[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 125 (Monday, September 30, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1702]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       COMMENDING THE UNITED FILIPINO STUDENT ASSOCIATION OF GUAM

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 26, 2002

  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, student activism is strong and 
commonplace on my home island of Guam. Historically, Guam students have 
joined organizations to gain a sense of comradery and to seize upon an 
opportunity to engage in noble charitable and civic activities that 
benefit the community. One particular organization that stands out 
among the rest for their service and dedicated membership is the United 
Filipino Student Association (UFSA).
  The UFSA, comprised of University of Guam students and students from 
each of the four public high schools on Guam, provides a social 
environment that promotes the culture and unity of Filipino students on 
the island. The UFSA is also very civic-minded, adding to the 
membership's ability to recognize, understand and take action on issues 
relevant to their everyday experiences. Promoting the knowledge of the 
historical, political, social and economic conditions of Filipino 
people outside of the Philippines, the UFSA serves as a dependable 
resource and information source for issues affecting Filipino youth and 
community on Guam.
  On September 30, 2002, this very prominent student organization will 
be swearing in its newly elected officers, marking another chapter in 
its already rich history, which spans over two decades. The first UFSA 
on Guam was founded at the University Of Guam in 1972, and after an 
eight year period of dormancy, the association was revived in 1993. The 
officers spearheading its renewed presence then were Patrick S. Luces, 
Marelito Calimlim, Leila Orden, Buena Fernandez, Analisa Retumban, 
Norman Analista, and Lawrence S. Luces.
  In 1998, Mark Galang, Mike Cabral, and Kendrick De Vera succeeded in 
integrating UOG UFSA with UFSA of George Washington High School, John 
F. Kennedy High School, and Simon Sanchez High School. This 
organizational merging proved to empower the membership base and 
rejuvenate their work. In 2001, Southern High UFSA was chartered and 
joined the overall UFSA organization. This year, expansion efforts 
continue with the Guam Community College (GCC). Filipino Students at 
GCC are currently in the process of establishing an UFSA organization 
in their school.
  Through the years, UFSA has reached out island-wide and touched an 
entire community. The Filipino youth of Guam, who worked so diligently 
to build the UFSA today are to be commended for their leadership and 
example. The UFSA has strengthened the education of so many, 
supplementing their classroom experiences with valuable civic 
commitment. The organization has served as a medium through which 
students have demonstrated the highest levels of citizenship. I commend 
the UFSA for their work and encourage their newly elected leadership to 
carry this torch of success for the future. I thank the outgoing 
President, Patrick Quitugua, and congratulate the incoming President, 
Andrew T. Solidum. I also congratulate Diane Reyes, the first Vice 
President who will serve an additional term, and Riza Marquez, the 
second Vice President who will also serve another term. Finally, I 
thank Lea' Beth Naholowaa, their advisor. With their leadership, I know 
many more good things for UFSA and Guam are to come.

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