ON the night of Oct. 18, 2025, in one of the pavilions at Kilili Beach, we gathered to celebrate a “Potluck Birthday Party” for a fellow overseas Filipino worker. We also extended our farewell messages to one of our fellow OFWs who is scheduled to return to the Philippines for good after 36 long years of working on the beautiful island of Saipan.
At first, there were greetings, jokes, and laughter, but by the middle of the night, the attendees fell silent when we announced that a long-time OFW — a member of various Filipino organizations and a Year-2003 Outstanding OFW awardee of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Saipan — was leaving the island for good.
“It’s time to go back home,” he said emotionally, facing fellow OFWs with a smile but obviously with pain in his heart. “I am leaving the island because of personal reasons and to be with my family back home,” he added.
The United Filipino Organization would like to extend our warmest and sincere appreciation to Mr. Segundo “Jun” Lapeceros Jr., an active OFW community leader, with a heartfelt “bon voyage” message. Good luck with your future endeavors back home, Kasamang Jun.
You have been my partner in soliciting voluntary donations to extend financial help to our fellow workers in dire need. We were together pushing a wheelchair at the airport, assisting our sick kababayan on their desire to return home for good. You have always led the nightly prayers and rosary for our departed kababayan for nine days, voluntarily, for many years. You have contributed and participated in numerous community projects and services, offering your time without cost. That is your untiring support to the community, to our fellow workers, and to the host islands as you say goodbye to CNMI.
Bon voyage to you, Pre Jun, on your journey back home to the Philippines. Stay healthy and safe always in whatever you do back home, together with your beloved family.
On behalf of the Filipino Community Church, United Filipino Organization, Saipan Sto. Niño Group, Saipan Magalahi Eagles Club, and Saipan Magahaga Lady Eagles Group, we will miss you. We will pray for your good health and a happy life together with your beloved family members.
Mabuhay ka kabayan Jun!
CARLITO J. MARQUEZ
UFO President