Honoring Hector Logrono and his legacy

Hector Logrono, founder of the PAGASA foundation for FilAm seniors,  passed away September 3. A wake was held September 4 at Leahy McDonald Funeral Home in  Richmond Hill.

Hector Logrono, founder of the PAGASA foundation for FilAm seniors, passed away September 3. A wake was held September 4 at Leahy McDonald Funeral Home in Richmond Hill.

By Rachelle Ocampo

I am still in shock.

The sudden passing of our dear friend Hector Logrono, founder of PAGASA Social Foundation Inc., earlier this week took a hit in the hearts of Filipino American community members in the NY Metropolitan area.

I am fortunate to have witnessed Hector’s beautiful spirit and compassion for our community’s seniors. Thanks to our collaborations with NaFFAA Region 1 and FALDEF, Hector’s and UniPro’s paths crossed. I remember first meeting him at an event with NYC Comptroller John Liu where Filipino community organizers and members had an opportunity to highlight the organizations we represent. Hector was one of the first people to approach me and readily handed his business card along with the biggest smile and the most enthusiastic explanation of his mission.

Since Hector founded PAGASA, he immediately became the face of FilAm seniors. I was quickly enamored by his passion to help this forgotten population. UniPro Summit’s co-chairs, Iris Zalun and Gecile Fojas, took this opportunity to ensure his presence at our 3rd Annual UniPro Summit in June and invited him to be one of our guest speakers on our “Social Good” panel. We recognized the importance of acknowledging the need to be involved with our seniors’ well-being, and he was the key person to relay this message to our audience of young professionals and students.

He passionately said, “The time is now,” challenging us to “rise” and respond to those needs. His rich background in community outreach shows how committed he was to ensuring that Filipinos were being educated and taken care of. Even during his last days he was working tirelessly for more exposure of FilAm seniors at the John Liu rally, which ironically came full circle to how we first met.

The author (at right) with Hector and Sheila Logrono at the August 16 UniPro Gala. Photo by Consuelo Almonte

The author (at right) with Hector and Sheila Logrono at the August 16 UniPro Gala. Photo by Consuelo Almonte

There is no doubt that his sudden passing is a sign that we cannot take life for granted. We need to take care of our seniors, and it is everyone’s responsibility to be involved in some form or another, whether it is attending a socio-cultural event by PAGASA or volunteering time at one of their health fairs

After hearing a eulogy by Eric Lachica, Hector’s friend and an advocate for comprehensive Medicare coverage, it reminded me that we still have a lot of work to do. The first step is to educate by sharing stories and pushing forward in times of challenge. We need to support each other and create an open-minded approach to solving today’s problems.

Tita Sheila, please know I will do my best to honor Hector’s memory by supporting you and all FilAm seniors.

I would like to send this message to Hector: You have left an unforgettable impression in my heart and it has been a true honor to have been able to experience your leadership and enthusiasm. I truly hope that we can live up to your legacy.

Rachelle Ocampo is president of the Pilipino American Unity for Progress, Inc. – or UniPro – an organization of students and young professionals seeking to facilitate and encourage cooperation among other organizations.

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One Comment

  1. Thank you for your kind thoughts. Pagasasfi indeed suffered a great loss with the passing of the founder and President Hector Logrono, the inspiration of Pagasasfi. More so that we are incumbent to pursue his vision and legacy. Hector planted the seed for Filipino American seniors, it is our turn to carry on and let this foundation to flourish in his honor and memory for the sake of our seniors. Considering that we too will be in that situation very soon.

    Pagasasfi need your support. I invite you to a fund raising event Isang Gabi Nang Harana – an evening of Filipino romance on Friday 11 October at the Philippine Center 6pm reception and Program start 7:00 pm. This event will honor the memory of Hector as this is his last project under him.

    Pagasasfi is a not for profit organization and ticket donation of $45.00 is tax exempt. Please contact me for more information and for your support.

    Consuelo Almonte
    Executive Vice President
    Pagasa Social Foundation Inc.
    718 849 5204.
    connie_almonte@yahoo.com
    maconsuelo.almonte@gmail.com

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