12 May 2016 - The Filipino-American community in New York, as well as the mainstream community, attended the Benefit Gala organized by the Bohol Restoration Group, with the support of Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose L. Cuisia Jr. and Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations in New York Bernadito Auza, on April 20 at the UN Delegates Dining of the UN Headquarters. Entitled “Rising Above the Ruins - Restoring Cultural Heritage and Life in the Face of Climate Change,” the event was held for benefit the severely damaged heritage sites in the town of Maribojoc and Loon.
The Bohol Restoration Group’s (BRG) efforts was a response to the call of the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. for assistance from the community after the Bohol province was badly hit by a 7.2 earthquake in October 2013. Over 100 communities in Bohol are still under a state of disaster with limited resources to rebuild and restore their homes, livelihood and churches.
In his brief remarks, Ambassador Cuisia acknowledged the generosity of many benefactors and patrons who have come out to support the Gala. “The devastated churches and other heritage structures have been central to community life, and their restoration should be seen as a vital component of recovery and rehabilitation efforts,” he said.
During the program, Philippine Consul General to New York Mario L. de Leon, Jr. handed an image of Sto. Niño de Palaboy to Archbishop Auza, in recognition of his role in pastoring the Filipino-American community in New York despite his heavy UN work. The Papal Nuncio, who is a proud Boholano himself, is an active supporter of the BRG’s initiative.
Archbishop Auza recalled his life in his village in the town of Talibon, northern part of the island of Bohol and his admiration of the Spanish colonial churches that dotted many towns along the roads that ring the round shaped island of Bohol which are now reduced to smithereens. He expressed his gratitude to the persevering commitment of the donors especially those who are not Boholanos. “I am deeply honored by your presence tonight and I thank you most sincerely for your generosity because the cause of the Gala Dinner is not only very close to my heart, it is in my heart and DNA,” said the Papal Nuncio.
Ambassador and Mrs. Cuisia also received an image of Sto Niño de Palaboy from UNESCO Representative to the United Nations Marie-Paule Roudil. The Sto. Niño image was created by UNICEF awardee sculpture and artist Seb Chua.
In her acknowledgement remarks, BRG Executive Director Margaret Encarma, whose efforts made the successful Benefit Gala at the UN possible through her close coordination with the Office of the Papal Nuncio, ANCOP Foundation USA Inc, and the Philippine Consulate General in New York, conveyed her appreciation to the Filipino-American and mainstream community in New York for supporting the event. END
