TAHANANEWS 2015/1

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Official Newsletter of TAHANANG PILIPINO AOTEAROA TRUST

Issue 1/Sept 2015

NEW DIRECTION FOR TAHANANG PILIPINO In a special meeting on September 5, 2015, the Board of Trustees of TAHANANG PILIPINO AOTEAROA TRUST (TaPAT) elected its new set of officers as a result of the resignation of Agnes Granada as chairperson. Mel B. Libre was unanimously elected as the new chairman.

This is the second time for Libre to lead the trust, having Libre previously served as chairman from 2009-2011.

Batucan

Also elected were Oscar Batucan, vice chairman; Agnes Granada, secretary; and public relations officer Nida Gray. Cora Noblejas continues to serve as treasurer.

Miriam Batucan and Theresa Arroyo are the other trustees.

Granada begged off from the position due to her involvement in Earth Action Trust that demands much of her time and has given her a new perspective about the relationship between people and the environment.

Libre accepted the responsibility of leading once more TaPAT towards a new direction from that of constructing a Filipino Community Centre to becoming a catalyst of activities centered on the needs and concerns of Filipinos in New Zealand. He said that “Tahanang Pilipino is not an edifice rather it is the community of the Filipino people.� Libre is the lead servant of TawagAwit and editor of the e-magazine BAYANIZ. Dr Tony Noblejas, who serves as advisor, agreed with the new direction and committed to fully support activities towards the attainment of the objective.

Oscar Batucan suggested a monthly event to be organized by TaPAT and promised to report to the Board of Trustees in its next meeting to concretize the plan.

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GRANADA AMONG “HEROES FOR BETTER” Tahanang Pilipino Aotearoa Trust outgoing chairperson Agnes Granada is one of the “Heroes for Better”, a Global Tribute and Advocacy for Filipinos.

Organized by Western Union Philippines in celebration of its 25th anniversary, the campaign aims to celebrate and recognize the efforts of Filipinos around the world who, in their own little way, have given their time, money, skill or expertise to make a positive change. It also aims to showcase them as role models to inspire others to likewise take positive action to help create a better world. This is an advocacy about ordinary Filipinos who were able to achieve extraordinary things through their small acts of giving and heroism.

According to the write up, Agnes, described as “Nature’s Ally”, is a “dedicated trash collector for Mother Earth. Recycling is what she does best. And as a staunch advocate for Earth Action Trust, she enjoins many others to share her passion and commitment to recycling.” Prior to establishing Earth Action Trust, Agnes led Migrant Action Trust in serving new migrants so they can fully integrate in the New Zealand society.

The hero who obtains the highest number of votes will receive for his/her chosen charity US$25,000. To vote for Agnes, one can visit the site: http://www.wuheroesforbetter.org/vote-agnes-granada/ PINOY QUOTE: "Ang hindi marunong lumingon sa pinangalingan ay hindi makakarating sa paroroonan."

- Jose Rizal To know more about: TAHANANG PILIPINO AOTEAROA TRUST visit the following: http://www.tahanan.org.nz/web/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/509453802537043/ 2|TAHANANEWS