18 December 2014 - The Eskwelahang Munti sa Guam (EMG) held its 10th commencement and recognition ceremony on December 13 at the Holiday Resort Hotel in Tumon.
Philippine Consul General Marciano R. de Borja attended the event as guest of honor together with his wife, Mrs. Esperanza de Borja, and two daughters, Angela and Agatha. He delivered a message thanking EMG for its important role and contribution in promoting the Philippine history, language, culture and values to young Filipino and Filipino-American children on Guam. He stressed that the participants will gain a better understanding and appreciation of their parents’ homeland and develop pride in their unique Filipino heritage, identity and character. He expressed appreciation most especially to the volunteer teachers for their dedication and commitment in teaching the young children the Filipino language, values, history, music and dances which form part of the Filipino culture and identity. He also thanked all the supporters, particularly the Filipino Cultural Center (FCC), for providing resources and other forms of assistance in order to keep the EMG program going.
EMG was initiated by the Consulate General in 2010 during the time of then Consul General Olivia Palala in partnership with the Filipino Community of Guam (FCG).
The EMG aims to teach Filipino culture, history, art and language to Filipino and Filipino-American children on Guam and to develop their talents and skills in reading, singing and dancing. EMG classes were held for ten (10) Saturdays at the Tamuning Community Center and were conducted by volunteer teachers led by EMG Principal, Mrs. Milagros Moguel, Dr. Clarissa Quan and her daughter Amanda Quan, Mrs. Gloria Baguinon, Mrs. Ciony Viray and Mr. Jun Moguel. Ms. Leah Hamoy, wife of Consul Mark Francis Hamoy, and Ms. Agatha de Borja, daughter of Consul General de Borja, also lent a hand and support as volunteer assistants during the 10-Saturday EMG classes.
As highlight of the recognition program, the kids showcased what they learned from the EMG classes by reading Filipino verses and folk stories. As part of their special presentation, they sang some Filipino folk songs, “Paru-Parong Bukid”, and the famous Filipino Christmas song, “Pasko na Naman”. They also performed the Philippine national dance, “Tinikling”, and later invited some guests to try the dance steps.
Senator Dennis G. Rodriguez, Jr. of the 32nd Guam Legislature graced the occasion and distributed gifts to the kids. Also in attendance during the event was Mr. Emelio Uy, President of the Filipino Cultural Center (FCC) and also Chairman of the FCG Board of Trustees, Consul Edgar Tomas Q. Auxilian, Ms. Mildred Sayurin, Post’s Cultural Officer, and Mr. Alex Gagaring, FCC Vice-President.
A total of fourteen (14) young boys and girls completed the 10th session of the EMG program but only thirteen were able to attend the graduation ceremony. END
