Galing Foundation, Inc. as part of CFC 2009 "Give Today and Change Tomorrow"

CFC Kick-Off Opening Ceremony






Jane Rolen of SSA & Toni Daya-Luetgers of GFI



September 17, 2009



The Combined Federal Campaign Kicked-Off its rally at its Atlanta Regional Office. "Give Today and Change Tomorrow" is its 2009 slogan.

The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) is the annual fund-raising drive conducted by Federal employees in their workplace each fall. Each year Federal employees and military personnel raise millions of dollars through the CFC that benefits hundreds of non-profit charities.
The Combined Federal Campaign represents over 2200 different charities and GALING FOUNDATION, INC. (Code 92690) is once again a part of the CFC fundraising drive. Federal employees can donate to just one or as many as they like.

For more information about the campaign, please visit http://www.cfcatlanta.org/

Roswell Library, COL Church & Atlanta residents donate to Galing Mindanao

Atlanta (September 12, 2009) - Galing Foundation, Inc. ships 4 balikbayan boxes full of books and school supplies to Galing Mindanao Outreach donated by Friends of Roswell Library, members of Cross of Life Lutheran Church and Jeniffer Garret.
Special thanks to MMW Logistics.

Help Galing Foundation, Inc. raise funds through WWAAC

The 4th Annual (WWAAC) Who’s Who in Asian American Communities Leaders & Legends Awards Announces its 2009 Distinguished Recipients

The 4th Annual WWAAC Leaders and Legends Awards is recognizing the accomplishments of (4) four dedicated and successful Asian Americans who serve as role models throughout the nation - on August 29th at the Gwinnett Performing Arts Center in Atlanta.

These distinguished Honorees are being celebrated because of their service, contribution, and dedication not only to the Asian community, but to mainstream America as well. The 2009 Who’s Who in Asian American Communities Leaders & Legends

Honorees are as follows:

Anne Chow
Senior Vice President
Premier Client Group
AT&T Operations, Inc.
The 2009 Who’s Who in Asian American Communities
Leaders & Legends Award

Michael Fung
Senior VP – Wal-Mart Finance and Strategy
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
The 2009 Who’s Who in Asian American Communities
Leaders & Legends Award

Jon C. Iwata
Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications
IBM Corporation
The 2009 Who’s Who in Asian American Communities
Leaders & Legends Award

Norman Y. Mineta
Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation
Former U.S. Secretary of Commerce
Vice Chairman of Hill and Knowlton
The WWAAC Leaders & Legends Lifetime Achievement Award

Vice Admiral Harry B. Harris
U.S. Navy
The Inaugural WWAAC Community Spirit Award

UPS
Gerard Gibbons - VP, US Domestic Business Development - UPS
The Inaugural WWAAC Corporate Champion Award

Through a national selection process, the four elite winners met rigorous standards, faced tough competition from other nominees and, finally, passed the scrutiny of the selection committee made-up of former WWAAC Honorees. Each honoree adds a special and unique quality to the distinguished list of former WWAAC Honorees, which includes government officials, entrepreneurs, artists, and community servants, among others.

For over one hundred-fifty years, Asian Americans have made enormous contributions to the prosperity and success of this great nation. While there are many different Who’s Who organizations recognizing outstanding members of our society, very few, if any, focus on the prominent Asian Americans who have been our role models for success, great contributors to our community and to the nation, and distinguished figures in their own professions.


Help Galing Foundation, Inc. raise money through WWAAC
The Who’s Who in Asian American Communities Awards is proud to offer the Galing Foundation, Inc.a special opportunity in purchasing the WWAAC tickets.

With the purchase of each reserved seating WWAAC ticket at $40 each, the Galing Foundation, Inc. will receive a $10 donation. The reserved seating WWAAC ticket is for theatre style seating with no dinner. A concession stand and cash bar will be provided.

The combined VIP Reception and VIP Reserved Seating Ticket is $150. This includes heavy appetizers and drinks. With the purchase of each combined VIP Reception and VIP Reserved Seating Ticket at $150 each, the Galing Foundation, Inc. will receive a donation of $15.

The WWAAC Awards appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you on August 29the at the Gwinnett Performing Arts Center at 7:00 pm.

