Tagumenyo expats conclude balikbayan program with tour, election of officers

By: Tagum City Information Office

TAGUM CITY – The activities organized for the expatriated Tagumenyos and the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) by the City Government of Tagum and the Tagum City Tourism Council dubbed as Tagumenyo Bisa’g Asa concluded with the holding of a set of activities on March 6, 2015 at the Banana Beach Resort, Madaum, Tagum City.

The activities were comprised of a 30-minute, 705-meter Orchard Tour through portions of a 60-hectare forest, a Safari Tour and a River Cruise along the Madaum River and was attended by at least 57 participants and members of the Tagumenyo Bisa’g Asa (TBA).

The activity was conceptualized as a means of recognizing and appreciating their contribution to the economy of the city and was conducted to further strengthen the camaraderie of the Tagumenyo balikbayans.

The group also held an election of officers who were outrightly inducted by Vice Mayor Geterito T. Gementiza who challenged the newly elected officers to work on and uphold the causes of the TBA for the benefit of the Tagumenyos. Notably, this is the organization’s first set of elected officers since its inception in 2014.

Elected as president is Ms. Joan Bungabong who currently resides in Kuwait.

Also in attendance at the event were Hon. Ester L. Angoy, Hon. Macario A. Bermudez II, Hon. Allan D. Zulueta, Ms. Edna J. Quilario, Mr. Rodolfo B. Gayem, Ms. Ma. Teresa S. Gerona and TBA’s Co-Chair, Ms. Norma R. Pereyras.

Prior to the day’s tour and the holding of election of officers, the TBA also conducted on March 4, 2015, a tree planting at Barangay Magdum as well as the Pag Abi-Abi, an event  specially held to show appreciation to the balikbayan members of the organization, at the Big 8 Hotel. (Richi D. Gulle of CIO- Tagum)