Ferrer Assumes PB-USA presidency
By Leonardo J. Galvez
Los Angeles Correspondent
LOS ANGELES, California — With “Working Together” as the main theme of his administration, President Eddie Caguioa Ferrer of the Pangasinan Brotherhood-USA called upon his constituents to pursue worthwhile endeavors that will redound to the benefit of the community.
He urged his province mates to go out of their way to help “newly arrived” kabaleyans adjust to the new environment before homesickness and loneliness creep in.
“Tonight, we are witnessing the testimonies of support from our membership and from various sectors of our community who have all signified and demonstrated their encouraging support and sharing,” Ferrer said.
Outgoing president Dan E. Nino, turning the gavel to
incoming president Eddie C. Ferrer. With him is his wife, Rhenee.
Other officers inducted are Nancy Tandoc-Buenviaje, executive vice-president; Fidel P Solomon (chairman), Marites Orencia Bautista, Roger A Cabal, Roger T Coson, Mila M Maramba and Lilia C Palaganas, vice-presidents; Digna V Martinez, recording secretary; Perlita M Rasing, corresponding secretary; Gilda N dela Cruz, treasurer; Liza T Braganza, assistant treasurer; Cecille E Coson and Josue E Gabrillo, auditors; Noeme V Dumlao and Vickyu P de Leon, public relations officers; Eleanor D Gabrillo and Cecilia D Ranchez, business managers; Ernie Mananes and Rey S Rodrigo, marshalls; Louie Arzadon and Jess L Casatillo, parliamentarians.
The board is composed of Mellie B Soriano, chairman; Ely Torres-Madrid, vice-chairman; Lina R Cabal, board secretary. Mambers are Jojo Braganza, Lydia Ceralde, Nieves C Coquia, Consorcia D dela Cruz, Leoncio D Dumlao, Rhenee M Ferrer, Johnny V Maramba and Victor S Ranches.
Eddie C. Ferrer, PB-USA incoming president delivers his inaugural address.
The chairs of the different constitutional committees are Dom dela Cruz, community relations; Fernando R Soriano, finance; Josie Braganza, membership, Lourdes P Goodall, ways and means; Julius E Sinlao, webmaster; Jazmyne D Bacani, Miss PB-USA; Tony Barlongo, fund solicitation; Nino, scholarship; Bong Soriano, hospitality; Mel G Oxciano, Esq., legal counsel; J Braganza, special events; and Bart Garcia, accounting consultant.
A former broadcast media personality in one of the radio stations in Dagupan City, Ferrer said that he will give meaning to the association’s mission statement even as he pledged to continue the program and projects initiated by his predecessors.
Ferrer disclosed that the PB-USA has obtained a 501-C3 status from the government as a non-profit and tax-exempt organization paving the way for an all-out campaign to secure funding through donations from private sectors and corporate America.
Four less-privileged college-bound students were recipients of a four-year PB-USA scholarship grants during the past administration. In their efforts to keep the economy vibrant and healthy, 10 outstanding Pangasinan entrepreneurs were honored and recognized through the efforts of Dan E. Nino, the outgoing president.
Vice Consul John Reyes inducts the incoming officers.
Some 450 attendees representing the province’s municipalities and cities along with other guests from various Filipino-American associations from Batangas, Cavite, Mandaluyong and those from Seattle, Florida, Las Vegas graced the occasion. (Eleven members of the De Guzman family of San Carlos City unexpectedly checked-in notwithstanding the Paquiao-Bradley fight that took place on the same night).
Ferrer. who traced his roots in Dagupan City, took his oath of office before Vice-Consul John Reyes last Saturday night during the association’s 34th Anniversary Foundation, Gala Night and Induction Ball at the Embassy Suites in Anaheim, home to the world-renown Disnelyland. The guest speaker was Hank Evers, director of development and communications of Orange Catholic Foundation.
Founded three decades and four years ago during the time of the late Consul Armando Fernandez, a Dagupeno, the association is an umbrella organization of the different local organizations representing all the 44 municipalities and four cities of the province.
Ferrer, initially, was reluctant to accept a position of leadership. He was wary of limitations of purely voluntary undertakings but eventually relented and accepted the challenge. “There is a scent of ambition to achieve when reality kicks in,” he said.
He recalled doing a heavy soul-searching and consultation with various council presidents for guidance and advice before he agreed to accept the post. But it was his brief encounter of a passage in the “Widow’s Gift” that inspired him to give whatever he could to the foundation. He was touched by the story of a poor widow who contributed a mere penny for a temple’s treasury as opposed to abundant contributions from the well-to-do.
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