For more information on the awards, please visit www.sachikoto.com


Please send us an email at galingfoundation@yahoo.com or contact:
Ces Alberto: (404) 361-9313
Ana Blackburn: (404) 925-2639

Galing Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit charitable organization with 501 (c) 3 tax exempt status.
E.I.N. 20-5508331

Galing Foundation, Inc. provides Filipino indigent children in rural areas of the Philippines educational resources to assist in promoting the importance of functional and English literacy.
Please visit us at www.galingfoundation.com

"I'm sure they will continue and expand their job and hopefully increase the literacy rate in the Philippines".-PHCG Donato

Photo: Ces Alberto (Mabuhay Store & GFI), Esther Wilson (NW Phil-Am Assoc.), Lehnie Estacio (GK GA), Rev. Fred Krautwurst (Cross of Life), PHCG Ray Donato, Shereen Ragheb, Sue Edris (COL), Lauren Luetgers (GFI), Mayor Jere Wood (City of Roswell), Scott Luetgers (GFI), Arjho C. Turner (GFI), Alex Doster, Alex Estacio (GK GA)


Roswell, GA * June 26, 2009

Galing Foundation, Inc., a non profit 501 (c)3 public charitable organization and the Roswell Visual Arts Center officially launched "America", A Children's Art Exhibition by Filipino indigent children, recipients of educational materials donated by individuals and organizations based in Atlanta.

Officiating the Opening Ceremony were Philippine Honorary Consul General Ray Donato, Hon. Jere Wood Mayor of City of Roswell, Rev. Fred Krautwurst of Cross of Life Lutheran Church, Esther Wilson of NW Philam Assoc. and Laurianne Doster, Roswell Visual Arts Center Director.

The Foundation's objective in showcasing the children's artwork was to convey a simple message of appreciation to all those who support and promote the importance of literacy among Filipino indigent children. PHCG Ray Donato comments "I'm so happy to be here. And I congratulate the organizers. I'm sure they will continue and expand their job and hopefully increase the literacy rate in the Philippines."

"We're not only helping our neighbors but going green by recycling books. I think it is a wonderful program (GFI). It benefits the giver and the recipients-equally." - Mayor Jere Wood.

The 100 select children's artwork are on display until August 7, 2009 at the Roswell Visual Arts Center (10495 Woodstock Road Building D Roswell, GA 30075). With a suggested donation of $20 per artwork will help raise the needed funds to help pay for the cost of shipping of donated educational materials from Atlanta to the Philippines.

Galing Foundation, Inc. exhibition "America" was made possible by Roswell Visual Arts Center, City of Roswell, The Office of the Philippine Honorary Consulate in Atlanta, Cross of Life Lutheran Church, Mabuhay Store, Assist 2 Sell, Galing Lucban Volunteer Group, Galing Mindanao Outreach, Galing Cavite Outreach and The Ragheb Family.

For more information, please visit www.galingfoundation.com

"The efforts, sacrifices, and generosity of your organization and the caring people behind it, have helped make Kipalkuda school a model school." D.E.

Click document to enlarge









"The efforts, sacrifices, and generosity of your organization and the caring people behind it, have helped make Kipalkuda school a model school in this province. It was left for dead by DepEd a few years ago." - D. Evans, Dir. of Datu Wali Mission in Sarangani Province.

"America", a Children's Art Exhibition by Filipino indigent children

“America”
A Children’s Art Exhibition by Filipino indigent children


June 4, 2009 / Roswell, GA. Galing Foundation, Inc., in partnership with Roswell Visual Arts Center, announces a Children’s Art Exhibition showing from June 26 until August 7. On Friday evening June 26th from 7 until 9, an opening reception will celebrate the start of this six-week long exhibit. Representatives from partner organizations participating in the reception include Philippine Honorary Consul General, Ray Donato; City of Roswell Mayor, Jere Wood; and Cross of Life Lutheran Church’s Social Ministries.

This exhibit, consisting of 100 select drawings, celebrates the creative art work of some of the children who are benefactors of the foundation and who reside in Philippine provinces of Quezon, Cavite, South Cotabato and Sarangani. With this exhibit, the Roswell Visual Arts Center provides visitors a special opportunity to appreciate each child’s perception of America expressed through art.

