20 May 2015 – Philippine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Grace Relucio Princesa led the induction of new Board Members to the Bayanihan Council Executive Committee (EXECOM) on May 08 at the Philippine Embassy.
The new members of the Bayanihan Council EXECOM for 2015-2016 include Engineer Blesil Apduhan (Overseas Filipino ISO Auditors), Lowel Dalisay (Ang Lasalyanong Organisado), Engineer William Icaranom (Overseas Filipinos Civil Engineers Association), Evangeline Junio (Pinoy Mums Abu Dhabi), Juliet Grace Lagrama (Filipino Association for Computer Excellence), Alfredo Manangan (Katilingban Sang Mga Ilonggo), Vivien Napeñas (Pinoy WISE International UAE), Jennifer Paredes (Samahan ng mga OFW sa UAE), Albert Sabado (United Balikatan Pinoy), and Engineer Paul Gaby Sabillo (Overseas Filipinos Civil Engineers Association – AUH Builders). They were selected during the elections held on April 17.
The new members join the current officers of the Bayanihan Council which were elected for two terms in 2014. They are Engineer Antonio Morales (Chairman), Engineer Gemmo del Mundo (Vice Chairman), Ms. Regina Drew (Treasurer), and Engineer Joel Moredo (Auditor).
In her speech, Ambassador Princesa congratulated the new members of the Council and encouraged them to continue the bayanihan spirit in their service to the Filipino community in the UAE. She expressed hope that the Council will continue to support the programs of the Embassy and the Philippine government for Filipinos in the UAE particularly financial literacy and skills upgrading.
The Bayanihan Council is the umbrella organization of all Filipino groups in Abu Dhabi comprising professional organizations, faith-based organizations, hometown organizations, socio-cultural organizations and socio-economic organizations. There are now almost 50 organizations under the Bayanihan Council. They have a regular monthly meeting to discuss programs and projects. They have also been an effective partner of the Embassy in pursuing community and cultural-related programs since the group’s inception in 2009. END