THE United Filipino Organization received from the former administration $100,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds that were spent or will be spent on community projects, according to Marcelo “Mar” Masilungan, the former UFO president.
In a recent presentation, he said UFO, as a nonprofit organization, received $50,000 in ARPA funds on May 13, 2022; and $50,000 on Nov. 4, 2022.
He said these funded the construction of a pavilion north of the 13 Fishermen Monument on Beach Road, Garapan, and three bus shelters for students.
The pavilion in Garapan, which is still under construction, cost $29,740. “We made a down payment of $13,720, and upon completion we will pay an additional $16,020,” Masilungan said.
The construction of the three bus shelters cost $15,500 each. “These were paid in full,” he added.
The bus shelters are Bus Stop No. 87 in Kannat Tabla, Route 307; Bus Stop No. 95 in Dandan, Route 304; and Bus Stop No. 92 on Dandan Road, Route 304-As Lito Drive.
These projects cost a total of $76,300.
“Our remaining balance is $23,700 and is available for other community projects,” Masilungan said.
During his two-year tenure as president, UFO also constructed a new bus shelter across from the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation that was funded by a 2019 basketball tournament.
UFO likewise adopted a pavilion in San Jose and had it repainted.
In addition, UFO conducted free OSHA classes and training sessions, and provided assistance to repatriated Filipino nationals who needed help.
UFO’s new president, Birhen Martinez, and other officers were sworn in Saturday at Chowtime Restaurant in Garapan.
Former United Filipino Organization President Mar Masilungan talks about the group’s accomplishments in the past two years during a meeting on Saturday at Chowtime Restaurant in Garapan.
