JEDDAH, 18 April 2003 — The United Maguindanao Expatriates Association (UMEA) has expanded to a federation to promote leadership training among its members.
It also aims to organize various activities such as sports competitions, cultural presentation, computer literacy, and livelihood programs.
Elected as first chairman of the federation for a two-year period was Raffy Campiao, who promised that every member would be given the chance serve. Haron A. Tungao was elected as vice chairman.
UMEA secretary-general and spokesman Mike Ali said the officers were inducted into office recently at the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah by Consul General Kadatuan P. Usop.
Ali said the federation is initially composed of eight directorates, with the following as presidents:
Elmer Tending, directorate for Northern Maguindanao; Joemar Baganian, Central Maguindanao; Ismael Lalang, Iranon; Nixon Mantawil, North Cotabato; Mokalid Diagao, Southern Maguindanao; Abdulmalik Gandaruza, Davao Kalagan; Abdulmoen “Theng” Laguialam, Socsargen; Urad “Yoyo” Campang, Sultan Kudarat province; and Osmena Adal, Zamboanga Del Sur.
Ali said UMEA has also expanded its community activities outside of the Kingdom dy donating 100 sacks of rice for villagers displaced by the recent fighting in Pikit, North Cotabato. The donation was sent through the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Region 12 office in Cotabato City.