UFO inducts new officers led by Masilungan

The 2020-2021 United Filipino Organization officers and board members pose for a photo at the induction of new officers for UFO last Jan.9 at the Hibiscus Hall of Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan in Garapan. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

The United Filipino Organization inducted a new set of officers last Jan. 9 at the Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan in Garapan, with Mar V. Masilungan replacing Gerry De Guzman as president of the organization.

According to UFO public information officer Mario Mayuga, Masilungan was already the acting UFO president last year after De Guzman moved to the U.S. mainland.

The induction ceremony was held at the Hibiscus Hall of Fiesta Resort & Spa, with Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang as the inducting official.

In his acceptance, Masilungan said he will create a database or tracking system “to respond quickly in the event of another calamity or pandemic.” Masilungan said the information collected can help government and non-profit agencies that promote health, tourism, education, and businesses.

Aside from Mayuga, the other new UFO officers are vice president Zaldy Quebral, secretary Birhen Martinez, assistant secretary Mildred Pabilando, treasurer Irene Santiago, assistant treasurer Ronnel Calma, auditor Ladyvir Canape, assistant auditor Segundo Lapeceros Jr., and assistant PIO Yolanda Villavicencio.

The UFO election was held on Nov. 21, 2020, at the Philippine Honorary Consulate’s support office.

The UFO board of directors consists of the heads of the 10 active organizations under UFO: Maria Annamae Adaza, Bayani Association; Hermie Coronejo, AKAP Pinoy; Noel Ordas, Bicol Association; Ariel Villanueva, Marianas Association of Filipino Engineers and Architects; Raul Abordonado, MDX Amateur Radio Club; Eloisa Manese, Marianas Institute of Filipino CPA’s and Accountants; Joselito Espino, Northern Marianas Bartenders Association; Edmin Elayda, Saipan Building & Fixing Computer Users Group; Alex Nario, Santo Niño Group; and Aired Murillo, Tau Gamma Phi/Triskeleon.

Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang, first left, inducts 10 new officers in the United Filipino Organization, headed by Mar V. Masilungan, second from left, at the induction of new UFO officers last Jan.9 at the Hibiscus Hall in Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan in Garapan. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

Mayuga said the board will soon convene to elect the chairperson and secretary.

Philippine honorary consul to the CNMI Glicerio Arago said in a statement his office will continue to cooperate closely with UFO.

Renea Raho, Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. nursing director, was the event’s guest speaker. She talked about the COVID-19 vaccine and the importance of following the three W’s: wash your hands, wear a face mask, and watch your social distance.

Diocese of Chalan Kanoa Bishop Ryan Jimenez, Tan Siu Lin Foundation executive director Merlie Tolentino, CNMI Education Commissioner Dr. James Ada, Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality administrator Eli Cabrera, and Lauri Ogumoro of Karidat Social Services were among the special guests.