Pinoys sa Poland

The Growing Filipino Community Coming Together

Filipinos from across Poland and Europe gathered in Warsaw to share their stories, strengthen dialogue, and reflect on a community becoming increasingly visible.

Warsaw, Poland - On 23 May 2026, Filipino migrants in Poland, some settled for over a decade, others newly arrived, joined researchers, legal experts, church leaders, migration scholars, and Filipino diaspora representatives from across Europe for a day of connection and learning.

The event, Tayo sa Poland!, was organised by the European Network of Filipino Diaspora (ENFiD) Poland, in partnership with the Humanitarian Organisation of Pinoys in Europe (HOPE) Foundation and support from the Polish Migration Forum Foundation. Held at the Multicultural Centre in Warsaw, it marked ENFiD’s 18th Diaspora to Dialogue initiative, covering migration, community, wellbeing, rights, and belonging.

The day opened with a prayer from Fr. Tirso Alcover Jr of the Anthonian Institute and the national anthems of the Philippines and Poland. HOPE Foundation Vice President Clarisse Biglain spoke on the initiative’s role in fostering dialogue and community empowerment, while ENFiD Chairperson Marison Rodriguez introduced the organisation’s work connecting Filipino communities across Europe. Delegates from Austria, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and the UK then shared brief updates on their own communities - each shaped differently, but united by shared goals of cultural preservation and creating support systems for future generations.

Polish Migration Forum Foundation President Agnieszka Kosowicz welcomed participants to the Multicultural Centre and introduced the Foundation's work with migrant communities across Poland, describing it as a space where migrants can find support, meet others, and take part in community activities.

The Past and Present of the Filipino Diaspora in Poland 

Dr. Helena Patzer and Dr. Olga Wanicka of the University of Warsaw traced the Filipino community’s growth in Poland, from early migration through employment, education, and family reunification, including past recruitment abuses, to today’s presence across cities and professions such as manufacturing, education, hospitality, and research. Notably, Filipino nurses remain a small presence in Poland compared to countries like the UK and Austria, prompting discussion among delegates. Beyond migration figures and employment trends, the speakers also discussed the organizations, churches, sports leagues, businesses, and online communities that have helped Filipinos connect with one another over the years. These networks continue to play an important role in helping newcomers settle in Poland and find a sense of belonging. 

Taisiia Chernyshova of Burman Robinson also spoke on immigration and legal support available to the community. She encouraged migrants to seek reliable information and professional guidance when dealing with residency and legal matters.

Life in Poland Through Filipino Eyes

 F. Tirson Alcover Jr. reflected on ministering to Filipinos in Poland: “The faith of Filipinos in Poland does not need to be shaped. It is shaped already…. What Filipinos need is… to keep the faith alive even in moments of struggle.”

Yuri De Joya spoke about finding his place in Poland through volunteer work and community activities, encouraging Filipinos to stay engaged and support one another. Growing up in Poland shaped Anthony Certeza’s experience of balancing different cultural influences alongside his studies and business interests. Recalling her early years as a migrant worker, Mary Huerta shared the challenges that eventually led her to open Mary's Pinoy Restaurant in Warsaw. 

Family life and raising children in Poland formed the heart of Stephanie Sioson’s story, especially the everyday experience of bringing two cultures together at home. Education took center stage in Jeraine Micah Baran’s contribution, where she discussed her work with young people and the challenges children face when adjusting to a new environment. 

A journey from factory work to the hospitality industry defined Rizam Lacap’s experience, with years of hard work leading to his current role as a banquet supervisor. Academic life closed the discussion through Dr. Anjo Lapitan Jr., who spoke about teaching, research, and higher education while highlighting the presence of Filipinos in Poland’s universities.

Although each speaker arrived in Poland under different circumstances, their stories shared common experiences of building a life, staying connected to family and culture, and finding support along the way.

Information That Matters

Atty. Marlena Kaczmarek of the Migrant Workers Office spoke on employment rights and workplace protections, while Janina Owczarek of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Poland outlines available migrant services and integration support. 

Cybersecurity expert Jeffrey Morales discussed fake job offers, online fraud, and other schemes that frequently target migrants and overseas workers: “In cybersecurity, the weakest link is often not technology, it is human trust… Awareness is our strongest defense.” He ended with practical examples that helped participants recognize common tactics used by scammers and the importance of verifying information before sharing personal details online

A Community Moving Forward 

This spirit of solidarity carried into the community oath-taking ceremony, where participants pledged to uphold unity, respect, kindness, and integrity within the Filipino community, to support and uplift fellow Filipinos, and to promote compassion, cooperation, and a positive image of Filipinos in Poland and beyond.

In my closing remarks, I reflected on the significance of the gathering: “Filipinos in Poland are no longer invisible. Our community is growing, contributing, and becoming more visible… What matters now is awareness, connection, and feeling empowered to make use of these opportunities and support systems.”

ENFiD-Poland, together with HOPE Foundation, invites Filipinos across the country to join its community, participate in future events, and help strengthen the connections that continue to bring Filipinos together in Poland.

Join our growing community:

ENFiD-Poland Email: enfid.poland@gmail.com 

ENFiD-Poland Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/enfidpoland 

ENFiD-Poland Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1359607946060170 

ENFiD-Poland Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/enfidpoland/ 

ENFiD-Poland LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/enfid-poland/ 

HOPE Foundation Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/HopePinoyCares 

HOPE Foundation Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/hope.polska/