04 November 2013 - The United Filipino Organizations (UFO) in Saipan recently concluded a weeklong fundraising campaign to help in the relief efforts for the families and communities affected by the earthquake that struck the Provinces of Bohol and Cebu this month. 

Under the leadership of its President, Ms. Annamae Adaza, the UFO was able to raise a total of US$5,500.00, which they will be donating to the Sagip Kapamilya Campaign of the ABS-CBN Foundation.  A cashier's check was issued in favor of the said organization and was turned over to Mr. Eli Arago, one of the most active Filipino community leaders in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) and who has also been nominated to become the Philippine Honorary Consul in the CNMI.  Mr. Arago is travelling to the Philippines to personally deliver the said cashier's check to the ABS-CBN Foundation.  The UFO has likewise made arrangements for Ms. Julia Fabian, former Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWAA) officer in Saipan, to accompany Mr. Arago during the check presentation in Manila.

During the weeklong campaign, the UFO set up booths in different locations in Saipan where voluntary donations were accepted.  These included booths in the Sabalu Market, Fishing Base, Garapan Street Market and in the parish churches of Kristo Rai and Mount Carmel.  They also solicited from various business establishments which likewise gave generous donations.

The Philippine Consulate General in Agana, Guam, which exercises consular jurisdiction over the CNMI, has expressed its appreciation to the UFO for their volunteerism and generosity and for all the hard work they put in for this campaign to help our kababayans in Bohol and Cebu. END