A.I.M. - INC.

Western Visayas is located in Central Philippines and lies between two large bodies of water, namely, Sibuyan Sea and the Visayas Sea. The Region is composed of six provinces:

a. Aklan

b. Antique

c. Capiz

d. Iloilo

e. Negros Occidental

f. Guimaras

The Western Visayas region's land resources are devoted to agriculture. Sugar cane covers the majority of the areas of Negros Occidental and rain-fed or irrigated palay in Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo and Guimaras.

The region's fishing grounds can produce a large variety of marine, fishery and aquaculture products. It is one of the major exporters of prawns, tuna, and other fish products in the whole country.

Western Visayas is rich in mineral and non-mineral resources. Metallic ore reserves found in the region include primary copper, iron, and pyrite.

The region is a good place for investment. The number one advantage of the region is fertile soil, which can grow a wide variety of agricultural commodities throughout the year.

Natural attractions like Boracay in Aklan and Guimaras Island make the region a major tourist destination. Its rich cultural heritage provides a microcosm of Philippine culture and heritage.

The region's ports and airports are well kept to facilitate and accommodate the inflow and outflow of commodities in the region. The deep natural harbor in the city of Iloilo has the potential to become a major gateway for the region's produce.

However, the region's greatest asset is its skilled manpower resource. With proper training and capability building, the people of the region can pave the way for industrial growth and expansion of Western Visayas

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HISTORY  OF THE ASSOCIATION  

The Association of Ilonggos of Metropolitan Washington D.C. (AIM) Inc.  was formed because of the desire of Ilonggo-speaking members to have a closer relationship based on kindred spirit. The founding members: Mario Acap, Aurelio Centina, Emma Dacquel and Lunarose Torrecampo Tiglao, spearheaded the move. Membership was open to Ilonggo-speaking persons from Panay and Negros. With the enactment of the Constitution and By-laws, anyone who could trace his or her roots to Ilonggo parentage was eligible for membership.

On October 14, 1984, the Association was officially born. At the Lake Community House in Prince George's County, Maryland, the first officers were inducted with Emma T. Dacquel as President. Immediately thereafter, AIM sponsored its first cultural event - "Maranaw: A Celebration" - at the Cocktail Theater of the Washington Hilton Hotel; a daring and scary move. The show went well, leaving AIM with practical lessons that could be applied to future projects. Although the Association participated in some Philippine-American community activities, it decided to adopt a low profile.

A later wave of Ilonggo immigrants gave impetus to the creation of the Association of Young Ilonggos, which closely adhered to AIM's Constitution and by-laws. Majella Munieza was elected President.

In 1991, there was a general clamor to reactivate the Association. Consequently, a steering committee was formed consisting of Emma T. Dacquel, Lina A. Divinagracia, Pearl G. Gauzon, Majella Munieza, Rawlein Soberano and Tess G. Taylor. To attract other Ilonggos, the Committee sponsored a get-together, "Masinadya Kita," on September 28, 1991, at the community hall of the Little Flower Church in Bethesda, MD. A good number of Ilonggos turned up! The event served as a catalyst for exercising the democratic process of electing the officers.

On November 12, 1992, a general meeting, for the election of officers, was called. Joe G. Burgos was voted President. The first order of business was to secure a tax-exempt status under Section 501 (c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. Pearl Garganera-Gauzon, a lawyer, was given the assignment. In less than a year, the Internal Revenue Service granted AIM's request.

Between 1992-1996, AIM has been actively involved in reaching out to other organizations of the metropolitan Washington, DC area. It is a dues- paying member of the Philippine American Heritage Federation, working with the Political Action Committee on overseas voting rights, and a board member of the Foundation for Charities, Inc. AIM has consistently participated, as one of the executive committee officers, in the annual celebration of Philippine Independence.

In 1996, Joe Burgos was re-elected President for another 2 years.

The Assumption Socio-economic Center, Philippine National Red Cross, Iloilo Chapter, Bishop Fortich's greening project in Negros Occidental, reconstruction of Kalibo, Aklan's cathedral, and Iloilo's reforestation initiative are, to name a few, beneficiaries of AIM's fundraising event.

