ELEANOR BALAUITAN President, Filipino American Association of Columbus, Gorgia

By: Ryan Tejero

 

One of the most visible and active organizations in Atlanta and Columbus in Georgia is the Filipino American Association (FAA) of Columbus. Founded in 1989, it was organized by a few dedicated Filipino Americans with the goals of fostering Philippine values, customs and traditions. From being a small group, FAA grew in number and currently has membership among Fil-Ams residing in the Columbus- Fort Benning-Atlanta-Phoenix City AL and neighboring areas. FAA is now an established and a reputable civic, charitable, non-profit and non-sectarian organization which has actively strengthened positive relationships among its members. Since its inception, FAA has offered its members a place to call home. Everyone who comes to the organization is warmly welcomed and accepted. There are plenty of opportunities for members to participate in FAA’s social, civic, cultural and fundraising events. FAA also looks out for its members, as it provides a strong support system for them. FAA remembers those members who are celebrating special life events, such as birthdays, or someone who is in the hospital or families who are grieving over a loss. In a larger scale, FAA is there to address the specific needs of distressed Filipino Americans who may be victims of natural disasters. In the most recent outbreak of Typhoon Haiyan, FAA has raised more than $6,000, which was donated to typhoon victims. FAA’s fundraising is still on-going. Another project of FAA since 2008 is the Financial Incentive Program. It seeks to provide financial grants to qualified students who are pursuing completing academic or technical programs at a US educational institution. So far, it has awarded 11 recipients under this program. To strengthen its network with other Filipino American organizations, FAA has been an active supporter of the Federation of Philippine American Organizations and the Philippine American Center in Georgia. In addition, FAA is also represented at the National Association of Federation of Filipino American Associations Region 4. In 2011, FAA was honored as one of the donors to the National Infantry Museum in Fort Benning, Georgia. Currently heading FAA is Eleanor Balauitan. Eleanor immigrated to the US in 1990. She completed her B.S. Medical Technology from Far Eastern University in 1969. In 1976, she completed her B.S. Criminology from Ortanez University. She retired in 1990 from the Quezon City Police in the Philippines with the rank of Police Lieutenant. When she came to the US, Eleanor worked as an Office Manager in a Psychiatric Clinic. In 1999, she started to practice her profession as a Medical Technologist at Medical Center in Columbus, GA up until 2004. She, then changed her position as a Certified Financial Counselor up until 2011 in the same company, until she retired. As an accomplished community leader, Eleanor was a recipient of various awards and recognition here in the US. She was recipient of the 1995 Registered Medical Assistant, American Medical Technologist; 1997 Registered Medical Technologist, American Medical Technologist 2001 Certified Patients Accounts Representative, State of Georgia; 2007 Certified Financial Counselor, State of Georgia; 2005 “I Make The Difference Award”, Columbus Regional Healthcare System; 2007 “I Make The Difference Award”, Columbus Regional Healthcare System; 2012 AMT Board of Directors of GSSAMT Appreciation Plaque Award; 2012 AMT Board of Directors of GSSAMT Certificate of Merit Plaque Award, and 2013 AMT Board of Directors of GSSAMT Appreciation Plaque Award. Eleanor is married to Miguel, who is a retired Police Sergeant from the Columbus Police Department. Eleanor and Miguel have three children: Benedict, Michael and Kristine. Any inquiry about FAA, please contact Eleanor at ebalauitan@ yahoo.com.##

Eleanor & Miguel Balauitan

 

 

Ltc.(Ret) Gil Basilio, P/Sgt (Ret) Miguel Balauitan, Eleanor E. Balauitan, Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia Jr. and Dr. Jean Jorda Montesclaros.

 

 

 

Velva Campos, VT Columnist Ryan Tejero, Eleanor E. Balauitan and Annel Pamintuan