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ZAMNAI NEWS
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ZANORTE
GOVERNOR VISIT CHICAGO |
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Sunday, May 3, 2009 – Governor Rolando Yebes of Zamboanga del Norte together with Vice-Governor Francis Olvis arrived in Chicago from Las Vegas for a short visit to all ZaNorte constituents here in Illinois upon the invitation of ZAMNAI officers and members. The two officials were in Las Vegas for the Pacquiao vs. Hatton big boxing event and side-tripped to Chicago to purposely meet and reach-out to the ZaNorteans here in Illinois who have long been away from the province and are pretty much excited to hear first hand updates from our province. Directly from the Chicago Midway airport, Governor Yebes attended the 7th Sunday Novena and Mass in honor of Dipolog’s Patron Saint Senior San Vicente Ferrer hosted by the family of Salvic Saavedra in Skokie, Illinois, where he had the chance to personally meet and greet to everyone who came over. Other than being overwhelmed with photo shots, the governor talked of his concerns for our beloved ZaNorte, in anticipation of a strong involvement for support and assistance coming from our fellow ZaNorteans around, he made mention of his administration’s visions, implemented programs and accomplishments that truly benefited the ZaNorteans especially the poor and the under privilege. In the evening, our very own ZAMNAI under the leadership of Pres. Kesa Bajamunde with the support of its officers warmly hosted an informal dinner and assembly at the Intercontinental Hotel in Rosemont, IL. The Presidents from various ZaNorte associations based in Illinois attended the event |
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After everyone had enthusiastically exchanged pleasantries. ZAMNAI IPP Rem Sienes welcomed and introduced the org. Presidents and ZAMNAI officers to the two dignitaries. Vice-Governor Olvis in his speech introduced himself, acknowledged, and gave thanks to the continuous support we gave to the province. Governor Yebes then followed his introduction and presented in detail the economic, social, and agricultural status of our province, and updates what they have been up to as executive leaders. He gratefully recognized the numerous contributions made by ZAMNAI and all ZaNorteans who are now residing in Illinois, in varied ways and indirectly given, however have helped immensely to uplift the economy of our province. Likewise, an open forum followed and was moderated by ZAMNAI Immediate Past President Rem Sienes. In the open forum, Gov. Yebes credibly answered several questions and inquiries, moreover considered some given suggestions and proposals that focuses more on the interest of ZaNorteans in Illinois. He specifically emphasized on different factors to boost local tourism and the importance of greatly developing agriculture. The following topics were also discussed:
A more comprehensive ZaNorte Tourism campaign in
Illinois that will show cases the
A confident message from the Provincial Government that
travel to ZaNorte is not just
An initiative that will provide a professional training
and certification program for our
A program that will provide any assistance to the
immediate family of a returning
An improvement in the Dipolog airport terminal that will
provide an adequate
A real time updates of news and information about ZaNorte
especially in
Personal interaction between the Governor and ZaNorteans
in Illinois via Internet
A trade initiative to promote ZaNorte specialty products
(e.g. bottled sardines) for a
An action for a social response related to the call for
ecology conservation, flood
The visiting officials meanwhile, stressed that this visit is not at all of government expense rather out of their personal pockets. They added that apparently for some, this could possibly be regarded as political in nature however, it was pointed out that it is but so important for them to meet with our fellow kababayans, to bond with us like a father in touch with his offspring and to remind us how necessary it is to remain connected with where we came from, to let us be aware of the development and progress happening in our locality in the Philippines, as well as the issues and concerns in need of whatever help we could possibly extend. After all, it is still the very place, where we truly belong, our very own, and for which we certainly could call our home – for always. Among the groups and associations represented during the assembly are the following:
Cormano, Manukan – represented by Diane
Patangan The night culminated with the most if not all of those present, deeply inspired and motivated to continuously support the cause of the Governor, and with high hopes for a much better future of our very own ZaNorte province. In conclusion to the successful assembly, ZAMNAI President Kesa Bajamunde expressed her in-depth appreciation to all ZaNorte organization Presidents who are in attendance and for their support to ZAMNAI’s public information drive through the “Meet, Greet, and Ask” the two top ranking officials of the province. Monday, May 4, 2009 – Governor Yebes and Vice-Gov. Olvis had a lunch meeting with the rest of our fellow ZaNorteans in Chicago at Chang Jiang Buffet, Des Plaines, IL. This time each of those in attendance had the opportunity to exchange “kumustahan” and discuss briefly with the Governor and Vice-Governor on matters of their personal concerns both here in US and back home.
In the evening, DYC Pres. Paul Daarol led the members of the DYC-Chicago in honoring Gov. Yebes with a reception dinner at Texas de Brazil steak house in Schaumburg, IL. It was learned that Gov. Yebes is an active member of DYC-Dipolog chapter since 2002.
ZAMNAI IPP Rem Sienes who was the lead facilitator of the Governor and Vice-Governor’s visit to Chicago gave his special commendation to ZAMNAI President Kesa Bajamunde for the hotel reception and accommodation, Des Lee for the invitation, Cyd Adriatico-Fernandez for the air travel arrangements, and Alvin Ang for the transport services. IPP Rem also expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to all ZaNorteans who tirelessly supported the Governor’s short but very informative and successful visit in Chicago. (Hayley Patangan DIPOLOGNON.COM) |
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ZaNorteans in Illinois to Celebrate HUDYAKA
2008 Officers and members of the Zamboanga del Norte Association in Illinois (ZAMNAI) are spearheading the celebration of Hudyaka 2008 for ZaNorteans residing in Illinois on August 2, to be held at Proesel Park (by Lincoln and Kostner) in Lincolnwood. The event will start with a Holy Mass at 11 AM and continue on to other activities which will culminate at 6 PM. Highlighting the affair is the ZAMNAI election of officers for Term 2009-2010. Only those who have registered (with their dues paid) can run for office and vote. Also, Ruby Nalzaro, a ZaNortean and nurse with White Crane Wellness Center will be on hand to conduct the beneficial free blood tests and health screenings to the ZaNorteans. Though less grandiose compared to the annual Hudyaka festivity in the Province of Zamboanga del Norte, the concept of a day’s fun and camaraderie, the chance to reconnect with other ZaNorteans away from home or who have found Illinois as their second home, meeting new additions to the family and sharing ones favorite dish/food (pot luck) is the totality of this event. Interested parties may contact ZAMNAI President Rem Sienes, (847)-962-5174; Event Chairpersons Clemente “Jun” Navarro at (773)-895-4590 and Kesa Bajamunde at (312)-607-3553. For membership, please contact Desiree Lee at (773)-875-8338. |
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HOSPITAL EQUIPMENT WAITING TO BE
SHIPPED |
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The medical equipment in the pictures (2 Ultrasound Machines, Mammogram, Weighing Scale, etc...) donated by the Naperville Medical Center through the auspices of the Renewed Life Philippine Mission, sits in the garage of ZaNorteans, Claude and Suzy Adriatico at their Oak Brook, Illinois residence awaiting shipment to its final recipient, the Zamboange del Norte Provincial Hospital. A couple with a big heart who are still actively contributing to the projects of ZAMNAI even if they now reside in Ohio, Claude and Suzy sacrificed parking their vehicles out of the garage to allow the organization to use the space, thus saving on the storage cost. Next task for ZAMNAI is to come up with the necessary fund to defray the shipment, costing no less than $4,000.00.
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