In January of 1998, the Membership again held the election of officers. Pearl Garganera-Gauzon was voted President.

For AIM's initial project that year, in conjunction with the Philippine Centennial celebration, it sponsored Iloilo's Dagyaw Theatre and Dance Company composed of 20 high school dancers who had earned raves in Europe and Southeast Asia. Their two performances in May showcased not only the Ilonggo culture but also the heritage and tradition of the Philippines.

On January 17, 2004 election of AIM-Officers for the year 2004-2006 at the Dewan Hall of the St. Columba Parish Church in Oxon Hill, Maryland...Zenaida A. Tabligan was unanimously voted as the President.

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THE ASSOCIATION OF ILONGGOS OF METROPOLITAN WASHINGTON D.C. (AIM) INC. (Duly Elected Set of Officers for the Year 2004 to 2006 during Election held on Jan. 17, 2004  at Oxon Hill in Maryland-USA

•  Zenaida "Zeny" Alimon-Tabligan   -President
•  Rodolfo "Dinggol" A. Divinagracia  -Executive Vice-President
•  Madilyn "Neneng" Jaro-Hamilton   -Vice Pres. for Internal Affairs
•  Pearl Garganera-Gauzon, ESQ      -Vice Pres. for External Affairs
•  Secretary  -Maria Luz "Marilu" Sabido de Araneta
•  Asst. Secretary  -Les Mallorca-Digamon
•  Treasurer  -Rica Sola
•  Asst. Treasurer  -Mercedita "Merci" Acap-Pineda
•  Auditor  -Melinda "Melin" B. Quizan
•  Business Manager  -Ma. Lina A. Divinagracia
•  Asst. Business Manager  -Jocelyn "Cute" Araujo
•  Membership Director  -Rochelle G. Lopez
•  Asst. Membership Director -Felimon "Monching" Jocson  
•  Public Relations Officer  -Marichi Belzarina Sian
•  Sergeant-at-Arms -Pio J. Octaviano
•  Sergeant-at-Arms -Jesus "Jess" Villarosa
•  BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
•  Thelma Ninonuevo-Billy
•  Nestor C. Camina
•  Rafael "Paeng" Fial
•  Clarita "Claire" Jabonilla-Huntington
•  Rawlein "Rawley" Soberano
•  PRESIDENTIAL ADVISERS:
•  Jesus "Jess" Lopez
•  Vicente "VicPaul" Layson Guevara
•  EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS:
• Emma Togonon-Dacquel, M.D.
• Jose "Joe" Guevara Burgos

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*INFORMAL OATH-TAKING RIGHT AFTER THE ELECTION  ON JANUARY 17, 2004 HELD AT THE  DEWAN HALL OF THE SAINT COLUMBA CATHOLIC PARISH IN OXON HILL ... MARYLAND - USA*

(Front Row- Left to Right):Thelma Billy-Rica Sola-Claire Huntington-Rochelle Lopez-Nening Hamilton-Pearl Gauzon-Zeny Tabligan-Marilu Araneta-Les Digamon-Melin Quizan-Merci Pineda-Cute Araujo & Lina Divinagracia.

(Back Row-Left to Right): Victor Prodigo-Paeng Fial-Nestor Camina-Jess Villarosa-Pio Octaviano-Dinggol Divinagracia & Monching Jocson.

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"GETTING TO KNOW YOU" PARTY - FEBRUARY 15, 2004

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, which still lingered in the air, AIM held its "Getting to Know You" Party at the Potomac Knolls Recreation Center in Fort Washington, Md. The purpose of the affair was to recharge the Association’s Membership by reconnecting with current members and by inviting non-members to join the Association. Invitations were sent out widely to all known Ilonggos to come with their family and friends for a day of fun.

