15 April 2016 – Philippine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Constancio R. Vingno, Jr. led the induction of new set of officers and members of the Bayanihan Council Executive Committee (ExeCom) on April 01 at the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
The new ExeCom officers for 2016-2018, their respective designations, and organizations that they represent, are as follows: Chairman Engr. Jeffrey Uy (Philippine Society for Project and Program Management); Vice Chairman Dr. Eldino Alberto Caballes (Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Incorporated - UAE Chapter); Secretary Emily R. Camacho (Filipino Association for Computer Excellence UAE); Treasurer Lowel Dalisay (Ang Lasalyanong Organisado); and Auditor Engr. Blesil Apduhan (Overseas Filipino ISO Auditors).
The ExeCom members for 2016-2017 are Assistant Secretary Jennifer Paredes (Samahan ng mga OFW sa UAE); Assistant Treasurer Regina Drew (Filipino Teachers in the Society); Assistant Auditor Engr. Edgar Barrozo (Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers - Emirate of Abu Dhabi Chapter); Edita Bautista (Abu Dhabi Filipino Dance Club), Engr. Garry Burnnop (Alpha Phi Omega Alumni Association of the Emirates), Roselynn Ann Paragas (Filipino Community Al Ain), Gay Marie Jumuad (League of Filipino Healthcare Professionals), Chai Raagas (Organisasyon ng mga Pilipinong Mang-aawit at Mananayaw sa Abu Dhabi), Engr. Joel Austero (Overseas Filipino Civil Engineers' Association), and Engr. Carlito Rendon (Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers - UAE Chapter).
They were selected during elections held on March 11 at the Embassy. The top five officers (Chairman to Treasurer) will serve for two years. The other ten members will serve for one year.
Engr. Antonio Morales, Chairman of the Bayanihan Council ExeCom for 2014-2016, delivered the Opening Remarks. New Chairman Engr. Jeffrey Uy delivered his Acceptance Speech at a turn-over ceremony following the induction of officers. Plaques of Appreciation were awarded to outgoing ExeCom officers and members, and to Filipino organizations who were appointed as Committee Chairs of the various Bayanihan Council activities during the years 2014 to 2016.
In his speech, Ambassador Vingno congratulated the new officers and members of the Bayanihan Council ExeCom. He expressed his admiration to the Council for a job well done. “In my five months here in the UAE, I have seen your dedication and how you are taking very seriously the duties and responsibilities of being an officer and member of the Bayanihan. With focus, passion and discipline, we can reach greater heights,” he said.
Currently, there are 49 organizations under the Bayanihan Council, the umbrella organization of all Filipino groups and associations accredited to the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi. It holds regular and monthly meetings to discuss programs and projects, and has been an effective partner of the Embassy in pursuing community and cultural-related programs since the Council’s inception in 2009. END
