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MR.
ARNOLD CLAVIO IS PISTA GUEST
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MULTI-AWARDED
TV HOST/ PERSONALITY ARNOLD “IGAN” CLAVIO was the
Guest of Honor & Speaker of Damayan-Buluseño, Inc.
during its Pista sa Maynila celebration last July
9 at the Knights of Columbus Clubhouse in Intramuros,
Manila.
In his inspirational message, Mr. Clavio
surprised the big crowd of Buluseños on his knowledge
about the life of St. James the Greater, the patron
saint of Bulusan. Most of the Buluseños in the audience
knew very little about St. James except for the fact
that he is their miraculous patron.
In closing, he gave his very inspiring reminder
to his audience to do something good in their lives
everyday.
In appreciation of his efforts to honor their
invitation despite his very hectic schedule, and for his
very inspiring message – the association, through its
president, Engr. Pablito R. Freo, presented a plaque of
recognition to Mr. Clavio for his sterling achievements
in investigative journalism which greatly inspired them
to have him as guest of honor & speaker on the said
occasion. His
presence was made possible by Mrs. Nenette Reyes –
Manda, a director of Damayan-Buluseño, Inc.
Another speaker in the said affair was Atty.
Irving N. Fabic, Sr. who spoke highly of the
association. Atty. Fabic who was one of its advisers, is the better-half
of the former Nena B. Gonzales who sponsored the first
mass for the Buluseños in Metro Manila at the Holy
Trinity Church in Balic-Balic, Sampaloc which paved the
way to the birth of DBI.
The celebration was again another hit where
Buluseños from different parts of Metro-Manila and
nearby provinces of Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, and Cavite
trooped to the Knights of Columbus Clubhouse to join the
merry-making.
As has been the tradition, the affair was ushered
in by a mass at 2:00 p.m. celebrated by Rev. Fr. Aris
bajao of the San Agustin Church.
Other highlights of the occasion include the
presentation of plaques of recognition to Mr. Anonymous
and Madam Luz Z. Gamba who both sponsored the newly
graduate scholars of Damayan-Buluseño,Inc. and
Damayan-Buluseño Foundation, Inc.
On the entertainment part, songs were rendered
beautifully by singers from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng
Pasig (PLP). The
dance troupe from the same school presented native
dances to the great delight of the audience.
Their participation was made possible by Mrs.
Marichu F. Arellano,a director of DBI, and a faculty
member of PLP.
Adding to the excitement of the celebration was
the raffle where a good number of lucky winners brought
home various prizes.
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ENGR.
PABLITO R. FREO, NEW DBI PREXY
Although
he is known in his native barangay of Sta. Barbara (Odiquin) and nearby Bagacay, Buhang, Porog, and San Isidro
– the name Engr. Pablito R. Freo is virtually unknown to his
townmates in almost all the other areas in the municipality of
Bulusan.
In
fact, when his name popped up as the new president of
Damayan-Buluseño, Inc. replacing Madam Luz Z. Gamba who
resigned early this year for personal reasons, Buluseños in the
town proper and in other barangays raised their eyebrows in astonishment. They could hardly believe that an unknown guy from a
depressed far-flung upland barangay would be capable of managing
the affairs of a town organization like DBI.
“Who is he?” they asked. “We have never heard about
him or met him from Adam.”
But,
Mr. Rogelio F. Fuentes, past president of the association who
knows Engr. Freo very well is quite confident that he can give
justice to his position effectively as he is not new in the
management aspect. Mr.
Fuentes recalled that it was in the year 2000 during Engr.
Freo’s incumbency as president of the Buhang National High
School Alumni Association, Inc.
that the school witnessed one of
the most memorable affairs it has ever had - the highly
successful alumni
homecoming held that same
year.
In
the affairs of DBI, Engr. Freo is already well-versed in its
various projects and activities having been one of its
directors, 2nd vice-president, and 1st
vice-president before assuming the presidency.
For the past three years, he has been the treasurer of
the Damayan-Buluseño Foundation, Inc.
Mr.
Fuentes assures the Buluseños that Engr. Freo can pass this
test of leadership with flying colors.
In fact, his term is supposed to end in December this
year but due to the popular clamor of the members because of his
kind of leadership, the board of directors unanimously approved
the extension of his services for another term.
This is vital as the association is set to celebrate its
silver anniversary next year.
Aside
from his aforementioned credentials, Engr. Freo is also an
active member of prestigious organizations such as the
Integrated Institute of Electrical Engineers, Rotary Club of
Manila East, PYP Mansion-II Corporation, Society of Philippine
Electrical Contractors and Suppliers, Inc. (SPECS)
and Society of Architects Golf Association, Inc. (SAGA).
Engr.
Freo or Lito or Pabling as he is fondly called by
kins and friends, is a son of a poor couple, Jose and Maria Freo.
A consistent honor student in the elementary and high
school who was gifted with talent in math and science, he worked
really hard to pursue his course in electrical engineering and
successfully hurdled the board licensure examination in 1986.
Through
hardwork and perseverance, from his humble beginnings, he rose
to become a successful businessman.
