By Haidee V. Eugenio
Variety Assistant Editor

SPEAKER Oscar M. Babauta, Covenant-Saipan, says organizations with a spirit of volunteerism have sustained the CNMI during the most challenging times.
Babauta, the guest speaker at the United Filipino Organization’s induction ceremony for its 2007 officers and board members on Saturday at the Aqua Resort Club, lauded UFO on behalf of the House of Representatives for providing much needed assistance and services to the community, and for “making the CNMI a better place to live in.”
He cited, among other things, the environmental cleanups regularly held by UFO member-organizations.
UFO is the umbrella organization of about 30 Filipino organizations in the CNMI.
“With your hard work and continued perseverance, I have every confidence that we can overcome the difficult times we are facing,” Babauta told UFO members and guests.
Assistant Attorney General Mike A. Nisperos, who has only been on Saipan for two months, said if Filipinos stick together, they can overcome many challenging issues.
Consul General Wilfredo DL. Maximo said the new set of UFO officers led by president Ramon Awit, even before their induction on March 24, had already been tasked to organize the consultation meeting of the Filipino community with Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Insular Affairs David B. Cohen on March 25.
Currently, the Filipino community in the CNMI — most of them contract workers — are anxiously waiting for the draft bill on the federalization of the CNMI immigration system, hoping that it would have a provision granting permanent residency status to long-term guest workers.
Cohen said the federalization of the CNMI immigration system is not a certainty, and even if it happens, it will not necessarily mean that long-term nonresident workers here will be granted permanent residency or “green cards.”
Awit, in his acceptance speech during the UFO induction ceremony, said the organization marked its 10th year of dedicated service to the Filipino and CNMI communities.
“Our goal is to be of service to all of you and with the help and support of each organization…we can achieve (our goal). A true community service does not expect something in return. Let’s continue reaching all our goals and always extend our hands to the needy ones,” Awit said.
Besides Awit, the other UFO officers for 2007 are: Florenda Miranda, vice president for administration; Manny Po, vice president for internal affairs; Lito Espino, vice president for external affairs; Olivia Yana, secretary; Maria Paz Caamic, assistant secretary; Mary Ann Madriaga, treasurer; Ladyvir Canape, assistant treasurer; Nel Matanguihan, auditor; Veminda Castro, press relations officers-internal; and, Mylene Macapagal, PRO-external.