FELIX E. DIONGZON Founder & President, Palompon USA Foundation Inc. (BPUSAFI) | VIA Times – July 2014 Issue
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FELIX E. DIONGZON Founder & President, Palompon USA Foundation Inc. (BPUSAFI)

Ryan Tejero

By: Ryan Tejero

 

It is so amazing how Filipinos respond to the call of getting together to help those who have been affected by natural disasters. Last year, when Typhoon Haiyan or Yolanda hit the Philippines, a lot of Filipino Americans organized relief drive to help the victims back home. One of the organizations born out of the outbreak of Yolanda was the Bangon Palompon USA Foundation, Inc. (BPUSAFI). It was established right after the super typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda brought havoc to the central region of the Philippines. It is composed of residents of the town of Palompon. The town stretches along the coastal areas of Leyte. One of the main attractions of the town is the Tres Marias Islets which is composed of the three spectacular islets, with pristine white sand beaches namely: Tabuk, Gumalac and Cabgan. Typhoon Yolanda left Palompon with ninety-five percent (95%) damage, displacing about 50% of its population and taking away all the physical structures of the land and almost, if not all, of the livelihood of the residents. With the creation of BPUSAFI, Polompon residents found a new partner and a new hope in returning to their normal lives. The foundation has made it clear to its funders and beneficiaries that it will ensure timely and effective delivery of assistance by partnering with organizations, locally and internationally. More specifically, BPUSAFI vows to assist Palompon residents in rebuilding their homes, implementing livelihood projects, and grant scholarships to deserving students for educational advancement. The organization, which is based here in Illinois, believes in the core values of service, compassion, respect, integrity and stewardship. Currently, the organization had successfully distributed a total of 21,839 household emergency relief goods, 50 carpentry kits, 500 emergency lights and batteries, 500 personal care kits and placed 250 families in temporary shelters. On-site distribution in Palompon was made possible through the help of local volunteers from Cebu City and Palompon, Leyte. The organization has also organized several sponsored medical missions and debriefing activities to students in Palompon that were facilitated in cooperation with Mercy in Action Medical Team. More recently, BPUSAFI has raised funding to operate a scholarship project by granting money to cover full tuition fees and school uniforms and supplies for three college scholars at Palompon Institute of Technology. The three scholars are currently enrolled and are taking courses in B.S. Education major in Math, B.S. Education major in English and B.S. in Marine Engineering. The foundation is looking forward to raise more money for other deserving students in the years to come. The organization has set up its scholarship criteria and guidelines in selecting their recipients. BPUSAFI is also providing support to grade school students (K-6th grades) by giving them school supplies such as pads, pens, pencils, etc. Sooner, the organization will start implementing their livelihood projects for the rehabilitation of the residents of Palompon. Donations to fund these projects are coming from generous individuals around the world and other Filipino organizations that are based here in the US, as well as in in Canada, Netherlands and Australia. Founding and heading BPUSAFI is Felix Diongzon. He was born in the town of Palompon. He completed his degree in Medical Technology from Centro Escolar University in 1989. While in the Philippines, Felix became a clinical instructor in the field of Medical Technology at his Alma Mater. In 1997, he migrated to the US. He is currently employed at Centegra Hospital in McHenry, IL as a Medical Technologist since 2001. He also worked at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital as a MedicalTechnologist from 1998- 2001. Felix is happily married to Marie J Lee-Diongzon, who is a Registered Nurse at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital of Barrington, IL. They are blessed with two daughters: Alexis – a junior at Cary Grove High School and Allison – a freshman at the same school. In his spare time, Felix coaches his two daughters in volleyball at the St. Peter & Paul Catholic School of Cary and St Thomas de Apostle of Crystal Lake, IL. As a passionate community leader, Felix sends this message to his kababayans here abroad: “Make a difference and share your blessings by helping and supporting our good cause to help and improve the lives of our fellow Filipinos back home who became victims of typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda. They truly need us.” If you want to become part of BPUSAFI projects, please send email or pledges to bangonpalompon1108@ comcast.net. Email: ryantejero@yahoo.com Web: www.viatimes.com

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Felix Diongzon promoting his Bangon Palompon Project with a poster.

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The Diongzon Family: Felix with his family: wife, Marie and daughters, Alexis and Allison.

 

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