Saipan Tribune

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Monday, October 22, 2012

UFO election on Nov. 24

The United Filipino Organization has scheduled the election of its new officers on Nov. 24.

The event would coincide with the Thanksgiving celebration of the network of some 30 Filipino groups in the Northern Marianas, according to president Bong Malasarte.

The elected officers, Malasarte said, will serve in their new capacity beginning 2013.

“The celebration is definitely appropriate and timely because we can express our appreciation for the UFO year that is about to conclude and welcome ahead another productive year,” he told Saipan Tribune.

As his tenure readies to expire, Malasarte said the umbrella organization has improved and has set up its command center in Puerto Rico.

Malasarte disclosed UFO's plans to purchase a desktop or a laptop before the year ends. He said the group will have enough in its coffers, thanks to the hard work and conscientiousness of current officers.

“Funding is very important in UFO's leadership. Decision-making would certainly be difficult if the group does not have the financial capability,” he emphasized.

Malasarte expressed optimism that the new officers would be able to continue the community projects and services for which the UFO has been known in the Northern Marianas.

Next month's election, Malasarte said, would also be a venue for the group to make key decisions, which include determining whether or not UFO will retain two positions for vice president, and creating committees that would be in charge of the group's projects or events.

“It's very challenging if we only have one or two persons who would make an effort to make our projects possible. Having a committee would ease the workload,” he explained.

Malasarte also revealed the group's plan to establish a committee that would directly coordinate with the Guam Consulate General to facilitate the communication and coordination process between the two entities.

The last community event that UFO will organize for the year is the annual Paskong Pinoy in December, and Malasarte said the group has already begun preparations for the upcoming Christmas festivities.