Galing Foundation, a small non-profit charity, is an all volunteer organization founded in May 2005 and incorporated in the State of Georgia June 2006. Galing is a Filipino word that means “Great”. The foundation believes that all children have the potential to become great and responsible stewards of their communities. Its initial charter was to provide educational materials to forty indigent children located in Lucban, Quezon. The foundation has grown and now works in cooperation with 15 recipient agencies located in rural areas of the Philippines including public schools, public libraries and government supported day care centers.

Since its inception, the foundation has shipped to the Philippines over 115 cargo boxes, each eight-cubic feet in volume, filled with educational material. Donations made by Atlanta area individuals, schools, public libraries, Filipino-American organizations, and churches provide thousands of under-privileged Filipino children an opportunity to read books that otherwise would not be available to them.

In the Philippines, millions of children live in desperate conditions with few schools and even fewer opportunities to learn and acquire basic life skills. The foundation will continue to collect new and gently used educational resources, to ship these resources to needy children in the Philippines, and to raise funds to pay for the ocean freight. The foundation is dedicated to promote the importance of functional and English literacy in impoverished rural areas of the Philippines.


Roswell Visual Arts Center & Gallery
10495 Woodstock Road
Roswell, GA 30075
770-594-6122

For more information, please visit www.galingfoundation.com

Galing Batangas & Galing Mindanao to benefit from collected educational resources from Atlanta

GFI & MMW Logistics shipping boxes to Batangas & Mindanao

(click here for video)

A Big Thank You to Roswell North Elementary School

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May 28, 2009 Roswell, GA

Teachers and students from Roswell North Elementary School collected new and gently used educational materials to donate to Filipino indigent children, public schools and libraries supported by Galing Foundation, Inc.

Our special thanks goes to Ms. Sue Edris for coordinating a Galing drive.

The collected in-kind donation will benefit Galing South Cotabato and Sarangani Province.

For more information, please visit: www.galingfoundation.com

A Big Thank You to Shallowford Falls Elementary School

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May 27, 2009 Marietta, GA

Shallowford Falls Elementary School and Ms. Toni Nardiello-Samuelu, a kindergarten teacher donates to Galing Foundation, Inc. books and school supplies to benefit Galing Batangas c/o Cecile G. Carandang, Ed. D. Principal II
Tanauan NORTH Elementary School and Ms. Marisa Cabalijo.

Special thanks to Ms. Elen Nardiello and family for their support.

A Big Thank You to Queen of Angels Catholic School

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May 26, 2009 Roswell, GA

The Queen of Angels Catholic School in Roswell donates books and school supplies to Galing Foundation, Inc. coordinated through Ms. Sandra Spaeth.

Special thanks to Ms. Sandra & Ms. Julie of Queen of Angels and to GFI volunteers Lauren & Melissa Luetgers.

Filipino Reporter: Fil-Am performers wow Atlanta's 73rd Annual Dogwood Festival

click on article for larger view

June 13: GFI Children's Art Workshop & Family Picnic in Roswell

June 13: GFI Children's Art Workshop & Family Picnic in Roswell
Galing Foundation, Inc. in cooperation with Roswell Visual Arts Center invites all children (pre K-12th Grade) from the Filipino community to participate in the Filipino Children's Art Workshop for exhibition in June 26-August 7 at the Roswell Visual Arts Center.

When: Saturday, June 13
Time: 2-4pm
Place: Roswell Visual Art Center Studio
Roswell Area Park 10495 Woodstock Road
www.roswellgov.com
This event is FREE


Program:
2pm Art Workshop followed by a family (potluck) picnic at the nearby shelter
3pm GFI OPEN HOUSE


Theme: "The Philippines, a perspective of Filipino American children"
Supplies will be provided.

