Upgrading the skills of the Filipino worker

Hundreds of Filipinos here in the CNMI, bound by a common purpose of upgrading their technical and culinary skills, came together to form a group that would foster camaraderie and friendship among them.

The Bayani Association was founded in July 8, 2001 when the alumni of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office’s training and upgrading course gathered for a grand reunion at the Susupe Beach Park.

Board chair Edgardo Reyes recalled in one of his articles published in its newsletter last year that the organization was formed through exchanges of opinions, talents and skills of its members.

Reyes said the association started to improve the level of personality and skills of its members through projects and activities, in collaboration with the local Philippine office in the CNMI. Graduates of the upgrade training are automatically members of the group.

Vice-chair and president Daniel Nicomedes said the group was established to “uphold, preserve and promote the fundamental values and culture of the Filipinos through sharing of ideas and information among its members.”

He added that the group intends to create and foster a spirit of understanding among the members and unite them through common values, culture, heritage, friendship, good fellowship and mutual understanding. Through the organization, Nicomedes said, its members would also be able to take courses and training in their writing and literary skills.

The group also provides a venue for forums and publishes a quarterly newsletter for its members to discuss issues and information, and share knowledge and talents among them.

The group, said Nicomedes, also works hard to raise funds to help those in need, both in the CNMI and in the Philippines. The group has been supporting for two years now the education of one Filipino student in the Philippines, under the Overseas Workers Welfare Association and POLO project called “Tuloy Aral Program.” Members of the group, he added, also participate in the program as individual donors.

Executive officers for the year 2005 to 2006 include: president Nicomedes, vice president Ma. Paz Caamic for internal and Ruel Balboa for external, secretary Cristina Lifoifoi, assistant secretary Rosemarie Guirit-Agulto, treasurer Evans Contado, assistant treasurer Rosabella Cruz, auditor Leilani Garcia, PRO Fernan Enano and Dolores Mabuti, marshals Dionicio Fabula and Evangeline Batnag.

Editor Melvin J. Malvar and assistant editor Haidee Eugenio head the Bayani Association editorial board.

The board of directors is led by Reyes and Nicomedes. Board members include Hannah Schorr, Julie Abad, Anna de Guzman, Pauline G. Perez, Marvin Sacro and Joan Marquez. Instructors for the training are: Leopoldo Rodriquez Jr., Ma. Theresa de Jesus, Justino Sagcal, Jr., Cris Hilario Jr., Agosto Santos, Balboa and Marcelo Masilungan.

Past association presidents that served the group since 2001 are James Ignacio, Ener Pangelinan, Beethoven Sese and Flossie Baylon.