[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 76 (Thursday, April 30, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E395-E396]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE FONDO DE AYUDA SOCIAL DEL LEONISMO DISTRICT 51-E, INC.

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. PABLO JOSE HERNANDEZ

                             of PUERTO RICO

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 30, 2026

  Mr. HERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the 
Fondo de Ayuda Social del Leonismo, District 5l-E, Inc. (FASL), an 
independent nonprofit organization that has provided sustained and 
meaningful assistance throughout Puerto Rico for 46 years.
  Founded in 1979 by Guillermo Irizarry Rubio (1916 to 2017), the 
organization was established with a clear and enduring mission: to 
provide direct, responsible, and compassionate support to individuals 
and families facing urgent social and economic needs, particularly 
children and youth.
  Mr. Irizarry Rubio served in the United States Army and later as 
Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico from 1966 to 
1969, carrying out the constitutional functions of Lieutenant Governor, 
and as Director of the Puerto Rico Budget Bureau. Following his 
distinguished public service, he continued serving the people of Puerto 
Rico through

[[Page E396]]

civic leadership within Lions Clubs International, where he later 
served as District Governor of District 51-E. The values that guided 
his life--discipline, sensitivity to the needs of others, and a deep 
respect for education and service--remain reflected in the mission of 
the organization.
  For more than four decades, the Fondo de Ayuda Social del Leonismo 
has served children, youth, and families throughout Puerto Rico, 
responding to needs related to disaster relief, rehabilitation 
services, and housing assistance. To date, the organization has 
disbursed more than $500,000 indirect aid throughout the island.
  Beyond immediate assistance, the organization is distinguished by its 
commitment to sustained, long-term support. It has accompanied students 
from their early school years through the completion of their 
university studies, helping remove barriers and expand opportunities 
for those most in need.
  The Fondo de Ayuda Social del Leonismo is recognized by Lions 
District 51-E and by Lions Clubs International as a permanent service 
initiative of Lionism, while maintaining its distinct identity as an 
independent nonprofit organization.
  Mr. Speaker, the Fondo de Ayuda Social del Leonismo represents the 
very best of community-based service: sustained commitment, responsible 
stewardship, and an unwavering dedication to improving the lives of 
others.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Fondo de Ayuda 
Social del Leonismo for its 46 years of exemplary service and to 
commend its continued work on behalf of the people of Puerto Rico.

                          ____________________