All entries will be exhibited during the Filipino Children's Art Exhibition from June 26-Aug. 7
There will be an Opening Ceremony & Reception scheduled on Friday, June 26 at 6pm



To sign-up or for more information, please contact
Ana Blackburn: 404 925-2639
Ces Alberto 404 931-3613
email: galingfoundation@yahoo.com

Galing Foundation, Inc. is a non profit public charitable foundation 501 (c) 3 tax exempt status (EIN No. 20-5508331) established to help in providing Filipino indigent children and public libraries in rural areas of the Philippines educational resources to promote the importance of functional and English literacy.


www.galingfoundation.com

"Modernity, commercialization & urbanization" have tremendously impacted the lives of the Blaan Tribe-one of the 110 indigenous groups in the Phil.

Cedric B. Baker, Asst. Prof. Mercer University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences with his wife and Arjho Turner, GFI Mindanao








May 7, 2009

The Alpharetta Branch Public Library in partnership with Galing Foundation, Inc. and AccessPhilippineAtlanta.com presented a program "The Blaan Culture" to celebrate Asian Pacific Heritage Month.

The Blaan Tribe is one of the 110 indigenous groups of the Philippines. The Blaan indigenous peoples are located in the provinces of South Cotabato, Sarangani Province, Davao Del Sur and General Santos City, strategically located in the southernmost part of the islands of Mindanao.

The visitors enjoyed a variety of photo collection, costumes, woven materials and hand crafted accessories on site. They also had the opportunity to listen to Blaan original song compositions by the Tubad Performing Arts Group of Sarangani Province. And witnessed a Blaan tribal dance presentation.

During the discussion, Ms. Turner shared some of the sentiments of the Blaan people and how "modernity, commercialization and urbanization" have impacted the very livelihood of this marvelous group of indigenous people-the Blaan Tribe. To abate the adverse impacts of modernization, Ms. Turner also stressed the existence of the different School of Living Tradition (SLT) project sites wherein the primary focus is to preserve the Blaan culture thru transfer of skills to the younger generation as well as serve as a micro-enterprise from their handicrafts. According to Ms. Turner, the Indigenous Peoples Development Program is advocating for in situ conservation of different upland rice varities among the indigenous cultural communities of Sarangani Province geared towards household food security. In 2007, the National Museum declared a Blaan community as the first village museum of the Philippines located in Lamlifew, Datal Tampal, Malungon showcasing the richness of the Blaan culture, their agriculture, their infrastructure, and their environment.

GFI would like to thank the Sarangani Provincial Governor's Office - Indigenous Peoples Development Program, Provincial Information Office, Cocoy Sexcion and Jocelyn C. Robles for the photos used in the exhibit. Thank you as well to the Tubad Performing Arts organizers for allowing us to share their CD.

The event was free and open to the public.

GFI ships boxes 99, 100 & 101 to South Cotabato in Mindanao

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Ms. Arjho C. Turner, GFI & Brian Burtnik, MMW Logistics

April 25, 2009 Norcross, GA


Galing Foundation, Inc. Director for Mindanao Outreach and Brian Burtnick of MMW Logistics ships GFI Box Nos. 99, 100 & 101 (invoice no. 72417) to benefit "Galing" Filipino indigent children, partner public libraries and schools in Polomolok, South Cotabato in Mindanao.

Many thanks to the following donors:
1. Northwest Phil-Am Association c/o Ms. Ester Willson - assorted school supplies
2. Mr. and Mrs. Ashwin and Ranjah Patel - health and college educational resources materials
3. Ms. Roni Buenaventura - Science, Math and literature books
4. CareNet Pregnancy Resource Center of Atlanta - kids clothes and toys
4. Bernard and Arjho Turner - Time Magazine, National Geographic Magazine, coffee table books, books (Math, English, Science) for college and high school, health related resource materials, toys 5. Luetgers family - assorted books, clothes, toys
6. Assist 2 Sell & Ms. Ana Blackburn - donation towards shipping cost

Mindanao Outreach Report: Kipalkuda receives library fund from provincial government of Sarangani

Mindanao Outreach Report
by Arjho C. Turner




The provincial government of Sarangani turned over a check amounting to PhP 180,000.00 on April 28, 2009 for the construction of Kipalkuda Elementary School library. Present during the turn-over were Board Member Limuel Gacula Sr. representing Gov. Migs Dominguez, Mayor Elsie Perrett, Vice Mayor Tito Balazon Sr., Barangay Captain Digs Movilla and a teacher from the school.



