On its 1st year PhilAm N.J. Jaycees celebrates ‘hearts that give’

Members of the board, from left: Secretary Rose Clave, VP Internal Sabrina Inigo, President Maricar Taino, VP External Maria Nucum, and Treasurer Audrey Velez.

Members of the board, from left: Secretary Rose Clave, VP Internal Sabrina Inigo, President Maricar Taino, VP External Maria Nucum, and Treasurer Audrey Velez.

By Yves Nibungco

The Philippine American New Jersey Junior Chambers International celebrated its first anniversary on July 15 at the San Carlos Banquet Hall in Lyndhurst, N.J. with an induction of
new members and officers.

Elected chapter president was Maricar Taino and board chair Wes Estanislao.

“It’s an honor to be a part of this amazing organization,” said Estanislao. “Being part of this organization gives me a chance help people.”

The members of the Board of Directors are: Maria Nucum, serving as Internal Vice President, is a registered Nurse in the Cardiac Center and Emergency Department of Morristown Medical Center; Sabrina Inigo as External Vice President is a senior at Rutgers University-New Brunswick studying Sociology and Psychology; Rose Clave, the Secretary, works as a case worker for Hudson County Department of Benefits; and Audrey Velez, the Treasurer, and is currently taking college credits leading toward a Project Management Degree.

The Phil-Am NJ Jaycees presented the various causes the club has supported for the year, from peace advocacy, immigrant rights and issues affecting the Filipino community.

Staying in line with the organization’s objective to make impact in the community, the proceeds of the event will be donated to Project PEARLS, a non-profit organization based in Manila that seeks to help the poorest of the poor children have a better life through education, empowerment, nutrition, and healthcare services.

In her speech, Chapter President Maricar Taino said, “I believe that every person in this gathering has the heart to give for the good of the community. You may be a more visible community leader or simply support a friend or family. But your support, your coming and presence in here shows more. You believe the mission and you believe in serving humanity!”

Chapter President Maricar Taino presents plaque of appreciation to Mylz Tolentino of Western Union.

Chapter President Maricar Taino presents plaque of appreciation to Mylz Tolentino of Western Union.

Maricar, a resident of Jersey City, is a graduate of Rutgers University’s Business School. She works for the State of New Jersey’s Department of Treasury.

In March, she was one of the honorees of the Women in Action award of 2017. She is one of the founding members of a local Junior Chamber International (JCI) chapter based in New Jersey. She was also appointed vice president for the state U.S. Junior Chamber.

One of the many highlights of the day was the presentation of a state resolution in recognition of the organization, a testament to the work that Phil-Am NJ Jaycees has done in just one year of existence.

“The strength, the vitality of communities and success of the state of New Jersey and the effectiveness our American society depend, in great measure, upon entities exemplified by JCI PhilAm N.J. Chapter who unite and act together voluntarily to further a cause,” says the resolution read by Jujo Conol, one of the organization’s associate members.

The Senate resolution was introduced by Senator Sandra Cunningham, of the 31st legislative district and signed by Senate President, Steve Sweeney.

The Phil-Am NJ Jaycees induction brought together various members of the community, such as Mylz Tolentino, Diaspora Marketing Manager of Western Union.

“We are proud to support FilAm organizations that hone in on building the leaders of the future and take serious roles in the betterment of humanity,” she said.

The group pledged to continue to “provide development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change.”

The event ended, like a true Filipino event, with dancing and more food.

© 2017 The FilAm



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