23 December 2013 - The University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Guam (UPAG), a non-profit and civic-oriented organization of alumni and former students of the premier university in the Philippines, donated the new gatehouse to the John F. Kennedy High School campus in Tumon. The multi-purpose concrete structure serves as security guardhouse, information booth, traffic station, and emergency shelter.
The Philippine Consulate General in Agana was invited to the simple but meaningful turn-over ceremony held in the morning of December 12, 2013.
Consul Edgar Tomas Q. Auxilian, Acting Head of Post, and Consul Maria Paz G. Cortes, represented the Philippine Consulate General in Agana in the said event, which was attended by JFKHS Principal Dr. Barbara Adamos, Mr. Chris Anderson of the Guam Department of Education, Tamuning Mayor Louise Rivera, WAY President of JFKHS Dennis Clemente, and some JFKHS faculty members and students.
Also present were Filipino Community of Guam (FCG) Board of Trustees Chairman Emelio Uy; Mr. Roy Adonay and Ms. Leahbeth Naholowaa, FCG President and 1st Vice-President, respectively; the project’s corporate sponsors, as well as other officers and members of the UPAG.
The new gatehouse was blessed by Monsignor Brigido Arroyo of the St. Anthony/St. Victor Church, who also delivered the invocation.
In her welcome message on behalf of the UP Alumni of Guam, Mrs. Marcos expressed appreciation to the Black Construction Corporation, Hawaiian Rock Products, Architects Laguana LLC, N.C. Macario and Associates, Inc. and the late UP Alumnus Mel Francisco for their special contribution in bringing to fruition the gatehouse project.
Dr. Adamos thanked all the officers and members of the UP Alumni of Guam for donating the project to JFK High School.
Consul Auxilian also spoke on behalf of the Consulate and expressed appreciation to the UP Alumni of Guam. He commended UPAG for undertaking a project that will enhance the security and order in the academic community of JFK HS.
The ceremony was moderated by Dr. Meilou Milligan, member of the UPAG Board of Directors.
UPAG was founded in the 1980s by the late Dr. Glocrito “Pat” Sagisi. It currently has a total of about 60 members. END