Velasco chosen to lead Bayani in 2012-2013

Bayani Association’s new president, Lolly Velasco, vows to improve the organization’s membership figures and get it more involved in the community during her term.

Velasco and the rest of the new officers for 2012 – 2013 will be inducted in a ceremony at the Top Cuisine in Chalan Kanoa tonight.

Other officers to be installed are vice president-internal Maripaz Caamic, vice president-external Joel Dupra, secretary Angela Estioco, assistant secretary Anna Mercado, treasurer Anna de Guzman, assistant treasurer Erlinda Perez, auditor Domingo Dones, PROs Alma Famat and Willie Dimaano, and marshalls Rosa Arriola and Emilio Garra.

A native of Padre Garcia in Batangas, Velasco is also an active member of the Saipan Marianas Lions Club and the United Filipino Organization. Velasco, who works for Dr. Anthony Stearns of Marianas Medical Center, was also voted as one of Ten Outstanding Migrant Workers in 2004.

Velasco said in an interview yesterday that she was surprised to be elected in January as the new president of Bayani Association.

The group, Velasco said, was formed by Filipinos who have taken livelihood courses offered by the Philippine Consulate General through the Philippine Overseas Labor Office.

Bayani Association has been active in the community through their cultural performances in different events. Members also volunteer their time and resources at Consulate-hosted health screenings, she added.

Velasco noted that their term will be challenging given the various problems that Bayani Association and the rest of the Filipino community are facing now, including the imminent closure of the Consulate and the dwindling number of Filipinos in the CNMI.

“That is why we are calling on all those who have graduated from the livelihood courses at the Consulate to become a member of Bayani Association and further strengthen the Filipino community in the Commonwealth,” she told Saipan Tribune. “It is during these tough times that we must all work together and unite as one.”

Velasco said they will reach out to their fellow Filipinos by working with the local media to promote their programs and activities.

Velasco, who has been on island for 26 years, thanked all Bayani Association members who have give her their trust to lead the group for the next 12 months.

“I encourage all Bayani Association members to do their share because we officers cannot do our responsibilities without their help. Let us help one another so that our group can assist the Filipino community in general,” she said.