Gov. Panlilio to meet Kapampangan, Fil-Am leaders

03 September 2008

PRESS RELEASE

Gov. Panlilio to meet Kapampangan, Fil-Am leaders

City of San Fernando, Pampanga – From September 5 to 8, 2008, U.S.-based Kapampangans will give Gov. Eddie T. Panlilio an opportunity to dialogue with them regarding the present development of the partnership between the provincial government and the civil societies in pursuing the crusade for good governance and responsible citizenship, discussing as well the current issues and controversies that have been raised regarding his administration.

“We want to listen to Among Ed, and we also want him to listen to us,” said Josie Castro, a leader of the Pampanga Crusaders, USA Inc. (PamagcUSA), which sponsored the governor’s trip. “We, too are stakeholders in the struggle for a new Pampanga,” she added.

Rev. Fr. Rodel Balagtas, Kapampangan parish priest of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, has generously offered his austere rectory to be the governor’s lodging for the duration of his stay in the U.S.

While in the U.S. the governor will also consult with potential benefactors in the matters of medical outreach programs, availability of scholarships and partnerships with community-based organizations.

After his arrival at Los Angeles , Gov. Panlilio will join his cabalens from the Club Minalin for an evening of discussion. He expects to replicate this meeting with other municipality-based organizations later in order to discover how the expatriates can assist in the growth and development of their respective native towns.

On the next day, the governor will attend the first anniversary celebration of the PamagcUSA. Bishop Pablo David is expected to celebrate the Eucharist with its leaders and members. After his meeting with Los Angeles Bishop Oscar Solis, the governor will attend the Fil-Am Leadership Gathering. His busy day will be capped with a meeting with the Pampanga Day Celebration Commission.

September 7 is expected to be a grand day of dialogue, interaction and consultation for Gov. Panlilio with Kapampangans in California . In the morning, he will speak before the United Pampanga League which is one of the more established organizations in the U.S. Later, he will join the Kapampangan-American faithful at the Canonical Coronation of the Virgen De Los Remedios at the Cathedral of our Lady of Angels, also in Los Angeles . This celebration will echo the annual coronation of the Patroness of the province, this year to be held in the City of San Fernando . Following this religious event, he will mingle with local Kapampangans in a dinner, which is expected to be an opportunity for ordinary people to express their concerns to the Governor.

Before flying back home on September 8, he will also give a courtesy call to Consul General Mary Jo Aragon at the Philippine Consulate.

Gov. Panlilio is expected to arrive back in the Philippines on September 10, 2008. /PIO