FICA Inaugurates New Chapter at 2016 International Assembly

On Saturday, October 8, 2016, over 80 adults gathered at the International Peace Education Center (IPEC) to inaugurate the Las Vegas Chapter of The Filipino International Community of America (FICA), an organization of predominantly Filipino Unificationists with a mission to support the work of Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU) in America and the Philippines. The theme of the event was True Love, True Family, True Tribe Towards a Peaceful World.

The day began with a moving morning service by Professor Gerard Servito, the FFWPU USA Evangelism Department Content Developer and a world-renowned lecturer. Mr. Servito explained the heart of God from the perspective of the Divine Principle. Next, Ruben Olgado and Giovanni Paquit, officers of the first and oldest chapter of FICA, introduced the history, activities, and success of FICA.

As Mr. Olgado and Mr. Paquit explained, FICA is a family-based and service oriented non-profit organization established in 2007. Although originally founded in Elizabeth, New Jersey, the organization has grown to have chapters in New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Florida, and California. FICA members work to provide communities with the knowledge, tools and support needed to establish peaceful and God-centered families. They believe that altruism and service are the keys to peace.

On Saturday, new chapter officers were inducted by the Honorable Judge Cheryl B. Moss, a Filipino-American lawyer from the Family Division of the Eighth Judicial District Court of Las Vegas. “I like the vision and mission of the organization and I am very much honored to be invited to induct the officers today,” she said before she administered the oath of office. The inductees included Lorna Gadon-Todd (Chairwoman); Joshua Lorenzana (Secretary); Dominique Macalinao (Assistant Secretary); Grendel Lyn Rodriguez-Lorenzana (Treasurer); and Michael Gacusan (Assistant Treasurer).

Dr. Julius Malicdem, the National President of FFWPU in the Philippines, gave the keynote address. He conveyed his message that the family is the cornerstone of a model community. Dr. Malicdem called on the guests to become agents of change who will turn this world of materialism and individualism into a society of love and service for others.

Afterwards came the food—an array of Filipino dishes and traditional desserts—and entertainment, which included a raffle, an outing to Hoover Dam, a bazaar of local Filipino-owned businesses, and even performances by Filipina celebrities like Gloria Papin and Cat Rein.

Later in the day, Professor Servito gave a series of presentations on Divine Principle which emphasized love and the parent-child relationship. Attendees, who were amazed by Professor Servito’s practical and realistic approach, reported feeling “very inspired” by his talks.

As mentioned by the FICA Las Vegas Chairwoman, Lorna Gadon-Todd, during her acceptance speech, the Las Vegas chapter will not only fulfill its mandate to its members but will be actively engaged in supporting the senior citizen and elderly community through social advocacy work. More power to the new officers and members of FICA Las Vegas! Stay tuned to see more of what this budding chapter will do to serve the public in the entertainment capital.