THE United Filipino Organization elected a new set of officers on Nov. 20, 2022 at Rendezvous Restaurant.
They are Birhen Martinez of the Marianas Association of Filipino Engineers and Architects, president; Mario Mayuga, Bayani Association, vice president; Ladyvir Canape, Bayani Association, secretary; Noel Ordas, Bicol Association, treasurer; Renelyn Gallos, Marianas Institute of Filipino CPAs and Accountants, auditor; and Annamae Adaza, Bayani Association, PRO.
Outgoing UFO President Marcelo “Mar” Masilungan.
Outgoing UFO President Marcelo V. Masilungan congratulated the newly elected officers.
“Together with their respective assistants who are to be appointed, this new set of executive officers will serve for two years starting January 2023. UFO’s board of directors, represented by the presidents of each UFO member organization, will also be part of the leadership group,” Masilungan said.
Having served for two terms as UFO president since 2019, Masilungan did not seek re-election.
He believes that it is time for new leaders “to carry the torch in steering the organization forward.”
He expressed his gratitude to all the newly elected executive officers and the board of directors for their willingness to serve for the benefit of all Filipinos in the CNMI in close collaboration with local residents and the Commonwealth government.
Masilungan said he is confident that the new UFO leadership will continue what he and his predecessors have started.
During his tenure as president, UFO constructed a new bus stop shelter across from the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation through a basketball fundraising event in 2019 that was supported by many local companies.
UFO also conducted free OSHA classes and training sessions for those interested.
In addition, UFO partnered with the late Philippine Honorary Consul Eli Arago in providing assistance to “kababayans” who needed help.
UFO is currently constructing a new pavilion north of the 13 Fishermen Memorial and three more bus stops around the island in partnership with the Office of the Governor.
Under Masilungan’s leadership, UFO continued to participate in the July 4th celebrations, and to hold its annual signature events: Pistang Pinoy in June and Paskong Pinoy in December.
Masilungan expressed his gratitude to all the outgoing executive officers of UFO for their volunteerism, to all local businesses for their financial support, to CNMI government offices for their assistance, and to all local residents who have welcomed the “kababayans” to their island community.
Martinez, for her part, said, “I am excited and nervous at the same time to lead the United Filipino Organization.”
“I know it will not be an easy task,” she added. “However, I am confident that along with other elected officers of UFO, leaders and members from all unit organizations under the umbrella of UFO, we will always unite to support the mission and vision of our organization. I look forward to a fruitful two-year term,” she said.
The new UFO officers. From left, Mario Mayuga of Bayani Association – vice president, Ladyvir Canape, Bayani Association – secretary, Birhen Marinez, MAFEA – president, Annamae Adaza, Bayani Association, – PRO, Renelyn Gallos, MIFICPA – auditor, and Noel Ordas, Bicol Association – treasurer.
