ShareThisCHICAGO (JGL) – Philippine President Benigno Aquino, III, has hailed the Bikol National Associations of America (BNAA) when it holds its three-day 34th national convention hosted by the Chicago, Illinois-area based Bikol U.S.A. of the Midwest (BUSAM) headed by Ms. Evelyn R. Tolledo from July 25-27, 2014 at the Hilton Rosemont/O’Hare Hotel at 5550 N. River Road, Rosemont, Illinois, saying such “gatherings of overseas Filipino associations are an opportunity to look back on our collective achievements, and find in them sources of inspiration and strength to face future challenges with vitality and renewed confidence.”
In a message to President Tolledo that will appear in the souvenir magazine of the event, President Aquino said, “Though we each walk different paths, empowerment remains our shared enterprise. Rest assured, the Philippine government is working to build on the gains of our reforms, so that when you return to your beloved homeland, you can say that so many things have changed for the better, and that the promise of a more robust and progressive Philippines is at hand.”
Rep. Maria Leonor “Leni” Gerona-Robredo of the third district of Camarines Sur in the Philippines will be the guest of honor and speaker during the Welcoming (Luau) ceremonies during the convention on Friday, July 25, at 7 p.m. at the Hilton Rosemont/O’Hare Hotel.
In a message, Attorney Robredo said, “May this convention strengthen your organization more and further your endeavors in nation building. May your passion for service and charity remain undying. There is a growing optimism in Bicol, and the country in general. Let us continue on this path and work hand in hand in achieving our collective dream of a progressive society.”
VEEP ASKS BNAA TO BE ACTIVE PARTNER OF GOVERNMENT
For his part, Vice President Jejomar Binay, in a message, said, “As presidential adviser on Overseas Filipino Workers’ Concerns, I trust that you will serve as an active partner of our government in securing the welfare of Bikolanos and the rest of our kababayans in Illinois. Let us work together in serving the Filipino people and helping create a better life for all. Again congratulations. Mabuhay kayo!”
Secretary Imelda M. Nicolas of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), herself a Bicolana from Sorsogon province, in a message, said, “With this year’s theme, I could see how your convention could become a significant channel for bringing forth the good values of Filipino families.
“This annual gathering of thousands of Bikolanos and guests is an indication that our socio-cultural link as Filipinos remain strong even in a foreign land. We are hopeful that during this convention, cooperation and networking among the participants would be reinforced and intensified, all for the benefit, well-being and welfare of our kababayan.”
Secretary Nicolas’ elder sister, Atty. Loida N. Lewis, founder and president of Sorsogon City-based The Lewis College, in her message said, “I would like to greet this convention’s principal guest of honor and speaker, Rep. Maria Leonor “Leni” Gerona-Robredo, who undoubtedly is the fast-rising star in the field of public service from our region.
“BEACON OF LIGHT OF A CITY ON A HILL”
“The very humble and down-to-earth Bikol’s favorite daughter not only makes her the pride and joy of the region but also makes Rep. Leni the beacon of light of a city on a hill.”
In her message, Ms. Tolledo, a native of Catanduanes province, said, “As president of Bikol U.S.A. of the Midwest (BUSAM), host of this year’s annual gathering of concerned and tightly bound Bikolanos from across the United States and a big delegation from our beloved Bikol region in the Philippines, allow me to greet you, “Dagos po kamo gabos sa harong ni Lincoln nin si Obama! (Welcome everybody to the Land of Lincoln and Obama!).”
Emir C. Abinion, son of Ed and Ellen Abinion of Legazpi City and President of Fox Valley Auto Group, dealer of Volkswagen-Buick-GMC in West Chicago – Schaumburg – St. Charles, Illinois, offered to provide transportation service to Rep. Robredo during her attendance at the convention.
In his message during the 32nd national BNAA convention, Romeo L. Llarena, president-elect for 2013-2015, proposed that as a None Government Organization, the BNAA, he said, can “pursue an idea on how this organization can field congressional candidates during the 2016 National Election under the “Party List” law. If anyone has interest in becoming candidate under our “Marginal Representation Party,” please contact me at 312-732-5316 or email me at maltdrl@gmail.com.” His snail mail address is P. O. Box 21760, Detroit, Michigan 48221 U.S.A.
The BNAA is tax-exempt non-profit organization 501 (c) & 509(a)(1) registered under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, which can accept tax-deductible donations that go to such projects as “Operation” Pumpwells,” “Operation Smile,” Disaster Relief and Medical-Surgical mission. It has 26 active and seven inactive organizations across the United States.
Parties interested to get in touch with Ms. Tolledo can reach her at her cell phone No. 773.946.9668 or email address at evelynbikolusamid@gmail.com or at Facebook account name, “34th BNAA National Convention / Bikol USA of the Midwest.”
(lariosa_jos@sbcglobal.net)