PAFCOM announces 2019 officers as ConGen lauds organization for its ‘significant character, principle’

The PAFCOM leadership, from left: President Rosalinda Rupel, Board Chair Dr. Connie Uy, and Grand Marshal Engr. Romulo Luz.

The Philippine American Friendship Committee, Inc. (PAFCOM) welcomed the new year with its 2019 slate of officers, committee and board members.

President Rosalinda Rupel and board chair Dr. Connie Uy led the new set of officers who were inducted by Consul General Claro Cristobal on January 9. In his message, Cristobal stressed the importance of accountability and transparency in any organization. He commended PAFCOM as an organization of “great record of, significant character, value and principle.”

Engineer Romulo Luz was also introduced during the turnover ceremonies as the 2019 Grand Marshal.

“I am excited to start my role as 2019 PAFCOM President,” said Rupel, who has been with PAFCOM since the 1990s. “For year 2019, we will focus on promoting our diversity, leadership and intergeneration relationships.”

Rupel works as Technical Services Librarian for the Clifford Chance LLP law firm.

Uy, a community leader of long standing, was a pediatric nephrologist, one of only 11 in New Jersey. She retired in January 2018 after 50 years of service as a doctor and an educator.

Luz, a civil engineer, is a graduate of Adamson University in Manila. He is president and CEO of his own company, RML Construction Inc., based in New Jersey.

“This is not about me, this is about the community and the men and women of PAFCOM who tirelessly work hard for its betterment,” said Luz.

The 2019 PAFCOM Board of Directors are:

Chairman of the Board: Dr. Connie Uy
Vice Chair: Ledy Almadin
President: Rosalinda Rupel
President-Elect: Helen Castillo
Secretary: Ofelia Frain
Assistant Secretary: Ellen Alonso
Treasurer: Maria Pilar Monje
Asst. Treasurer: Lita Ramos
Auditor: Mely Corpuz
Public Relations Officer: Maricar Taino

The new officers following oathtaking before Consul General Claro Cristobal.

Committee Chairpersons are:

Constitution and By-Laws: Dr. Connie Uy
Cultural: Isagani Puertollano
Development & Partnership: Don Frain
Finance and Budget: Ledy Almadin
Ethics & Compliance: Lindy Lachica Esq.
Membership: Lea Frain
Policies and Procedures: Cora Reyes
Nominating and Election & Immediate Past President: Lito Pernia
Festival Coordinators: Rose Javier and Maureen Varco
Parade Coordinator: Mike Florendo.

Also introduced during the turnover event were some of the Muses of PAFCOM for 2019.

Mrs. PAFCOM: Elsa Lambert-Mole
Miss PAFCOM: Patricia Fernandez
Miss Liberty: Kylie Marie Bustamante-Ibok
Miss Teen PAFCOM: Krismarie Taino
Little Miss PAFCOM: Jasmin Octaviano

PAFCOM will hold its 29th Grand Parade and Festival on Sunday, June 23, 2019, at Lincoln Park in Jersey City. The combined Grand Marshal Night and Coronation Ball will take place on Sunday, April 28, at the Marriot Hotel Newark Airport. A Philippine Flag Raising ceremony will be held on June 7 at Jersey City Hall.

Central to PAFCOM’S vision is the assimilation of Filipino Americans into mainstream America, and collaboration with various ethnic communities. This vision is being kept alive by its diverse benevolent missions mostly aimed toward benefiting the deserving residents of Jersey City and those residing in adjacent communities.

The PAFCOM slogan is “Enjoy making a
difference in your community; join the PAFCOM family.”

For more information, visit www.pafcomnj.org.

© The FilAm 2019

Symbolic succession ceremony, with Immediate Past President Lito Pernia passing the gavel to President Rosalinda Rupel.