MEC, MLEC, Saipan-Guam Eagles District install new officers

By RACQUEL H. FLOYD
raxfloyd@gmail.com
CORRESPONDENT

The Marianas Eagles, Marianas Lady Eagles Clubs, and Saipan-Guam Eagles District welcomed new officers for the Eagle Year 2025 last Saturday night at Aqua Resort Club.

The Saipan-Guam Eagle District installed governor Edmin A. Elayda along with Chris B. Manalo as vice district governor, Fernando E. Enano as district secretary, Carlos E. Eslaban Jr. as district treasurer, Raul V. Abordonado as district auditor, Peter R. Crisostomo as district information officer, Danny Banez, Danny R. Robles, and Arvin Ian S. Sales as district tribunal officers, protocol officers Nazareno P. Ortiz Jr. and Elmar Magno, and election officers Leo P. Canedo and Marcelo V. Masilungan.

The Marianas Eagles Club’s new president is Junar “Bong” C. Sulabo, while the other new officers are Danny R. Robles as vice president, Larry C. Pangilinan as secretary, Carlos E. Eslaban Jr. as treasurer Raul V. Abordonado as auditor, Alvin D. Buendia as club press relation officer, Arvin Ian S. Sales as protocol officer, and Peter R. Crisostomo as club alternate district representative.

Lady Eagle Irene L. Marquez was installed as the new president of Marianas Lady Eagles Club with Connie N. Quidato as vice president, Elena M. Enriquez as secretary, Gemma M. Eugenio as treasurer, Josefina C. Camacho as auditor, Rowena V. Coloma and Donata U. Fronda as club public relations officers, Norlyn P. Cabrera, Leilani M. Catungal, Mary Grace I. Cruz, Leilani A. Garcia, Marilou P. Masilungan, and Mildred M. Pabilando as board of directors, Malaya C. Magno as club comelec chairman, and Roxanne R. Layugan and Aurelia F. Costales as Comelec members, Elenita P. Duarte as club care chairman, and Crisanta Alvarez as alternate district representative.

According to the past district governor Marcelo V. Masilungan, the installation of the officers was scheduled for the yearend to align with the start of the Eagle Year on Jan. 1, 2025.

“We schedule the installation this month since the Eagle Year is a calendar year, so that when Jan. 1 comes, all elected officers can really fully function according to their position and not be called with their position elect,” he said.

The program started with the acknowledgment of guests and members by Fernando Enano wherein he extended his gratitude to past district governor Masilungan and discussed the organization’s journey that involved overcoming challenges and building upon past successes.

Meanwhile, Masilungan shared some advice by giving emphasis on the importance of collaborative efforts while highlighting the need to listen to all members’ needs and responding kindly to negativity.

“My advice to the officers and members of Saipan-Guam Eagles District, Marianas Eagles Club, and Marianas Lady Eagles Club is to ensure the work collaboratively, and always listen to what your members’ needs, not just selected individuals. Jesus taught us that if someone throws a stone at us, then we should throw back bread,” said Masilungan.

Elayda, in his speech, expressed his gratitude for the team’s efforts and dedication and mentioned prioritizing values of compassion, resilience, and humility in leadership as he emphasizes collaborative work with various groups and a spirit of unity.

“Compassion and resilience, I will lead with humility and listen to your concerns and ideas and working collaboratively with other groups or clubs,” said Elayda.

Marianas Eagle Club president Sulabo discussed in his speech about the group being bound by a shared mission to create a positive community impact that despite challenges, the group’s integrity and commitment remain strong and that future goals and continued encouragement were emphasized.

“We all have differences, we may encounter arguments, and contradicting opinions, but one thing we always remember as Eagles, is we gather not to be divided but to keep our plans as kuya and ate and to make our fellowship alive and intact. Our integrity and commitment are for serving others. We are not just a group, we are a family bound by a shared mission of making positive impacts in our communities, in our society,” he said.

Marquez, in her acceptance speech, mentioned commitment to strengthening the group and dedication to fulfilling the role’s responsibilities and that the success of the group is attributed to hard work, determination, sacrifice, and the investment of time and resources.

“Yes, I accept to be the president of the Marianas Lady Eagles Club for the Eagle year 2025, but a single head achieves nothing. So, I’m counting on your support to achieve our success. As you’ve said ‘we will support you, and we will not leave you. This is truly a moment to be honored and cherished. I accept this position with pride and will give my best efforts to make our stronger and better with the grace of our God and the cooperation of fellow members,” she said.

Charter president of Marianas Lady Eagles Club Mildred Pabilando, in her impromptu speech, thanked all the members and previous officers for all the support that was given to her during her almost two-year term.

The installation ceremony was virtually facilitated by the outgoing Fraternal Order of Eagles National president Jeffrey Maravilla with Eagle Gio Delos Santos.

Maravilla, in his special message, encouraged the group to extend its support to the incoming national president-elect Mark Limpin and reminded them to include in the calendar of events the Women’s Month and Eagles Week.

Regional district governor Bernard Lim was not able to join the ceremony, but had his congratulatory message read by Peter Crisostomo wherein a new chapter of unity and service was discussed.

“A unified body can achieve great things through friendship and service to the community and the new chapter should focus on growth, purpose, and unity guided by wisdom and compassion,” his message stated.