THE FILIPINO community on the Republic of Palau and FSM celebrated their native soil’s 108th Independence Day with much fervor and fanfare last June 11, 2006. The celebration was themed “Pagkakaisa para sa matatag na Republika” (Unity for a stronger Republic).

Palau
CTSI Logistics and Western Union sponsored the event by giving more than $2,000. Luminaries such as Ramoncito Mariño, the Philippine Ambassador to Palau, and Tony Reyes, the vice-consul of the Philippine Embassy, as well as CTSI Logistics/Western Union OIC Ronnie Giman, took part in the colorful celebrations. The event was held at the Palau Community College cafeteria and the Palau National Gym.

Western Union installed a booth inside the venue where people could remit money on the spot. The two companies also sponsored many prizes such as shoulder and traveling bags for the event’s games. To the delight of the crowd, CTSI Logistics and Western Union sponsored a basketball exhibition between the Filipino All-Star team and the Palau National Basketball team. After a very competitive yet friendly game, the Palau team won. However, basketball players from both teams were given medals courtesy of Western Union. Other than athletic displays, there were also cultural shows during the day-long event.

“We thank Western Union and CTSI Logistics in making the program of the Philippine Embassy, as well as the unification of the Filipino communities on Palau, possible,” expressed Mariño.

FSM
Held at the College of Micronesia Pohnpei Campus Gym, the Independence Day celebration was attended by many Filipinos on the island. Also in attendance were Russell Figueras, committee chairman of the Philippine Independence Day celebration, and Ray Musada, CTSI Logistics FSM Station manager who handles the local Western Union outlet.

To show its support for the Filipino community, Western Union shouldered the gym rental fee, other production costs and provided the prizes for the games. Among the prizes were Western Union travel bags and folding chairs.

The event was highlighted by a parade participated by various Filipino organizations. With the many games like sack race, arm wrestling and tug of war, Filipinos and island natives enjoyed the holiday and strengthened their ties.

On top of supporting the Filipinos on FSM, Musada said that Western Union’s support is their way of thanking the Filipino community who form a major part of their customer base.