Antonio Abellera President, FAASD

By: Ryan Tejero

 

Formed in 1984, the Filipino American Association of South Du Page (FAASD) is composed of Fil-Am families residing in the cities and villages of Darien, Downers Grove, Westmont, Willow Brook, Woodridge, Clarendon Hills, Hinsdale, Oak Brook, Burr Ridge, Lisle and Naperville. It is established as a non-profit organization, which is founded on the spirit of friendship, trust, fairness and camaraderie. More specifically, FAASD operates under the objectives of fostering friendship and fellowship among members; promoting and preserving the rich cultural heritage, customs and traditions of the Filipinos; enhancing communication and networking among members and with other Filipino American organizations through cooperative effort to achieve common goals; promoting education through scholarships and providing other educational opportunities according to the learning needs of the members, and providing support and encouraging active participation in community services.

Annually, FAASD celebrates its anniversary as a fundraising event. It highlights the coronation of muses and awarding of scholarship grants. Every two years, FAASD elects its officers and city directors. The induction ceremony highlights a traditional cotillion. Other activities include Christmas Celebration, Spring Dance, July 4th Independence Day Parade and Annual Picnic. During the summer, FAASD organizes its own Summer Sports Fest that includes activities, such as basketball, tennis, golf, volleyball, walkathon, marathon and cycling. The funds raised during the dinnerdance event go directly to the ongoing projects of the organization.

Currently heading FAASD is Antonio M. Abellera. His two-year term as FAASD’s 16th president is ending this year.

Tony, as he is popularly called in the community by friends, is a Retired Professional Liability Claims Consultant in legal and medical malpractice of CNA Insurance Companies based in Chicago. Prior to his retirement, Tony has also been employed as Liability Claims Representative of Travelers Insurance Company in Chicago; Claims Examiner Supervisor of Argonaut Insurance Company in Chicago; Executive Liability Claims Professional, Kemper Insurance Co. in Long Grove; and as Senior Claims Consultant at CNA Insurance Companies in Chicago.

Tony migrated to the US in 1971. He came from Bayombong, Nueva Ecija. He completed his Associate in Arts from St. Mary’s College, his Bachelor of Arts from the University of the East and his Bachelor of Laws from the University of the Philippines. While in the Philippines, he worked as Administrative Assistant to the former Senator Leonardo B. Perez and as Secretary to the former Congressman Benjamin B. Perez at the Philippine Congress. Here in the US, Tony completed his training and courses from Claims Representative Training School, Travelers Insurance Company in Chicago; and his Associate in Management from the Insurance School of Chicago/Insurance Institute of America.

Tony is married to Milagros Manalo Abellera who is Nurse Practitioner (Retired) from the Cook County Stroger Hospital. They were both blessed with children: Philip M. Abellera, AB, JD, RLI Corporation, Claims Manager, and Mark M. Abellera, AB, JD, Purcell & Wardrope, Chtd., Associate Attorney.

Other than FAASD, Tony has also been actively involved with other Fil-Am organizations. He was the Vice President of the Filipino American Historical Society of Chicago; Member of the Board of Directors and Advisers of the Nueva Vizcaya Association of Chicago; Member, Senior Golfers of America; Member, Knights of Columbus in Woodridge, IL, Member, Parish Life Commission, Christ the Servant Catholic Church, Woodridge, IL.

As an outstanding community leader, Tony has received numerous awards and recognition: Certificate of Appreciation as Charter Secretary – Chicago Bayanihan Lions Club; Bobbitt Sommers Outstanding Student Award in Associate in Management; Certificate of Appreciation as Director – Filipino Friendship Society; Certificate of Commendation for Citizenship and Jury Duty – State of Illinois; Outstanding Alumni Award in Community Leadership – Nueva Vizcaya General Comprehensive High School; Plaque for Dedicated Service as President 1986-1996 – Nueva Vizcaya Association of Chicago; Certificate on Rider Edge Accomplishment – Harley Davidson Academy of Motorcycling; Staffing Employee of the Year Award – Insurance Overload Systems, and Plaque for Dedicated Service as PRO – FAASD.

Tony believes in building a stronger Fil-Am community in Chicago. He sends his message to everyone by saying, “Let us build and unite on the firm foundations of mutual respect, fraternity, charity and partnership and instill a strong sense of cultural pride and civic responsibility. Let us enrich our lives and our community by our willingness to share our God given gifts of time treasure and talent.”

If you reside in the Southern DuPage County in IL, please contact Tony via email at tonyabellera@hotmail.com to connect and help support FAASD projects.##

Antonio Abellera FAASD President