Impressions on the 11th ICBE Conference | Marjorie Akistoy

Impressions on the 11th ICBE Conference

11th Igorot Cordillera BIMAAK-Europe (ICBE) Conference

May 18-20, 2023

   Marjorie Akistoy (Igorot Organization in Austria)

Overall, it was a successful event. The communication process such as registration and information of the event was perfect, thanks to the effort of our witty Mng Y. 

It was worth a day of seeing Amsterdam and the outskirts of Amsterdam during the tour. Aside from the planned schedule for the tour, I was glad I have visited a family-owned business chess and clogs producers, and have given us the opportunity to witness and hear their stories. Although attendance was less than a couple of hundred, there was a well-rounded representation from other countries in Europe like Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Luxemburg, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, the UK and of course The Netherlands. True to ICBE's aim, it links the Igorots around Europe. A network that is one of its kind, a gathering that binds a common pursuit which is to promote their very own unique culture and tradition they all can identify. 

We were also blessed with the presence of Atty. Cheryl Daytec, head of Polo Geneva as the Resource Speaker who has spoken on “Cordillera Autonomy” and the Ambassador of the Philippines to The Netherlands during the Cultural Night who has lauded the Igorot's culture and awarded the Mabikas for their unending support to the embassy a certificate of appreciation. 

As to the accommodation, I would like to personally commend some members of the host country for opening their homes to some if not all delegates and assuring that everyone knows how to reach the venue in no time. We all dined together at the venue and had the opportunity to converse on a personal level with the delegates. 

 Last but not least, thank you Mabikas Foundation for a job well done!