Who We Are

Dedicated to humanitarian aid, Philippine Arab Cooperation Council Inc. (PACCI) is a non-profit, non-stock benevolent and charitable association that supports the Arab community in the Philippines, including refugees, asylum seekers, orphans, widows of Arabs, and Filipino Muslims.

Founded in July of 2018 by Mr. Rafea Salem A. El-Hawi, refugee rights advocate, Ms. Liza Marie Acasio, former private sector executive, retired Department of Justice (DoJ) lawyer Atty. Alexander Bacarro, Dr. Johayrah Omar as Vice President and Lebanese businessman Mr. Raed Ghandour, PACCI later welcomed Presidential Adviser Sec. Abdullah "Dabs" Mama-O as Chairman Emeritus. Recently, Syrian Refugee Businessman Mr. Ahmad Alkhalaf was appointed as second Vice President. All board members serve pro bono, often covering expenses out of pocket.

Six-Year

Journey

Six-Year Journey

Milestones and Memories

Philippine Arab Cooperation Council Inc. (PACCI), the only refugee led organization in the Philippines celebrated their 6th year anniversary last August 01, 2024. The event was held at the Penthouse of Marc 2000 Tower at 1973 Taft Avenue corner Quirino Avenue, Malate, Manila from 6:00-10:00 in the evening. Thirty-one distinguished guests, representatives from partner organizations and dedicated volunteer rightsholders were in attendance during this special day for PACCI.

The event was hosted by two rightsholders, Ms. Samar Salah Ali and Mr. Ali Khodarahmi. Since PACCI caters to diverse rightsholders, the program started with two opening prayers followed by the national anthem of the Philippines. Ms. Joyce Sokla, a refugee and Pastor from Joy The Power Of Jesus Mission Church led the prayer for Christians. Followed by, Dr. Yahya Bilou Mohamed, respected Imam of the Muslim community who is currently preaching at 15 different Mosques in Metro Manila, led the Muslim prayer.

Mr. Rafea Salem El-Hawi, the President of PACCI, formally welcomed the guests. The hosts then introduced the special guest speaker of the event, Palestine Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Saleh Asa’ad Fhied Mohammad. The Ambassador shared how Mr. El Hawi together with other Palestinian community leaders in the Philippines assisted him when he arrived in December 2019. He recalled all the efforts and assistance of Mr. El-Hawi when the Embassy was just starting, from submission of documents to setting up his embassy. The situation Palestine is facing until today was also discussed as he commended the humanitarian endeavors of PACCI for bringing hope for refugees and asylum seekers who are trying to start anew in the Philippines.

Afterwards, the Chairman Emeritus of PACCI and former presidential adviser for OFW and Muslim Concerns to President Rodrigo Duterte, His Excellency Abdullah “Dabs” Mama-o was presented as the Keynote Speaker of the night.

Dr. Mohamad Elbeitam, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Middle East and North Africa Chamber of Commerce took the stage next to express his full support to PACCI for their future projects. Last June 22, 2024, Dr. Elbeitam’s team and PACCI joined together to conduct the first ever medical mission for the rightsholders at Watanak Diagnostic Center in Malate, Manila City.

The next speaker was Ms. Dawn Macahilo, Country Manager of VOICE Global in the Philippines which is the donor partner of the project, “Empowering Refugee Women and Youth towards Self Reliance and Socio-Economic Integration in the Philippines.” Ms. Macahilo thoroughly discussed the background of VOICE and its objective of serving diverse people, hence partnership with PACCI became an interest. Despite some difficulties in the beginning, VOICE and PACCI were able to find a solution through the assistance of Community and Family Services International (CFSI). Last June 30, 2024, the project ended but the relationship between VOICE and PACCI still remains. This was evident when Ms. Macahilo ended her speech by saying, “Please know that VOICE is always a champion of the refugees, asylum seekers, the voiceless, the stateless, of free Palestine, of course,.... Raffy my world changed, my perspective changed because of the amazing work that you do and everything you believed in”. So, Maraming Salamat at Mabuhay ka Raffy!”

Following that, Mr. Rufino Seva or “Pinoy” as everyone calls him gave an in-depth explanation of how the collaboration of CFSI and PACCI came about. Pinoy is the CFSI Project Coordinator for Urban Refugee Project and one of the people who helped Mr. El-Hawi during the project proposal phase. CFSI as the partner in implementing and monitoring of the project was proud to have taken part in assisting refugees to integrate locally through skills training activities. Pinoy also applauded Mr El-Hawi for his dedication to make the partnership and project a success despite the challenges along the way.

PACCI BOARD

  • Dr. Mohamad Asaad Elbeitam, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce for Middle East and North Africa

    Chairman of the Board

    Mohamad is a seasoned Palestinian, now naturalized Filipino, entrepreneur and business leader with over two decades of experience in strategic management, business development, and organizational leadership. Aside from serving as the Chairman of the Philippine Arab Cooperation Council Inc. (PACCI), he also serves as the Founder and Chairman of the Middle East & North Africa Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc. (MENACC), an independent, non-stock, non-proft business organization fostering long-term international trade and business innovation. He leads several enterprises, including ELB International Services Inc., Beauty Library Cosmetics Manufacturing Inc., and Philpak Pharmaceutical, Inc. He is dedicated in advancing sustainable enterprises, cross-cultural collaboration, and inclusive economic growth.

