AL-KHOBAR, 29 July — Ambassador Rafael Seguis has lauded several Filipino organizations in the Kingdom tat have focused their projects in helping the Philippine economy and delivering free services to the poor.
During the induction of the new set of officers of the Saudi Arabia Hiligaynon Inc. (SAHI) recently at the Park Hotel in Al-Khobar, Seguis cited the Ilonggo group for donating at least 17 nebulizers to government hospitals in the remote areas of the Western Visayas.
SAHI had grown to be one of the largest and active community groups in the Eastern Province. Being a so-called “accredited community partner” of the POLO-OWWA of the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, SAHI has been known not only for its welfare assistance extended to distressed OFWs in the region but also to their homes.
The ambassador also commended two other Ilonggo-speaking organizations in Riyadh which are now pursuing investment-related projects in the Philippines.
The Ilonggos in Saudi Arabia (TISA) is now pursuing a project that aims to attract Saudi investors to Panay and Guimaras islands in the Philippines. The group will also be presenting cultural shows to promote the historic significance of these two islands.
The ambassador also said that another group called D’Circulo Capice?o, composed of natives of Capiz province, has steadily built up its capital base over the years and have strongly invested in the equities market in the Philippines.
Seguis encouraged all other Filipino organizations in the Kingdom to pursue similar projects. “The Philippine Embassy, with all its attached agencies, including the POLO and the OWWA, will be fully supportive in these projects,” Seguis said.
There are hundreds of OFW organizations but most of these are said to be good only for organizing socials (magaling lang sa sosyalan) or in raising funds.
The newly elected SAHI officers are Roilo Alojado, president; Roger Arroyo, executive vice president; Luduvico Estruche, VP for Jubail; Danny Pendon, VP for Al-Khobar; Floserfino Famarin, VP for Hofuf; Rai Causing, secretary; Alex Acanto, assistant secretary; Pol Espa?ola, auditor; Ingersol Santia, assistant auditor; Antonio Morales, treasurer; Lawrenz Gallego, assistant treasurer; Agustin Brotarlo, business manager; Rey Laurente, assistant business manager; Gie Sinaon, press relations officer; and Rene Alla, assistant PRO.