BATANG BALER | Baler, Aurora, Philippines

(AIOA-USA’s officers.Standing from left to right: Andy Leander, Atty. Terry Herrera, Roland Protesta, Ezer Teh, Primo Teh, Efren Padua, Dante Rubio. Seating from left to right: Jennifer Duaso-Faustino, Doris Pena-Herrera, Alegria Querijero-Wong, Dr. Belen G. Guerrero, Violeta Morada-Ferraren, Lucy Gonzales-Entac, Merle Francisco-Manalac and Cely Ruidera-Antonis)

I got acquainted with Mr. Dante Rubio via Facebook. Mr. Rubio is a former Board Member of Aurora Province and is now based in the USA. He is the President of an umbrella organization of Auroranians in the USA, the Aurora Inter-Organizational Alliance – USA. I asked him for some info about AIOA-USA. Here’s his message:

The Aurora Inter-Organizational Alliance-USA was brought about by a clamor to put up an umbrella organization for Auroranians in the US- which will serve as a venue- where we can vent out our longings and yearnings, and consequently, bring meaning to our exilic life here in the US. The association was preceded by a series of frustrations aimed at putting up a similar organization for Auroranians, but fizzled out to oblivion for unclear reason.

On its third year now, the AIOA-USA is bent on making an impact on the lives of, not only our members here, but to the people of Aurora. We realize we have to take advantage of the blessings of this great country and share it with the less fortunate of our kababayans. We dream to contribute to the development of our beloved province specially in the area of education, environment, tourism and hopefully, with God’s grace contribute to the living standards of the poor, by embarking on something that will provide economic impact on the province poor population. Last year we started to make our advocacy a reality by distributing used computers to the different schools located in the outskirts, like Cemento, Pingit, Obligacion in Baler, Dimanayat, Dikapinisan, Ditumabo in San Luis; Diome, Dikildit, Ditailen in Maria to name a few, and the rest of the towns getting their equitable share. We have distributed used clothings and other second hand stuffs, so that those who have practically nothing can have something to cover their body during those cold nights in the outback. These are continuing projects which we hope to continue for as long as we can sustain. The organizationis doing its fair share here in promoting tourism-by way of our press releases that saw print in Fil-Am newspapers- in the equally majestic Aurora known also for its pristine beaches, ctystal clear rivers, awesome waterfalls, breattaking mountain view and the giant waves that mesmerize many. (more…)

the news from manila bulletin online:

The country’s biggest social welfare development organization has conferred the coveted Hall of Fame award on Aurora Gov. Bellaflor Angara-Castillo for being an outstanding governor and for advocating pro-poor programs and providing social services to the marginalized sectors in this province.

Read the complete news

Photos by Ferdie Delos Reyes