Gordon Inducts BFI Officers

Text and photo by Ambrosio R. Villorente

Henry O. Chusuey (left) and Loubelle B. Cann handing the Certificate of Appreciation to Sen. Gordon for his valuable assistance in developing Boracay.

Sen. Richard Gordon, extreme left, is shown in the above picture inducting the officers and members of the Board of Trustees of the Boracay Foundation, Inc.

Sen. Richard Gordon was the main speaker and induction officer during the Induction Program of the new set of Board of Trustees and new members of the Boracay Foundation, Inc. (BFI). The induction ceremony was held in the evening, Sunday, August 16 in Boracay Regency Beach Resort and Convention Center, Malay, Aklan.

The NVC Performing Arts group led in the singing of the Philippine National Anthem. They also gave intermission numbers such as the cultural show and the "Barter of Panay" for the pleasure of the guests, visitors, and officers and members of BFI.

Mr. Jose Macavinta, VP – Internal Affairs welcomed the guests and visitors. His welcome remarks included the rationale of the BFI organization.

Hon. Ceciron S. Cawaling was not available to attend the program. However, he was ably represented by Hon. Wilbec Gelito, SB member of Malay.

Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez was represented by Engr. Roger M. Esto, provincial planning and development officer of Aklan. He read Gov. Marquez’ speech. He congratulated the officers and members of BFI for their best effort to make Boracay number one tourists destination. He promised P600,000 for Boracay development.

Cong. Florencio T. Miraflores, in his message, talked about the short history of Boracay as a tourists destination. He mentioned some problems, which are impeding Boracay’s development and what are the projects already done as well as the plan to further improve Boracay to be the premier tourists destination in the world.

Before his speech, Sen. Gordon installed to office the officers of the BFI who are: Loubelle B. Cann – president; Henry O. Chusuey – chairman, BOD; Jose Macavinta, VP– Internal; Patrick Tan, VP– external; Helen Atanacio– secretary; Connie Helgens – treasurer; Raffy Leyson– auditor; Edwin Raymundo –PRO; Nenette Graff, Dionisio Salme, Lowell Talamisan, Erlinda Q.F. Wilson, Jupiter Galinero, Fermin Dayao, and Mike Labatiao–Board of Directors members.

In his speech, Sen. Gordon talked about his principles, and philosophies that brought him to success. He talked about his accomplishment in Olonggapo and Subic which places are now serving as models in development like in manufacturing and job creation. He spoke about Warm Over Winter (WOW) Philippines he implemented while he was the secretary of the Department of Tourism. He believes money alone will not usher a leader to Malacañang. It must be hard work, sincerity, and determination.

Sen. Gordon con-cluded his speech with a promise to provide Boracay with Blood Bank and rubber boat.

Loubelle B. Cann was re-elected for another two years in the BFI. She and Henry O. Chusuey – Board Chairman pledged to redouble their efforts in making Boracay the most conducive place for tourists to enjoy in order for Boracay to be the premier tourists destination of the world.

In the presentation of Sen. Gordon, Boracay in 2008 was second as to the number of visitors who visited Boracay. The first was Cebu.

The induction program ended with the closing statements of Helen Atanacio. Aileen Cabrera ably served as toastmaster of the evening. /MP