He is now the vice-president of GRL Electric Corporation,
a firm contracting installations of electrical facilities of
different structures from townhouses to high-rise condominium
buidings, from office buildings to commercial complexes, etc.
This
successful electrical engineer from the tiny mountainous
barangay of Odiquin is happily married to Leila or Lei Dumayas
of San Marcelino, Zambales with who he has three kids -
Anthony Paulo, Raymund Charles, and John Patrick.
LAST
DBI SCHOLAR GRADUATES
GLENN F. GAMBA, the last scholar of Damayan-Buluseño,
Inc. graduated last April from the Polytechnic University of the
Philippines (PUP) –Manila.
Glenn who finished Civil Engineering, was the 28th
scholar under the Scholarship Through Sponsorship Program
of the association.
A son of a fisherman, Mr. Gregorio Gamba and the former
Fe Fortes– both of Barangay Sabang, Glenn was sponsored by a
foreign-based Buluseño who requested anonimity. A product of
the Jose S. Reyes Memorial Foundation (formerly Bulusan
Institute), he was its valedictorian when he graduated in high
school in the year 2000.
Glenn was with her mother when he presented the Plaque of
Recognition to his benefactor during the Pista sa Maynila
celebration of Damayan-Buluseño, Inc. last July 9 at the
Knights of Columbus Clubhouse.
Mr. Rogelio F. Fuentes, past president of DBI, received
the plaque in behalf of the sponsor.
When asked of his plans now that he has finished his
engineering course, Glenn said he has to find a job first and
save for his board examinations.
This year also, the first three scholars of the
Damayan-Buluseño Foundation, Inc. to graduate finished their
vocational courses at the Bulusan National Vocational &
Technical School. They
were: Crisanta G. Escaros, Edwin G. Deuna, and Helen F. Fuentes.
Both Crisanta and Edwin took up Hotel & Restaurant
Management while Helen was in Garments Technology.
They were all sponsored by Madam Luz Z. Gamba, vice-chair
of DBFI under the same program.
The Scholarship Through Sponsorship Program was
initiated by Damayan-Buluseño, Inc. in 1983 and was continued
by the Damayan-Buluseño Foundation, Inc. when it was founded in
late 2003.
Mr. Fuentes who is the chair of the foundation said that
this program was implemented purposely to give opportunities to
bright and talented high school graduates from poor Buluseño
families to pursue college education so Bulusan could have more
professionals from the sector of the poor.
He strongly believes more dedicated and dynamic leaders
will come from out of them.
As of now, the program has already produced a total of 31
graduates in engineering, accountancy, education, business
management, agriculture, customs administration, and vocational
courses.
Three of them graduated Cum Laude.
Some of them have also their own scholars under the same
program. Others are
supporting their parents and younger siblings in their studies.
Actually, there could have been more graduates through
this program if only five of these scholars did not quit along
the way without even notifying the association about the matter,
lamented Mr. Fuentes who took pains convincing their sponsors.
PRESENT
SCHOLARS
According to Mr. Fuentes, at present they have six
scholars pursuing different courses under the sponsorship of
Buluseños and friends in Metro Manila and other part of the
country. They are:
Marissa D. Frando, Jenielyn D. Furo, Analyn E. Gallano, Divina
B. France, Regine G. Huit, and Darsy J. Fortajada.
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| Analyn
E. Gallano |
Divina
B. France |
Regine
G. Huit |
Darsy
J. Fortajada |
Marissa who is in third year in education at the
Philippine Normal University -
is sponsored by Mr. Frank Fernandez, Jr. of Mandaluyong
City.
Also in her third year in education but this time at the
Technological University of the Philippines, Jenielyn is under
the sponsorship of Ms. Nenita Somatiza of Pasig City.
An anonymous Buluseño based abroad is the sponsor of
Analyn who is in her second year in education at the Bicol
University-Gubat Campus.
Mr. & Mrs. Lee Hasal are the sponsors of Divina, now
in second year in B.T. Electronics at the Sorsogon State
College. A retired
US Navy now residing in the USA, Mr. Hasal
and Buluseña wife, the former Concordia Gallardo, have
been very supportive of the projects of DBI.
Another anonymous Buluseño based abroad sponsors the
scholarship of Regine, now a sophomore in accountancy at the
Bicol University, Daraga, Albay.
Mr. Albert Manuel, a native of Bataan but now an
executive of a Singapore-based company, is the sponsor of Darsy
who is in her first year in education athe Sorsogon State
College.
APPEAL
FOR SUPPORT
Mr. Fuentes is very determined to seek more sponsors and
donors for this program so it could accommodate as many scholars
as possible from the underprivileged sector especially from the
most depressed barangays of the town. He said, he hates to see
wasted talents of young men and women just because of poverty.
It is very lamentable he said , that we see around many
affluent members of our society throwing away even millions in
luxuries and vices but are unmindful of the plight of the poor
but bright young minds who
could have been great leaders someday if given the opportunity
to pursue higher education.
