Delia Rodrigo de Guzman President Filipino Friendship Society

By: Ryan Tejero

 

2015 is the 40th Anniversary of Filipino Friendship Society (FFS). It was chartered and incorporated in the State of Illinois in 1975 by a group of Filipinos residing in Bolingbrook, but the group amended its by-laws to include Filipinos from neighboring communities. FFS was organized to foster Filipino culture and national heritage to its members, and to encourage members to actively participate in the activities of Bolingbrook, thus enhancing community development. Another goal is to participate in charitable activities either in the Philippines or in the US and to provide scholarship opportunities to deserving graduating Filipino High School Senior students, who belong in the top 10 of their class. FFS has organized numerous fundraising activities to sustain it ongoing projects.

FFS has been the agent of promoting Filipino cultural activities, such as seasonal dinner dances, Muse presentations and coronations, Cotillions and raffles for over three decades bringing delightful joy, laughter and a warm welcome to all families who are joining; and just a source of pride for the Filipino American community in Chicago area and the suburbs. Christmas parties and summer picnics are core family activities, which are being held every year to strengthen unity among Filipino Americans in the community.

Through the years, FFS leaders have established good rapport with the Village of Bolingbrook. The town’s Mayor recognizes the efforts of Filipinos, and considers Filipinos as assets to the community. The Officers and members of FFS support the village activities especially the most recent 50th Anniversary celebration with Pathways Parade.

FFS is also heavily involved in charitable initiatives, such as money and material donations (clothes, dry goods, blankets, etc), for Filipinos back home. With the outbreak of several natural calamities in the Philippines, FFS has sent donations to the victims in various Philippine provinces hit by natural disasters. In addition, a College of Nursing in the Philippines was a recipient of FFS charitable contribution, which was intended to defray some expenses during the school’s infrastructure renovation. Lastly, FFS has also sent out donations to a center in the Philippines for indigents, who are unmarried mothers. It also sent out monetary contribution to projects on building safe water system.

Recently, due to the downturn of economy in the US, and worldwide, FFS is prioritizing its fund allocation procedure. FFS is currently working in maintaining its financial status stable and viable to continue in serving the Filipino community.

Serving as president of FFS up to 2016 is Delia. She and her late husband, Sonny De Guzman, immigrated to Chicago from Manila, Philippines in 1972. They moved to the Western Suburbs in 1974. Delia was born in Pangasinan, Philippines. She is the fifth child of six children in her family. She finished her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from UST College of Nursing in Manila. After graduation, she got married to Sonny De Guzman, a Medical Technologist. While in the Philippines, Delia became a Clinical Instructor at Mary Chiles Hospital School of Nursing then to Marian School of Nursing.

In the US, she started as a Staff Nurse, and worked her way up in various institutions as Head Nurse, Nursing Supervisor, Employee Health Coordinator, Infection Control Nurse, Manager of Medical Services, Assistant Divisional Director and Infection Preventionist. Her experiences were at public and private institutions. While happily working, Delia and Sonny went back to school for their graduate studies, both garnered their Master’s Degrees. Delia had completed her Master of Science in Nursing from St. Xavier University in Chicago. A field of Health Care that Delia felt very self-fulfilling is Infection Preventionist, she spent 25 years working in this field.

Although Sonny did not witness all the successes of his children when he passed away 11 years ago, Delia is so proud of their four very accomplished children. Vanessa, the eldest child, graduated with Master of Science from Harvard University, Hyacinth, their second child, completed her Medical Degree from Georgetown University. Keithleen, the 3rd daughter, a CPA, is a product of University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign, and the youngest child, Jonar, also received a Medical Doctorate from Georgetown.

Sonny and Delia were avid supporters of the Filipino organizations. After his death, Delia continued Sonny’s legacy to help the Filipino communities. She became the President of USTNA-IL chapter (2008-2010), President of Filipino American Association of South Du Page (2009-2012), and President of FFS 2013-2016. Philippine Nurses Association of Illinois recognized her services and honored her with Nurse Excellence Award in Community Services in 2009 and USTNA-IL Chapter had presented her the same honor and award in 2011.

She travels frequently to visit her children and their families in Northern and Southern California. She flies to various states, such as Nevada, California, Kansas and Pennsylvania to see her siblings. She felt that her responsibilities to her loving family is fulfilled and stated that, “it’s time to hang up her working gloves”. She retired a year ago from Stroger Hospital of Cook County to enjoy the rest of her life traveling and enjoying the company of her family and friends. Please contact Delia to support FFS through her email: deliardeguzman@yahoo.com.##

Delia de Guzman (3rd from right), joined by other FFS members during the Pathways Parade in celebration of Bolingbrook’s 50th Anniversary.