The affair started promptly at 1:00 p.m. with registration of the attendees. Mass was then celebrated, with Fr. Cef Ledesma officiating. An afternoon of festivities ensued, fueled by the delicious buffet of food and drinks prepared by AIM’s officers and members. Kids and adults alike took to the dance floor at the catching beats spun by the DJ. People caught up with old friends and met new acquaintances. The fascinating diversity of AIM’s membership was revealed when everyone was gathered and asked to introduce themselves individually. Western Visayas was well-represented indeed, with members hailing from all over the region! Adding to the fun and excitement was a raffle of door prizes donated by the officers.

The attendees were also informed of AIM’s current projects, activities, and future goals. Later, Tess Taylor talked about Gawad Kalinga, the community development program of Couples for Christ. AIM plans to coordinate with CFC and extend its support to this worthwhile cause.

As the party wound down, high energy and elation prevailed among the officers who were pleasantly shocked at the fantastic turnout. We certainly didn’t expect that many people to show up! Their presence and participation, along with all the hard work of the various committees, definitely made the party the great success that it was.

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MESSAGE OF AIM, Inc. PRESIDENT

(Zenaida A. Tabligan, President )

November 2005

One of the most important missions of AIM, Inc. is to continually work in promoting the welfare of the Philippines.  Thus, we have partnered with the AnCOP Foundation’s Gawad Kalinga Nation Build Program to establish the AIM/Gawad Kalinga Village in Iloilo City.  I would like to update you about its current situation.

During the initial stages of AIM’s partnership with Gawad Kalinga, generous members were amazed at the thought that they could provide adequate shelter for a poor family in the Philippines.  Financial contributions poured in, and we thought that once we had materially participated we would be able to see right away the finished products – brightly-colored solid houses, thriving gardens, a real village.  But it has been an enlightening lesson for me to learn that constructing a whole village is not as easy and quick as we thought it would be.  Instead, it would involve several, various processes before even a single house can be started.

The first step – acquisition of the land – has been realized.  Mayor Jerry Trinas of Iloilo City has signed the Memorandum of Agreement to donate one hectare of land for the AIM/GK Village.  Now that the land is available, it has to be developed and paved for the necessary road and walkways.  It also has to be secured for the provision of clean, potable, and reliable water sources.  Gawad Kalinga is doing its best, with the aid of all-volunteer workers, to complete these basic foundations for the Village before the first home can be built.  Once the homes are created, it has to be determined who would be considered as the beneficiaries.  (Beneficiaries also have to help in constructing their home and/or their neighbors’ homes, and in developing the whole community.)  This alone is a very intricate process considering the fact that majority of our countrymen are desperately poor and don’t have decent shelter. 

AIM, Inc. has forwarded $10,000 that was initially raised to the Gawad Kalinga Executive Board.  However, we are still in need of $20,000 to complete the construction of the whole Village.  I am very hopeful, though, that this generation of AIM’s Membership will steadfastly help, with great compassion, to fulfill our promise of giving 30 homes for the poorest of the poor in Iloilo City.  Your dedicated support is absolutely essential.  To those who have helped in every way and generously invested with AIM, Inc. and Gawad Kalinga, I am deeply grateful and humbled by your kindness.  AIM, Inc. and Gawad Kalinga are working closely together with our shared physical, financial, and spiritual resources.  Let’s just be patient, continue our support, and keep having faith that we WILL realize the dream of the AIM/GK Village.

Please remember that you are not just building a house.  You are restoring dignity and hope to people who have felt utterly helpless, even forgotten.  You are initiating better health with protective shelters in a community that is clean, well-planned, and rightfully maintained.  You are promoting good relationships and peace among the residents who have great civic pride in achieving the creation of a beautiful Village through bayanihan – working together, helping each other.  You are investing towards a better future for generations who will someday be passionately inspired to continue similar noble works as Gawad Kalinga does now.  Most of all, you are a bayani for having the heart to continue believing in the Philippines and the Filipinos, for joining in this wonderful mission and doing your part to rebuild the Philippines. 

January 23, 2006 Birthday Celebrant: Rochelle G. Lopez-AIM Membership Director at the "House of Chang" Oxon Hill, Maryland-USA

(Photo L-R): Merlyn & Mon Jocson -Nestor Camina Jess & Rochelle Lopez  -Dinggol Divinagracia