Filipino group on Rota inducts officers, holds ‘Pistang Pinoy’

Glicerio “Eli” Arago, the honorary consul of the Philippine in the CNMI, swore in the new officers of the Filipino Community of Rota during a community gathering over the weekend that also marked the island’s staging of the first Pistang Pinoy (Filipino fiesta).

The Pistang Pinoy celebration, which was also part of the island’s commemoration of the Philippine Independence Day (usually celebrated on June 12), saw the largest ever gathering of Filipinos and their families on Rota since FILCOR’s creation more than 20 years ago.

Last Saturday’s induction of officers, board of directors and advisers revived the organization’s role in the community.

FILCOR went into temporary hiatus in 2007; it was established in 1997.

This year, FILCOR is led by an executive board and they are composed of Jesusa B. Calvo, president; Geraldine G. Matondo, vice president (internal); Berlin S. Barcinas, vice president (external); Nelia C. Llana, secretary; Angelita P. Reyel, assistant secretary; Lea D. Maratita, treasurer; Rosemarie B. Dela Cruz, assistant treasurer; Evelyn G. Ababa, auditor; Rodel L. Cayetano, public relations officer; Jhaeron A. Montenegro, assistant PRO, and Dawn T. Camacho, assistant PRO.

The board of directors are Elmer R. Javier, Ruben S. Openiano, Dindo S. Quiroz, Maribel F. Sasakura, Antonio C. Quiambao, Mary Rose Lucero, Maria Cristina N. Tuazon, Emily Vargas, Vince Nerizon, Florinda Chavez, and Ma. Lourdes S. Pobeda.

The advisers are Ofelia R. Atalig, Alejandro Badilles, Melanie Guiwan, Lorna M. Manglona, Estrella C. Mendiola, Esperanza Perez and Gina M. Sasakura.

In a short speech, Arago emphasized the need to “remain united as one strong Filipino community [on Rota].”

“We, as one Filipino community, are known for being united. Let us use this to your organization’s advantage,” he said. “…Let us remain united and continue promoting the spirit of collaboration.”

Rota Mayor Efraim Atalig hailed Rota’s Filipino community for “helping the island, the community and the Commonwealth to grow together.”

It was a special occasion for two reasons for the Rota community: celebrating the revival of FILCOR and the staging of the island’s first-ever Pistang Pinoy.

The joint celebration was held at the sprawling field right next to the Rota roundhouse, which is a stone throw away from Songsong village’s harbor.

Ulysses Torres-Sabuco, principal volunteer for the Philippine Honorary Consulate Office to the CNMI, read the message of Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr.

Annamae G. Adaza, principal volunteer for the Philippine Honorary Consulate Office to the CNMI and community relations coordinator of the Office of the Governor, read the message of Philippine President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

Songs and dances highlighted the daylong celebration. (PhilHonCon)