26 July 2010. The Philippine Consulate General joined the Maui Filipino Community Council as the latter hosted the 51st United Filipino Council of Hawaii (UFCH)Annual Convention on 24-25 July 2010 in the island of Maui.  More than 100 delegates representing the Community Councils of the Big Island, Kauai, Lanai, Maui, Molokai and Oahu attended the 2-day conference. The Convention tackled issues such as education and scholarship, Fiesta Filipina and social and political actions.  Delegates also elected a new set of officers for 2010-2011.  Ms. Lynne Gutierrez was elected President, taking over from fellow-Oahu delegate, Mr. Eddie Agas, Sr. who held the UFCH presidency for two terms.

Maommunity Council President Herman Andaya conveyed his appreciation to leaders and volunteers and to  the County of Maui and its Mayor, Ms. Charmaine Tavares and her senior staff for all the help and support, including a grant,  in the successful hosting of the event.

Dr. Belinda Aquino, Professor Emeritus at University of Hawaii at Manoa, delivered the Keynote address on the theme, “Political Empowerment: An Agenda for the UFCH.”  She traced the provenance of the UFCH on then Consul General Juan Dionisio’s vision for a state-wide convention that would craft a new approach  towards unity that transcends region, language or social status and enable  the Filipino Community to be in the forefront in a new and multi-ethnic Hawaii aiming to be the 50th State of the United States of America. According to Dr. Aquino, the UFCH should continually empower itself by being engaged in community relations, in developing future leaders and in remaining dedicated to the vision of a united Filipino community in Hawaii.

The Convention also  presented the Miss Hawaii Filipina Scholarship Pageant where four lovely Filipina university students vied for the crown. Ms. Oahu Filipina, Margaret Pascual, a nursing student at the University of Hawaii in Manoa, won the crown.

The annual event received a record number of well-wishers and guests that included US Congressman Mazie Hirono, State Senator Norman Sakamoto, Rep. Lyla Berg, gubernatorial candidates Neill Abercrombie and Mufi Hannemann and a host of other state government officials. END