by: JOYCE A. CASTILLO
Good afternoon to all.
Let me take this opportunity to congratulate and acknowledge the Immediate Past President Maricar Taino and her Board for a successful year. The past leaders of the organization have set high standards and achieved remarkable milestones. I am committed to upholding and building upon the legacy and making it better.
I stand before you with a profound sense of gratitude and humility as I accept the responsibility as your President for 2025. I am deeply honored by the trust you place in me, and I am excited about the journey that lies ahead and of course not to forget my new team, the Executive Officers, Committees, and Board. We will do our best to meet the challenges and work for the best for PAFCOM and the community. I am confident that the energy, enthusiasm, and commitment you bring will make PAFCOM bigger and better in 2025. I firmly believe that PAFCOM has been built on a strong leadership foundation and we promise to continue and go the extra mile in carrying out the many worthwhile projects that we undertake for the benefit of the community. We are all proud to be part of the PAFCOM family!
The role of a leader is not to be taken lightly. It is a responsibility that requires vision, empathy, and unwavering dedication. I promise to give my best to this position and serve with integrity and transparency. One of the key strengths of PAFCOM that we continue to leverage as we deliver service to our community is the diversity in skill sets and vocations across our Board and members. We all come from different backgrounds, but we come together as one. I believe in the strength of collaboration and open communication. I encourage each member of our team to actively contribute their ideas, feedback, and insights. It is through our collective efforts that we will achieve our objectives and overcome challenges. As we move forward, let us embrace the journey with a shared vision and commitment to our mission: to deliver services that promote the development and well-being of Filipino Americans in New Jersey and neighboring states.
This year marks a milestone for PAFCOM. It is our 35th Anniversary celebration. It will be a year of bringing and remembering the roots of PAFCOM and recognizing the work of the dedicated people that brought us to where we are and continue their legacy. Our primary focuses this year will include:
1) Membership Development and Retention
2) Projects and Fundraisers
3) Membership Training and Leadership
4) Health and Wellness Awareness and Education
5) Senior and Youth Programs
6) Public Image and Charitable Contributions
Our theme this year is 4C’s: Celebrating Culture, Community, and Connection.
Culture shapes our identity, influences our behavior, and binds us together as a society. It is the invisible thread that weaves through our daily lives, guiding our choices, beliefs, and interactions. From the food we eat to the traditions we uphold, culture is the foundation upon which we build our understanding of ourselves and our place in society.
As we live in an increasingly interconnected society, let's keep in mind that our cultural identities are not barriers that separate us, but rather threads that when woven together, create a beautiful diverse fabric of humanity and community coming together.
Let’s embrace the power of culture to unite us, challenge us, and ultimately to help us grow as individuals and as a global community.
Let’s get out there and be part of the PAFCOM family and enjoy making a difference.
Thank You and God Bless us All!
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