- THE CANDONIANS OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, INC.
Founded in February 16 1989 by a group of 25 individuals, the Candonians of' Southern California, Inc. has grown with a a
current membership representing over a hundred families. In 1992, it became a non-profit public benefit California corporation (#93-
1078162 under IRS 501C) with the primary mission of promoting cultural, social and educational programs in the community. Led by
a succession of dedicated officers for the past 17 years, the organization has progressed to a vibrant, committed and dynamic
organization.
THE PRESIDENTS
The Founding President Violeta Consolacion Quismorio, RN, worked at the Huntington Memorial Hospital for many years.
Romeo Ramos, the hardworking unassuming senior accounting personnel who recently retired from the Coca Cola corporation
became the 2nd president. Cenci Dario Nuccio, a nurse practitioner with expertise in mental health, is an outstanding nurse educator
and researcher. Gino Fabros, a talented and much-admired teacher and physical therapy assistant was a popular president.
a thriving and leading Filipino-American business firm. Maricar Bello, RN, the seventh President, is the engaging administrator of a
busy state-of-the-art renal dialysis center, who spearheaded the first International Reunion of Candonians in Las Vegas. The eight
president, Lilia Ramos Alog,is a founding member, a clinical nurse specialist with expertise in Wound, and Ostomy Nursing who was
the helm of the second Candonian International Reunion.The present president is the energetic Richard Gallardo Jr, a founding
member from Langlangca, presently works for Baxter Company.
PROJECTS
1) In 1992, a scholarship program for bright and deserving students at the University of Northern Philippines, Candon campus
was established and it remains the most important project. Starting with two students, the program has expanded and at one time
funded 17 scholars. Raising funds for the scholarship program is a year-long undertaking of the organization. Many of the past
recipients, now gainfully employed as teachers, computer specialists, midwife, accountants, etc., are contributing to the progress of
Candon City and the surrounding region.
2) ”Adopt-a-School” Project.The Bagani Elementary and Bagani Ubbog Primary School identified by the City of Candon as
disadvantaged, and needing support and aid, has been “adopted” by the organization, providing it with books, school supplies and
teaching aids collected from individual donors. We are presently raising funds to develop a computer-based learning center for the
students and teachers. The Talogtog Elementary School was the past recipient of this project, then the Bagani Elementary School ,
Bagani Ubbog Elementary School, Sto. Tomas Elem. School and the Balingaoan Elementary School.
3) The following schools are recipients of solicited donations from the organization: Langlangca Elementary School (electric
water pump). Caterman Elementary School (school fence). Tamurong Elementary School (multipurpose cemented quadrangle). St.
Joseph’s Institute (encyclopedia set) and Candon National High School (encyclopedia set).
4) A major donor for the construction of the Isabelo Abaya monument, the Candoninans of Southern California Inc. was
represented by a robust contingent of balikbayans who witnessed the unveiling at the1998 Philippine Centennial Celebration in
Candon.
5) The latest project spearheaded by Lilia Ramos Alog was unveiled before her term ended was the Phil health project in which
more than a hundred indigent families are sponsored for three consecutive years for their health insurance coverage.
6) Official website- www.tagacandon.com - since 2007, opened the avenue for other Candonian organizations for a separate
folder and has been widely accessed.
AWARDS
The organization presents the following awards to outstanding individuals:
1) Award of Distinction recognizes young individuals who excel in academics, performing arts, sports and/or community service.
Presented yearly during the December Holiday program, the award includes a cash prize and a certificate.
2) A special ceremony was held in 1992 to honor the following prominent school teachers for their exceptional service to the
community: The late Eufrosina Josue Abaya y Castillo, Perla Cabacungan Acance, the late Sabina Gacula Consolacion, Martina
Reyes Custodio, Guadalupe Benemerito de Peralta, Phoebe Carino Gazmen and the late Rosenda Tolentino Pascua.
3) Don Isabelo Abaya Medal of Honor is presented to a distinguished Candonian who has been meritorious
and noteworthy contribution in an area of human endeavor. The past recipients are Emilio de Peralta,
Benjamin Gray, Jose P. Acance and Francisco P. Quismorio Jr. MD.
4) Distinguished Service Award- presented posthumously to Yolanda Dario Perey for her dedicated
service to the community and her outstanding contributions to the organization.
5) In 2008, fifty nine men and women who are Candonians by birth or by affinity who are serving, served or retired, from any US
or Philippine military or law enforcement agencies were recognized and awarded in a formal ceremony, including Fernando Guirnalda,
the first president of the Republic of Candon and Master Sargeant Greg Gagarin who died in Iraq.
| History of the Candonians of Southern California |
Welcome to the
Candonians of Southern California, Inc.
Candonians of Southern California, Inc.
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| L-R: Rey Sabado, Richard Gallardo, Dr. Francisco Quismorio, Jr., Gino Fabros Rudy Briones, Max Briones, Romeo Ramos, Ernesto Gacutan (Not in Picture: Nestor Gazmen) |
FOUNDING MEMBERS
| L-R: Janet Naungayan Tyler, Violet Consolacion Quismorio, Juliet Gacutan, Lilia Ramos Alog, Paz Briones Ramos, Jaqueline Gallardo, Ola Gallardo, Precy Briones, Emilia Naungayan, Herminia G. Balderama. Not in Picture: Es Pascua Gomez, Bella Gallardo, Cenci Dario Nuccio, Connie Pascua |
