VIA Times – June 2015 Issue Vital News, Vibrant Views for Asian Americans in Chicago & Midwest
By: Ryan Tejero
The Filipino American Council of Greater Chicago (FACGC) is considered to be one of the pillars of earlier Filipino Americans in Chicago. Organized in 1963 under its original name, Filipino American Council of Chicago, it served as the umbrella organization of more than a hundred Fil-Am organizations in Chicago area. Housed at the historic Rizal Center along Irving Park Rd, in Chicago, FACGC hosted numerous social, cultural and civic engagements of Filipino Americans.
Unknown to many Chicago Filipino Americans, the leadership in FACGC has brought a variety of services and support to the members of Filipino American community since its inception. The following services and events have been promoted by FACGC, and were conducted or held at the Rizal Center: classes on Basic Grammar and Conversational Tagalog Class held for those interested to learn about Filipino language; religious events such as Flores de Maria, Crowning of Our Lady and the Blessing and Installation of the Portraits of the Filipino Martyrs San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila and San Pedro Calungsod; Celebration of Philippine Independence Day; youth programs; Fil-Am Friendship Dinner Dance; and activities of the FAGPAC or Filipino American Grandparents Association of Chicago, Order of the Knights of Rizal – Chicago Chapter and Chicago’s Ladies of Rizal.
More recently, FACGC organized a formal welcome reception of the new Philippine Consul General, the Hon. Generoso D.G. Calonge on August 27, 2014. Current FACGC President Dr. Rufino Crisostomo. proudly presents the newly-renovated building of the Rizal Center to the new Philippine Consul General.
Under his leadership, Dr. Crisostomo is now embarking to promote the Rizal Center as a venue of Fil-Am events. He said that “It is about time to bring back the colorful and festive activities of various Filipino organizations here in Chicago. We have a new stage at the Center for cultural performances and is just waiting for the performers.” On June 13, 2015, FACGC celebrates Kasarinlan 2015, with dinner and show.
Dr. Crisostomo is also formally announcing to the public a Free Healthcare Training for Caregivers. This free service from FACGC is a result of a grant acquired to assist newly-arrived immigrants in acquiring caregiving skills. The training lasts for 4 weeks. Graduates are awarded with certificate of training that they can present to prospective employers. Dr. Crisostomo assures that those who complete the training can find a decent job right away since the training syllabus is patterned from a standard Caregiving Program that is offered by other institutions in the State of Illinois.
Dr. Crisostomo is a highly respected leader in the Fil-Am community in Chicago. He is a recipient of the most prestigious Via Times Hall of Fame Award for Community Service. Please contact Dr. Crisostomo for FACGC activities and hosting your events at the new Rizal Center at email: crisostomo.rufino@gmail.com or phone: (312) 402 4191.
FACGC Board. Sworn in to office by Judge Jessica Obrien at Crowne Plaza on Sept 6, 2014. L-R are President: Dr. Rufino Crisostomo, Members: Carmen Estacio, Denis Cruz, Cora Sopena, Judge Jessica Obrien, Inducting Officer, Thelma Bascos – Vice-President, Jimmy Alban – Treasurer, Other Members Marina Alban, Malou Tabo, Nita Oria and Al Bascos. (Facebook photo of TP Bascos).