He is therefore humbly appealing to his fellow Buluseños
and friends who may have the concern to support this program of
the foundation for the benefit of the entire community.
For those interested, inquiries may be sent through this
e-mail address: eliofuentesdbi@yahoo.com or to
Damayan-Buluseño Foundation, Inc., Suite 6 & 7 Framel
Building, 676 EDSA, Cubao, Quezon City 1116.
SPONSORS
AWARDED
THE two sponsors of the scholars who graduated this year
were awarded plaques of recognition during the Pista sa
Maynila celebration of Damayan-Buluseño, Inc. last July 9
at the Knights of Columbus Clubhouse.
Awarded were Mr. Anonymous and Madam Luz Z. Gamba.
Mr. Anonymous who is based abroad was the sponsor of
Glenn F. Gamba, the last scholar of Damayan-Buluseño, Inc. who
graduated in Civil Engineering. Glenn, assisted by his mother
and DBI President Engr. Pablito R. Freo, presented the award to
Mr. Anonymous who
was represented by Mr. Rogelio F. Fuentes.
Madam Luz sponsored the first three three graduates of
the Damayan-Buluseño Foundation, Inc. who took up vocational
courses at the Bulusan National Vocational Technical School.
In the absence of the scholars and as Chairman of the
foundation, Mr. Fuentes presented the award to Engr. Freo in the
absence of Madam Luz.
It has been the tradition of DBI and DBFI to present
awards to sponsors of graduating scholars for their wholehearted
support to the Scholarship Through Sponsorship Program which
is highly commendable and deserves recognition.
DBI GEARS FOR MORE ACTIVITIES AHEAD
After
that successful Pista sa Maynila celebration last July 9,
the officers of Damayan-Buluseño, Inc. led by its president,
Engr. Pablito R. Freo, are again busy working out plans for
their fundraising activities for the forthcoming Damayan
Christmas Drive ’06 and the soon-to-be-revived joint Bulusan
Central School & Damayan ’07 during the coming Holy
Week.
Right
now, a committee headed by Mr. Melchor A. Hasta, the
association’s business manager, is scouting for candidates to
the Miss DBI Silver Girl ’07 in line with the 25th
commemoration of the founding anniversary of Damayan-Buluseño,
Inc. Winner in this contest will be crowned on Valentine’s Day
in Manila and will be part of the entourage that will be paraded
in Bulusan during the homecoming.
According
to Mr. Hasta, the presentation of candidates and canvassing of
votes will be held on November 18.
The last canvassing will be on January 20, 2007.
Another
fundraising activity is slated on the first week of December
this year. It will
be a Christmas carolling by the Damayan-Buluseño Choir around
Metro Manila and nearby areas.
Engr.
Freo said that there will be series of monthly activities next
year in line with the silver anniversary of the association the
most significant of which being the homecoming and the
medical/dental clinic & operation: tule.
BUHANG
NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL is now JAIME G. ESPEÑA HIGH SCHOOL
Buhang
National High School, the pioneer public secondary school in
Bulusan, is renamed Jaime G. Espeña High School. The
change in the school’s name was spearheaded by the Municipal
Council through its Resolution No. 73-2003.
It was in response to the popular demand of the people of
Barangay Buhang to recognize the meritorious achievements and
contribution of the late Dr. Jaime G. Espeña, one of the
revered sons of the barangay in the areas of medical social work
and charitable endeavors.
The
school metamorphosed from its humble beginnings in 1967 to its
present status.
The sprawling campus (the lot donated by the Espeña
family) houses eight (8) buildings where 696 students are
currently enrolled.
There
are on-going projects to upgrade facilities like the
construction of the health clinic funded by the canteen,
construction of stock room (partly funded by the LGU),
installation of window grills, and construction of
a concrete fence.
All
these are realized under the able management of Principal Dr.
Eufemia Gabionza-Gamba.
(Mr.
Edgardo B. Din – Teacher-III)
A
PTCA TO EMULATE
The officers of the Parents Teachers Community
Association (PTCA)
of the Sabang Elementary School headed by Mr. Nicolas
Freo should be emulated by others in the district.
Through their own initiative, they were able to raise
funds for the improvement of vital school facilities.
By way of a popularity contest sponsored by the
association, they were able to realize their projects which cost
a total of P41,677.40.
These are: 1) renovation of the intermediate comfort room
– P7,436.75; 2) acquisition of a sound system – P13,840.00;
3) repair of school gate and entrance – P3,174.00; 4) repair
of the home economics comfort room – P1,085.00; 5) acquisition
of an office table – P2,448.00; 6) repair of the water system
which includes labor, five cubic meters of sand,
and assorted electrical materials – P13,693.65.
All these were made possible by the concerted efforts of
the officers of PTCA led by Mrs. Eva B. Abion and Mr. Emmanuel
F. Geva, Jr., the teachers &
parents of school children, and residents of the barangay.
Meanwhile, Mr. Elias G. Fuedan of the Buhang
Elementary School reported the following on-going
projects in their premises: the repair and painting of the
school’s roof and ceilings, and the reconstruction of the DOH
toilet.
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