JEDDAH, 14 January 2004 — Helping their compatriot indigents in Bohol is one of the various community projects of the Boholano Community in Jeddah (BCJ). This was learned yesterday from their previous president Diome Budlong.
BCJ is one of the many active Filipino organizations in the kingdom with over 500 members, whose programs and projects is to alleviate the sufferings of the less privileged. It is also a mutual-assistance group, aimed at promoting and safeguarding the well-being of Boholano OFWs in preparation for their eventual return to their homeland.
“From the beginning, our vision was to extend a helping hand to the needy and we will continue in that direction,” newly elected president Ric Cordero said.
The group is currently collecting used clothing from among their members and intend to send it to the poor, particularly those affected by typhoons and calamities.
In Jeddah, the group is scheduled on Feb. 19 to distribute canned goods and other food stuffs for the benefit of the stranded OFWs at the Philippine Consulate. “Our own little way of sharing our blessings,” Budlong said.
Cordero, who also chairs the group’s financial arm, Boholano Investors Group (BIG), stressed to continue the programs initiated by the previous administration headed by Budlong. Among them is the promotion of tourism in Bohol through BCJ’s worldwide organization called Tigum Bol-anon Tibuok Kalibutan led by the group’s area coordinator Lilibeth Haroun.
Members are invited to the induction of the newly elected BCJ officers in a private villa north of Obhur on Feb. 19 at 7 p.m.
To be inducted are Ric Cordero, president; Red Bual, vice president (internal); Gaspar Bertumen, vice president (external); Mark Almerol, secretary; Ritz Namoc, treasurer; Rey Toloy, auditor; and Artemio Blazo & Primo Salibay, PROs.
BCJ is unique in itself as they do not impose membership fees to its prospective members. For particulars, contact Joy Cubero at 672-8344; Red Bual at 057-654856; Rudy Ferniz at 057-009068; and Lou Madera at 052-715121.
