Romeo “Bong” Malasarte, who assumed the leadership of the biggest Filipino community organization in the CNMI, considers the involvement of all member associations as paramount in their undertakings.
Although the membership of some associations has declined due to the islands’ economic hardship, UFO will remain steadfast to its commitment to the community, he said.
Malasarte wants the programs of his predecessor, Olive Yana, to be aggressively pursued, if not developed and enhanced.
He has new programs and plans but he also seeks suggestions from the other officers and members.
“I don’t decide for myself — there should be a consultation among members,” he said.
Malasarte, the MDX Amateur Radio president, said he will do his best in leading UFO to accomplish meaningful projects not only for the Filipino community but for the CNMI as a whole.
UFO’s other officers are Hector Sevilla, vice president for administration; Apollo “Pol” Madriage, vice president for internal affairs; Fernando “Bok” Enano, vice president for external affairs; Jun Liberato, secretary; Yolanda “Yolly” de Ramos, assistant secretary; Evelyn Deazeta, treasurer; Lynn Dela Cruz, assistant treasurer; and Antonio Soriano, auditor.
Yana is now the UFO adviser.
In her message to the new officers, Yana wishes them “the best.”
“I am very confident that through the leadership of Bong Malasarte, UFO will be able to achieve its most profound goals, and soar higher in terms of community services and be able to help and serve more people,” she said.
She believes that cooperation and team work among members will allow the organization to overcome difficulties.
“I’ve worked with each one of them before and I know their capabilities to succeed as a team because they are team players themselves. There’s no reason to doubt that UFO will succeed in the years to come,” she added.
