it is continuous.
With theme, “Our brand is Freedom,” this Alumni Gathering explores collaborations among the alumni to shape the message and communicate it to a wider, diverse audience.
FNF Philippines aims to strengthen its Alumni Network in order to maximize expertise in this pool, who can help in providing innovative ways for liberal education, likewise reaching a more diverse audience through the different associations the members have.
“Communications must be shifted to make values such as rule of law, human rights relatable. This should be able to reach more people and send hopeful messages of freedom,” Wolfgang Heinze, FNF Head of Country shared to the alumni.
Mr. Heinze emphasized the importance of exploring strategies on how to effectively convey the essence of being truly free given the current political context.
Through a talkshow format, IAF Alumna Karry Sison hosted a session with newly-elected Vice Mayor for Bauang La Union, Henry Bacurnay, and senatorial candidate Atty. Erin Tanada on how they were able to successfully communicate liberal values to their constituents during the campaign season for the May 2019 midterm elections. The liberal politicians, who were also IAF Alumnus, shared their most memorable events during the election season and imparted inspiring ways to move forward.
Vice Mayor Bacurnay, when asked about his experience in running under the Liberal ticket, shared that people, at the end of the day, are still looking at what you are capable of doing for their community. “Only few brave liberals are left in the race. People know that we are not bad leaders, that we can do more to provide their needs. Experience proves we are not neophytes, fortunately with no bad records as well. Though I am alone, people still realized we could make a difference”, the Vice Mayor expressed.
Atty. Tanada shared similar thoughts. When asked about to give a message to supporters, he asked to “continue to fight not only for the party, but for our organizations that altogether promote and fight for freedom. Equip yourselves with courage in fighting atrocities which hopefully will deliver good results in 2022”.
Another highlight of the occasion was sharing updates from the implementation of the first IAF Regional Alumni Network Meeting in Siem Reap Province, Cambodia held from 27-29 June. Representatives JP Delas Nieves, Audrie Frias and Karry Sison participated in this first meeting on “Youth and Civic Engagement in Building Liberal-Democratic Societies in Southeast and East Asia”. The objective of this meeting, which was also presented during the evening, was to initiate collaboration through programs as alumni from across the region – with thematic approaches such as disinformation, networking and economic literacy.
Goose Chase hunt concluded the program before dinner and networking session. In true spirit of IAF, the participants were given different tasks that tested their creativity to communicate the message of freedom.
Cry of Pugad Lawin. August 1896, members of the Katipunan secret society rose up in revolt somewhere in an area referred to as Caloocan. Originally, the term "cry" referred to the first clash between the Katipuneros and the Civil Guards. The cry could also refer to the tearing up of community tax certificates in defiance of their allegiance to Spain.
The Oblation. A concrete statue by Filipino artist Guillermo E. Tolentino serves as the iconic symbol of the University of the Philippines. It depicts a man facing upward with arms outstretched, symbolizing selfless offering of oneself to his union.
#KalayaanKontraKadiliman translates to freedom to fight darkness. The term darkness can mean the rising popularity of authoritarian rule in many democracies even abroad.
The teams were asked to compose a poem on freedom.
Karapatan ng tubig na dumaloy sa dagat
Karapatan ng hangin na magbitbit ng panalangin
Karapatan ng taong magdala ng kalayaan
Karapatan ang dugtungan ng mga kalayaan