According to Dan Evans, the provincial government officials were amazed of the available books, school supplies and other educational resource materials at the school during their visit in March 6, 2009. The books are mainly from generous donors based in Atlanta, Georgia through Galing Foundation, Inc. shipped to the school thru the partnership with the Datu Wali Mission (www.datuwalimission.org). With the increased number of books and other educational resource materials, the school does not have their own space for a library. This pro-active response from the provincial and local government for the need to have a school library in the school is indeed a very good indicator of support to eradicate illiteracy. This school library is the first one for this predominantly Tboli tribal community.



Educational development thru increased reading and English literacy staring from early childhood is also the top priority of the leadership of the provincial government of Sarangani (http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/quest/). GFI’s intervention for the Kipalkuda Elementary School since 2007 has played vital role in supporting the local and provincial governments achieve a quality education in this predominantly Tboli tribal community.


GFI is grateful to the following supporters/partners for this school library initiative:

1.Datu Wali Mission c/o Dan and Aurea Evans
2.Mrs. Aura D. Mirayo – Kipalkuda Elementary School Principal
3.Provincial Government of Sarangani thru Governor Migs Dominguez and Vice Governor Steve C. Solon
4.Maitum Municipal Government thru Mayor Elsie R. Perrett
5.Atlanta, Georgia GFI donors for books, school supplies and other educational resource materials
6.Sarangani Provincial Information Office for the photos and news updates
7.Barangay New La Union local officials and the community
8.The Philippine Honorary Consulate General in Atlanta & the Community

End of Report

May 7 (4-5pm) Asian Pacific Heritage Month at Alpharetta Public Library

The Alpharetta Branch Public Library in partnership with Galing Foundation, Inc. and AccessPhilippineAtlanta.com invites you to celebrate Asian Pacific Heritage Month.

Thursday, May 7 (4-5pm)
Ages 5 & up

The Blaan Tribe is one of the 110 indigenous groups of the Philippines. The Blaan indigenous peoples are located in the provinces of South Cotabato, Sarangani Province, Davao Del Sur and General Santos City, strategically located in the southernmost part of the islands of Mindanao.

Join us for an interactive session about the Blaan culture. View an exhibit of Blaan costumes and accessories, weaving, cultural photos. Listen to Blaan original song compositions by the Tubad Performing Arts Group of Sarangani Province. And enjoy a Blaan tribal dance presentation.

Free and Open to the public.

Alpharetta Branch Library
238 Canton Street
Alpharetta, GA 30009
770 7410-2425
www.afpls.org

Philippines at the 73rd Annual Dogwood Festival at Piedmont Park in Atlanta

Saturday, April 18, 2009

The Philippines represented by its local talents was one of the highlights on international stage at the 73rd annual Dogwood Festival (www.dogwood.org) last weekend held at Piedmont Park in Midtown Atlanta.

Dances and songs performed were "Blaan Tribe Dance" by Arjho C. Turner, "Bayan Ko" & "Hesus" by Faith Bernabe, "Pandanggo Sa Ilaw" by Angelie Ella, "Isang Lahi" & "Nandito Ako" by Soli Nicholson with Chris on guitar, "Leron Leron Sinta" & "Bahay Kubo" by Galing Pinoy Kids (The Young Philippine American Ambassadors of Atlanta) & Faith Bernabe as music director (singers: Janice Alcalde, Tara Anastasoff, Margaret Babia, Lauren Luetgers, Melissa Luetgers, Omar Ragheb, Shereen Ragheb, Brie Sison, Stephanie Sison & Caitlyn Yap), "Tinikling (Bamboo) Dance" by Mabuhay Dance Group composed of Cheryl Alberto-King, Jem Alberto, Roy Alberto & Aaron Alberto.

The Dogwood Festival organizers in partnership with Galing Foundation, Inc. wishes to express its sincere appreciation to all volunteers and supporters of the Festival.

Special thanks to: Ces & Tony Alberto, Talan King, Bernard Turner, Hesham & Grace Ragheb, Marietta Mauricio, Mrs. Bernabe, Mrs. Emy Jordan, Fe Abulencia, Brandon, Eden & Mark Anastasoff, Renel & Meliza Babia, Victor, Glenda, Len-Len & Gladys Dagatan, Scott Luetgers, Joy & Dennis Sison, Erwin & Myrtle Yap and Cross of Life Lutheran Church.




