JEDDAH, 4 January 2005 — The Balo-i & Lanao Del Norte Muslim Expatriates Association (BLDNMEA),one of the oldest community organizations in the Kingdom, held its Induction of Officers for 2005 at La Parilla Restaurant last Dec. 23, 2004 in Jeddah.
The newly inducted officers are: Chairman Jauhari Usman, Vice Chairman (Internal) Wahab Taher, Vice Chairman (External) Salic Sulog of Makkah, Dir. of Political Affairs and Government Affairs Solaiman Garlan, Dir. of Information Jalal Mamangcao, Dir. of Finance Kamali Palo, Dir. of Cultural Affairs Habib Abubakar, Director Education Camsary Admain, Director of Islamic Affairs Mahmoud Yahya, Dir. Social Welfare Abdul Fatah H. Noor, Dir Sports Jamael Pandapatan and Deputy Dir. Maulana Palagawad.
The induction was officiated by Atty. Omar Mitmug of the Philippine Consulate.
Also present as guests of honor were outgoing Labor Attaché, Atty. Nasser Munder who was lauded by the association as one of the Outstanding Maranao Philippine Consulate Officers, new OWWA Welfare Officer Engr. Anwar Ali Ampang, Mr. Vic Aguila, Vice Chairman of KASAPI Congress and officers and members, Ali Ditucalan of United Bangsa Ranao Council, an umbrella organization of Maranao community groups, and UBC officers, Engr. Usman Islao, Chairman of OFWs for GMA Movement, Usman Ismail, President of Ranao Divers Club and father of the Maranao Mini-Olympics, Architect Ken Mapandi, Chairman of Board of Advisers of the association, all association advisers, other prominent community leaders, and members.
In his acceptance speech, Chairman Jauhari Usman elaborated on his association’s programs and projects.
He defined his priority concerns in the areas of Islamic affairs, livelihood seminar programs, and efforts towards the welfare of its members.
He also emphasized that the projects for the less fortunate residents of his hometown in Balo-i, Lanao del Norte will be given priority.
Chairman Usman is confident that with the support of his officers, advisers, and members, all programs and projects will be given due attention for implementation.
Lastly, he wholeheartedly welcomed the support of MEREX Forwarders.
He also thanked the advisers, officers, members, the ladies of Balo-i and to all who extended support.
The organization has been in existence since the early 80’s.
The association had the following as its earlier chairmen: Engr. Bobby Dalos, who served up to 1980, Datu Apo Pascan who served until 1997, Rajah Ali Pumbaya who served until 1999, Engr. Benjamin Usman who served until 2001 and outgoing chairman Engr. Yusoph Admain for 2003.
As for its initial project, Baloi has solicited support from the Western Union company, with which they will provide goods and services to Filipino pilgrims who are coming for this year’s haj.
