MI Welcomes new

Texas Chapter: MASTEGS

 

The Marinduque Association of Texas and the Gulf States (MASTEGS) is the newest addition to Marinduque International, Inc. Established in the summer of 2005, the Mariduquenos in the Southern area formed together to help join MI's mission in giving back to their home land, Marinduque. Since their commencement, they have administered various projects in reaching out to the people in Mariduque. Click here to view some of their completed projects.

 

 

Houston, Texas June 3, 2006 – They come from a small island, but they have really big hearts. Although they live across the seas from their homeland, their hearts are still in Marinduque, Philippines. They are called Marinduque International, Inc. (www.marinduqueinternational.org), a successful non-profit organization founded by Dr. Hector Sulit in 1993 with the first chapter Marinduque Association of Southern California.

To date we give credit to the unrelenting efforts of the seven chapters that have sprung up around the nation as follows: MACA of Washington DC, MESA of eastern Seaboard, MASC of Los Angeles, MANC of San Francisco, MACUSA of Chicago, MSCA of Toronto Canada, MABC of Vancouver Canada, and MASTEGS of Texas and Gulf States. They all exist for the same purpose, to give back to their beloved country, especially for the underprivileged kababayan

MI, Inc.'s main project is the "Medical Mission of Love" and has been in operation for four times now. Thelma Munoz Santos of MESA and the current President says, "The medical mission is a great way for people to come together to volunteer their time, money and effort to treat locals and their families in Marinduque who are in need of medical, dental, ophthalmology and surgical attention."

MI, Inc. has made a tremendous impact on those living in Marinduque. Over 24,000 people have been seen and treated since the commencement of the project averaging the cost of over $40,000 plus for each mission, including medicines and supplies only. With the rising costs, MI, Inc. is grateful for the support people have given. However, finding funds to finance the mission is a challenge, but with more support, they can help save many people.

Aside from the trip they make every two years to Marinduque to operate the Medical Mission of Love, the MI, Inc. meets periodically throughout the year to unify the Marinduquenos all over the United States and Canada to promote our culture and traditions such as the Moriones festival and "putong". To celebrate in fashion, a grand biennial reunion is held in different hosting cities around the nation.

The newest association is now here in Houston, Texas called the Marinduque Society of Texas and the Gulf States. Last Nov 2005, the officers and Members were inducted by Atty Referente. They are President Gerry Mantaring, Vice President Diki Labao, Secretary Bing Carpio, Asst. Secretary Tess de la Cruz, Treaurer Carol Cua, and PROs James and Linda Claire.

For 2007, the MASTEGS in Houston has been voted to host the reunion which will be held August 9-12. In an interview with the President, Gerry Mantaring, he said, "I would like to invite all Marinduquenos living abroad, families, friends throughout the nation and Canada and those especially from the motherland of the six towns (Boac, Santa Cruz, Gasan, Mogpog, Torrijos and Buenvista) to participate in this splendid event and to experience a taste of Texas. Parine na kayo! (Come ya'll!)" He also mentioned if necessary a letter of invitation will be sent to qualified individuals interested to join for purposes of visa applications. Info for 2007 Marinduque International, Inc. Grand Reunion: Call or Text at 832-877-5638

GONE TO TEXAS! For additional information, please visit our website at http://www.mastegs.org/.

 

 

MEMBERS (as of June 2006)

Alice and Vic Yao

Chito Reynoso

Manny Ignacio

Randy and Agnes Padilla

Dr.Ariel and Louie Velasco

Ed and Carmen Zoleta

Alicia Quinto

Connie and Greg Narvas

 

Zenny Simms

Manny Ignacio

Josie Laud

Boyet and Dolly Jandusay

Corry and Winnie Grimaldo

Pete and Thelma Mantaring

Looie and Tom Reyes

Diane and Tony De las Casas

Lito Malabanan

Norma and Imelda Acorda

Cely and Dick Labao

Sam and Carol Cua

Anitaand Ernie Solas

Lery and Rey Reynoso

Lorna and Gerry Mantaring

Clay and Josie Christeen

Dan Chiang

Emory and Tess De la Cruz