"Blaan Tribe Dance" by Arjho C. Turner




"Children enjoyed a Tinikling Dance experience with Mabuhay Dance Group"






"Tinikling Dance" by Mabuhay Dance Group

GFI, PHCG Donato, COL Social Ministry & supporters honors KES' Best in English

Photo 1: KES 2009 graduates with teachers, district supervisor and Dan Evans as graduation guest speaker.



Photo 2: KES Youth Leadership Awardee, Mary Ann T. Ungat

GFI, PHCG Donato, COL Social Ministry & supporters honors KES' Best in Englishby Arjho C. Turner






The Kipalkuda Elementary School (KES) held its commencement exercises on April 2, 2009 at New La Union, Maitum, Sarangani Province . In this momentous day of the school, a history has been made and a new experience for exemplary students. The Galing Foundation, Inc. (GFI) launched the Mindanao Youth Leadership Award (MYLA) and the Best in English award. The awarding was done during their commencement exercises in which the YLA awardee, Mary Ann T. Ungat, received a trophy engraved with the name of the school and of the recipient. Also, the YLA awardee received a framed certificate signed by the Philippines Honorary Consul General of Atlanta, Raul Donato, the GFI executive director, Toni Daya-Luetgers, and the project co-sponsor Cross of Life Church Social Concerns Ministry represented by Ms. Janine Dismer. The Best in English awardees representing each school level were also given GFI gold medals with their engraved names.The awarding was done by Dan Evans of Datu Wali Mission as GFI’s partner ministry in project implementation.



Dan Evans also served as the graduation guest speaker. He noted that the “graduation at Kipalkuda Elementary School went well. The Galing Foundation, Inc. awards were received with surprise and elation. "I had an opportunity during my speech to ensure that parents, students and teachers understood what the foundation is, and why they are such a help to the school. I told them it is a genuine blessing that the foundation has taken an interest in them and their school and it brought a loud applause from the community that had assembled for the event. This year, the school graduated a total of 25 students which was their largest graduation class ever. For GFI, PHCG Donato, COL Social Ministry & its supporters, thanks again for helping to make the school's graduation a success and memorable day." - Dan Evans

More books to Filipino indigent children of Sarangani Province in Mindanao

click on play to see video


March 13, 2009, Norcross, GA

Galing Foundation, Inc. in partnership with Cross of Life Social Ministry and PAWAG (Philippine American Women's Assoc. in GA) sends more books to benefit Filipino indigent children of Kipalkuda Elementary School, Maitum Sarangani Province in Mindanao (MMW Logistics invoice no. MMW006)through Mr. Dan Evans of Datu Wali Mission, a GFI implementation partner. Ms. Arjho C. Turner, Dir. of Mindanao Outreach and Lauren M. Luetgers, a volunteer helped pack and ship 2 balikbayan boxes (GFI Box Nos. 97 & 98) containing childrens books and some educational toys donated by Sweet Apple Elementary School library (coordinated with Ms. Gillintine), members of P.A.W.A.G. (Philippine American Women's Assoc. of GA), Ms. Joy Sison and Ms. Lauren Luetgers. GFI acknowledges Manila Mart Wholesales & Logistics as its partner since 2005. Manila Mart Store is located on 6135 Peachtree Parkway, Norcross, GA 30092 (770) 451-4585.

The 3rd EDSA People Power Commemoration in Atlanta

You are invited to the 3rd EDSA People Power Commemoration in Atlanta

2-4 PM
Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009
Oberkotter Room * UPS Headquarters
55 Glenlake Parkway * Atlanta, GA 30328

A Video Presentation
Produced by Roger Olivares

Panelists
Topic 1: “EDSA Uno, Dos, Tres, Kuwatro?, Continuity and Change in Philippine Politcs"
by Aries Arugay, University of the Philippines Political Science Professor

Topic 2: “Global Education: A Revolution from Within”
by Joel Aquino, PhD, Hall County Science Schools

Topic 3: “EDSA 1, 2 & 3 – Moral & Spiritual Recovery"
by Winifredo Alfelor, Filipino American Christian Church

Discussion

Mini Photo Display by Roland Roldan

About the Panelists:
Aries A. Arugay is a PhD in political science student at Georgia State University under a Fulbright scholarship. He is also an assistant professor (on leave) at the University of the Philippines-Diliman) and a fellow at the Institute for Strategic and Development Studies, Inc. (ISDS Philippines). His teaching and research interests are comparative democratization, civil-military relations, security sector reform, civil society and contentious politics.