  • Ms. Daisy Dawn Aguilar Macahilo, Development Specialist

    Vice President for Program Development and Resource Mobilization

    Dawn is a feminist activist with extensive experience in human rights, gender equality, peace-building, and climate action. She holds a Master of Arts in Women and Development from the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman and has collaborated with leading local and international development organizations, including serving as Regional Program Manager for the non-profit organization VOICE in the Philippines. She also serves as Public Relations Officer for the College of Social Work and Community Development (CSWCD) Alumni Association Board. Deeply committed to inclusive and sustainable development, Dawn continues to advance rights-based and transformative approaches that promote dignity, equity, and social justice globally.

  • Mr. Ashraf Amin Ismail Ahmed, Businessman

    Vice President for Diplomacy and International Affairs

    Ashraf, a Sudanese entrepreneur and legal professional, holds a Bachelor of Laws from Alneelain University in Khartoum, Sudan. With over three decades of experience in international business management, recruitment, and trade, he is the owner of several enterprises, including Black Buck Limousine Luxury Car Transport L.L.C. in the UAE, G-Tecnica Equipment Corporation, JAV Services and Trading Corporation, and Happy World Human Resources Recruitment Agency, Inc. in the Philippines. He is residing in the Philippines where, combining his legal background with extensive managerial experience, he promotes ethical business practices, cross-border partnerships, and inclusive economic growth across the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

  • Mr. Ahmad Okla Al-khalaf, Businessman

    Vice President for Local Networks and Community Affairs

    Ahmed is the Vice President for Local Networks and Community Affairs of the Philippine Arab Cooperation Council, Inc. (PACCI), an organization dedicated to improving the lives of refugees and displaced communities in the Philippines. He holds a degree in Business Administration and has been a member of the Manila District Advisory Council since 2021, contributing to community policy development and collaboration with local institutions. With extensive experience in humanitarian leadership and organizational management, he has led numerous initiatives supporting refugee empowerment, skills development, and social integration. Guided by the belief that “Humanity exists to help one another,” he continues to promote compassion, solidarity, and inclusive growth through his service and advocacy.

  • Mr. Glen Anunciado De Castro, Environmental Specialist

    Treasurer of the Board

    With over three decades of experience in social development, Glen has dedicated his career to advancing inclusive, community-driven solutions that promote resilience and environmental stewardship. He has led programs with global institutions such as United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (IFAD), United States Agency for International Developement (USAID), Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study in Agriculture (SEARCA), and Global Environmental Facility (GEF), guiding initiatives from concept to impact. As Executive Director of the Gerry Roxas Foundation, he oversees programs on youth development, peacebuilding, environmental protection, and inclusive growth. A Conservation Standards Coach under the Conservation Coaches Network, Glen champions systems thinking and locally led approaches to ensure accountable, sustainable, and people-centered conservation outcomes.

  • Mr. Rafea Salem Awad El-Hawi, Refugee Rights Advocate

    President

    A Palestinian refugee who migrated to the Philippines over three decades ago, now serves as the founder and executive director of the Philippine Arab Cooperation Council, Inc. (PACCI), the first and only refugee-led organization recognized by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). “Raffy” established PACCI to support refugees and rightsholders through inclusive programs on empowerment, integration, and self-reliance. Under his leadership, PACCI implemented a VOICE-funded project benefiting refugees and strengthened partnerships with the Department of Justice - Refugee and Statesless Persons Unit (DOJ-RSPPU), UNHCR, and Community and Family Service International (CFSI). He has represented refugee voices in national, regional and international platforms, championing the principle “Nothing About Us Without Us” in humanitarian and policy advocacy.

  • Ms. Liza Marie Acasio, Retired Corporate Executive

    Corporate Secretary

    Liza is a founding member of the Board of Trustees of the Philippine Arab Cooperation Council Inc. (PACCI), a recognized refugee-led organization promoting inclusion and empowerment for refugees and rightsholders in the Philippines. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce, major in Accounting, from Holy Name University (formerly Divine Word College) in Tagbilaran City, Bohol. She has actively participated in several VOICE Philippines initiatives supporting women empowerment, social development and other community-oriented advocacy. Beyond her professional and advocacy work, she is a devoted wife and a mother of three, embodying compassion, integrity, and a strong commitment to service and family.

LOCAL PARTNERS

  • Department of Justice (DoJ)

    Refugee and Stateless Persons Protection Unit (RSPPU)

  • Philippine Normal University (PNU)

  • Community and Family Services International (CFSI)

  • Watanak Diagnostic Center

  • United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Philippines

  • United International Maritime Training and Assessment Center, Inc.

REGIONAL PARTNERS

  • PACCI is a member of the Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN) based in Bangkok, Thailand.

  • PACCI is a member of the Asia Pacific Network of Refugees (APNOR) based in Sydney, Australia.

  • PACCI is recognized by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific based in Bangkok, Thailand.

“Refugees are more than just survivors. They are human resources, filled with strength, courage, and determination to create a brighter future.”

— William Ateazon Akemfor, Refugee in the Philippines

One of the winning entries of the Quote Contest during the 7th Anniversary of PACCI last July 2025.