INDUCTION OF NEW PPAN OFFICERS & JUNE BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

JUNE 27, 2010

This date is one for the calendar of events: UNFORGETTABLE – of course I’m talking of the FIFA WORLD CUP – THE ANTICIPATED EVENT: GERMANY VS ENGLAND

But for the Pusong-Pinoy Association in Nigeria, this is also what we say ‘for a change’ – an all-female officers (2010 – 2011) will take charge of the Filipino association here in Abuja. Pictures below show the officers being congratulated after being sworn-in by the new Philippine Ambassador HE Nestor Padalhin (who together with his wife Mrs. Annie Padalhin was welcomed by most of the outgoing officers of PPAN after the Saturday mass June 26 at the Nunciature):

THE OUTGOING LEADERSHIP
The outgoing administration under the leadership of Architect Benjamin Nadado proved to be up to the task – facing the challenges head-on and producing the desired results. Perhaps the greatest challenge not only for the OFWs in Abuja but to the OFWs in Nigeria was the struggle to have the travel ban imposed by the Philippine government under Arroyo’s administration be lifted. The struggle began during Lito Nucum’s term and became a sacrificial lamb when the Philippine immigration officials refused him exit after his holidays and the derision and mockery he received from some quarters. And as he teamed with Benjie Nadado and the rest of the OFWs who really fought hard, and of course with CMA Director Ellene Sana, Atty. Karen Dumpit, POEA Administrator Jennifer Manalili and Human Rights Commissioner Leila de Lima at the helm, Pusong-Pinoy overcame the hurdle.

It is worth mentioning that this struggle led also to a blessing.

The problem was mentioned to Eunice Barbara C. Novio, a feminist & activist who was then following a lead on fishermen caught on the high seas and imprisoned by Malaysian government. She then connected PPAN to CMA (Center for Migrant Advocacy) & CHR (commission on Human Rights) which then led us to the then Philippines VP Noli de Castro, former Speaker of the House (and later presidential candidate ) Manny Villar and to Sen. Benigno Aquino, Jr. (of course now the President of the Philippines). And with CMA Director’s connections led us to government agencies i.e. BI, CFA, DOLE, POEA. (The officers who were deeply involved and met with these government officials were Benjamin Nadado, Lito Nucum, Marisa Mercado, Bernie Mercado, Vangie Novio and were all along supported by Nonito & Dorothy Barraquias, John Hernandez in close communications with CMA Director & Atty. Dumpit and at the onset, Janette Alican who met CMA Director & Atty. Karen Dumpit).

In January 2010, on behalf of PPAN, Benjie, Lito & Vangie were able to meet and thanked CMA Ellene Sana, CHR Karen Dumpit and POEA Administrator Jennifer Manalili. Administrator Manalili emphasized the fact that only PPAN went back to express gratitude to the help extended by them. Pusong Pinoy Association in Nigeria is now recognized by these government agencies.

In the year-long term of the outgoing administration, it is worthwhile to note that funds of PPA was used judiciously.

Projects undertaken were as follows:

1. Giving back to the host country – charity for 100 indigent families in Kuje

2. Aiding robbed Pinoys (seamen) who sought the help of the Philippine embassy

3. Aiding back-to-back Ondoy-Pepeng typhoon victims

4. Membership Fee Drive through the diligence and perseverance of the late Asst. Treasurer Ana Dador more than doubled the paid members and issuance of PPA ID which proved beneficial when getting the exit pass from POEA

5. Donations personally requested /voluntarily given from friends in Abuja & Nigeria in general to give to the bereaved family of late Ana (Asst. Treasurer of PPA), Nestor Dador (embassy staff)

6. Appreciation – token gifts to CMA Ellene Sana & co

7. Family Day celebrations with 2010 – 2011 election of officers and bingo

8. Giving back to the host country – charity for 200 indigent families in Ketti Village

9. Donations personally requested by Mr. Nadado from friends and colleagues for Santiago Margarito’s son (Jun-jun currently in St. Luke’s charity ward) to help defray the hospital bills

And the Filipinos having established a very good relationship with the Vatican Embassy are always sought for in any occasion – be it in serving , cooking, decorating, etc.

JUNE BIRTHDAY CELEBRANTS:

NESTOR DADOR, RAMON MIGUEL BARRAQUIAS, BERNABE MERCADO, NINO HERRERA, JOHN HERNANDEZ, LORENZ KENNETH MERCADO, MARIE BEBAL, LITO NUCUM, ALESSANDRA KATRINA RONQUILLO celebrated their birthdays on June 27, 2010 – a very joyous occasion indeed.

Earlier on Sunday of June 27, 2010, celebrants and some close friends gathered and celebrated together this joyous day. Maris in her playful mood even wanted to ‘chop off’ the blossoming ampalaya (ang paboritong gulay ng lahat! At paborito ring batiin at dunggulin ng lahat – ayun kaya nababansut! At paborito ring bilangin agad ang mga dahon para tig isang dahon lang ang kakainin!).

Actually the celebrations started right after the mass of Saturday June 26. Here, Tikya & Merz after eating a hefty dinner still wanted to claim ‘refugee status’ (shown here carrying buckets).

A SOUVENIR PHOTO

The outgoing officers took this souvenir photo with a past president Bernabe Mercado from whom they also ask every now and then for much-valued opinion.

GERMANY WON 4 GOALS TO 1 OF ENGLAND!!! Can aptly be named – The Trashing of the English Team!!!