Joel S. Aquino, PhD is currently a high school science teacher at Hall County Schools and an adjunct faculty (geology) of Gainesville State College. He holds a PhD in geology from James Cook University in Australia, bachelors and masters in geology from the Univ. of the Philippines and other certifications from Germany and Philippine Women’s Univ. He has a total of 18 years of teaching experience both in secondary public schools (Texas, Georgia) and college (Univ. of the Philippines, Univ. of Tennessee, GSC). His teaching experience has been enriched by his almost a decade of work in the mining and exploration industry and collaborative researches in several countries.

Joel has been the recipient of several teaching awards; the current ones include being names as Hall County Teacher of the Year 2008-2009 and Masters in Teaching awarded by Featherbone University. He has also been cited by Philippine Inquirer (2007) to be one of the Filipino geoscientists who contributed to the discovery of a US$13 billion gold-copper deposit in Laos.


Winnifredo Alfelor was born 57 years ago in Valenzuela City, Metro Manila. His parents, Severo and Amparo, are both Bicolanos and natives of Naga City and Iriga City, Camarines Sur, Philippines respectively. He is currently Global Quality Manager for NCR Corporation and had over 34years of proven project management and leadership positions with numerous prestigious American and Philippine companies, among them Solectron Corp., Raytheon Engineers, Ebasco Services Corp., Washington Group International, Westinghouse, Meralco, and DMG/Radiowealth.

He is currently an Elder and Board Member of the Filipino-American Christian Church (FACC) in Lilburn, Georgia, President of You Are A Blessing, Inc. (a non-profit organization that supports poor and financially-deprived children in the Philippines through the “Mentor-A-Child Ministry”), and co-founder of New Birth Society, a ministry for men in Metro-Atlanta.

Winnie, his wife, Marilyn, and children Winnielyn, Wendy and Wilma, have been very active in the Philippine American community affairs as members of the Fil-Am of Greater Atlanta (Fil-Am) since 1987. Winnie currently holds the Fil-Am Service Chair function and was past PRO and past editor of Balitang Pilipino. He was also past Vice President for Membership and Director for Government and Political Affairs of the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Georgia (PACCGA.) He briefly worked for over 2 years as Assistant to Honorary Consul General Ray Donato from 1989 to 1992, serving the consular needs of Filipino-Americans not only in Georgia, but other Southeast states such as Alabama and Florida. Winnie has continuously worked closely and through a unified effort with other Philippine American groups and associations in Metro Atlanta to make a difference by supporting community service projects and ministries to help the cause of eradicating graft and corruption in the Philippines.

Winnie is author of various technical papers on quality management and has been a recipient of several corporate awards for leading continuous improvement programs in companies, such as DuPont, Washington Group International, Westinghouse, Solectron and MIESCOR. He still holds a Philippine Professional Electrical Engineer license, and is active with various American quality organizations as a certified Six-Sigma Master Blackbelt, certified ISO Lead Auditor, certified Quality Engineer, Certified Quality Manager and certified nuclear inspector. He holds a B.Sc in Electrical Engineering, a M.Sc in Project Management and is a Ph.D candidate in Engineering Management.






This event is FREE * Open to the public * Highly recommended to students
GFI is a 501 © 3 tax exempt non profit organization
RSVP: galingfoundation@yahoo.com
Contact:
Ces Alberto (404) 361-9313
Ana Blackburn (404) 925-2639
Grace Ragheb (404) 786-7728
(Refreshments will be available until supply last. Please RSVP)

Special thanks to UPS, Gloria Enriquez, Aries Arugay, Joel Aquino, Winifredo Alfelor, partner organizations & volunteers