PCFI Wins Coveted 2010 Gawad Geny Lopez Bayaning Samahang Pilipino Sa America Award
Along with five other Filipino organizations in the United States, PCFI was honored as one of the top six ( 6) Filipino organizations in the whole country, which have worked toward the betterment of Filipino communities . We were chosen among less than 100 nominees and we thank Maria Barrameda and Joel Cruz, of Basta Pinoy for their very kind nomination. Criteria for the award included highlighting the value of “pagkakaisa”( unity ) and the “bayanihan “ spirit ( cooperation toward a common goal) and a measurable impact in the community where the organization is located.
Geny Lopez was the founder of ABS-CBN, and with Fr. Nilo Talanega, S.J., head of the UGAT FOUNDATION, an apostolate of volunteers working for the welfare of the poor, originated the BAYANING PILIPINO AWARD in 1995, seeking out and honoring unsung Filipino patriots. The focus on individuals was expanded by the holdings of Geny Lopez to include Filipino organizations two years ago.
Ten finalists were chosen and Carmelita Palma was chosen by Fr. Talanega to validate the finalists in their communities, from Juneau, Alaska to San Francisco, Stockton and San Jose, California, Tampa, Florida, Seattle, Washington, Norfolk, Virginia, etc. Her reports played a very important part in the final judging by ABS-CBN and UGAT FOUNDATION in Manila. Ms. Palma was at PCFI from September 1-4 , 2010 and interviewed the different groups within the Philippine Cultural Foundation and she was very impressed by what she saw and heard. Consequently, the top six were chosen, including PCFI.
Awarding ceremonies were held at ABS-CBN in San Francisco, California, last October 8. It was announced that the six finalists were all winners and for this, each awardee got a plaque and a medal. Five PCFI Board members were present and Lucy Bautista, Senior Vice Chairman of the Board, accepted the award on PCFI’s behalf.
A grand ceremony will be held in Manila on November 4, where representatives of the six winners in North America were invited to receive their awards, together with all the Bayaning Pilipino winners all over the world. Dr. Evelyn Gador, a Board member and one of our underwriters, will receive the award for PCFI.
PCFI is grateful to the PCFI Board , past and present, and its past and present leaders for their vision and unrelenting efforts in accomplishing its mission to preserve and present the Philippine heritage and culture as our legacy to future generations and our contribution to the diversity of this region and the whole state of Florida. Likewise, we extend to the Tampa Bay community, Filipinos and non-Filipinos alike, and all our supporters outside our community and state, our gratefulness for the patronage they have extended to PCFI and all its events – PhilFest, Sampaguita Ball, concerts , etc., all these past years. Working together we have built a Philippine Cultural Complex that is the envy of Filipinos nationwide and beyond and working together we will reach greater heights still!
