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FOREWORD
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Life today presents the people of the world with exciting challenges. Over the past years, BATAC, a town of ILOCOS NORTE in the Northern Luzon PHILIPPINES, has done great and challenging role in the economic development of our country. BATAC got its name from a word " BATAQUENNAK " means " HELP " WHICH MADE THIS TOWN KNOWN TO BE VERY HELPFUL TO EVERYONE. For over years the town has organized a well known association the ANNAK TI BATAC ASSOCIATION which is an international association spreading throughout U.S., CANADA, HAWAII and some parts of SOUTHEAST ASIA particularly HONGKONG. AS I looked back 9 years ago, I can't hardly believed that we lots of great success and I'm very grateful of organizing this organization in HONG KONG last February 1991 which is very challenging because, we the BATAQUENOS are growing in numbers just to seek the greener pasture in far away land. The main purpose or aim is to update the members working conditions related to the Philippine Consulate, Labor Department and the Immigration in particular. This is non profitable association and we have 300 members at most. One of the main event is the SEARCH FOR THE MISS ABAH which has been done yearly to raise money for our project. The very first project we had was the donation of chairs to our municipality followed by the yearly "OPERATION SANTA" done on every 24 of December. We have done a tremendous contribution to improve our town by donating cash gift into project for every Barangay . In 1998 , a "WELCOME ARC" has been built in order to recognize the place for tourist coming in from different places. As we go along our way , things come and go. Last years search hit the most amount raised and biggest so far amount of money has been donated by a very kind and respected man in HONGKONG the HONORARY ADVISER , MR. WILLIAM F. BENTER . He donated HK$ 75,000.00 for the medical equipment and we have distributed 54 BP apparatus .Letters of solicitation is coming in and out , and glad to say it has been honored by the association and we decided to push through our next medical devices that is purchasing a set of Ambulance bag with oxygen reservoir, 3 units of nebulizer, a set of vaginal speculums, a set of ovum forceps, a set of mayo scissors , a set of sugar blood tester and not to forget our cash donation for the Philippine dragon boat paddling team which competed last July here in Hong Kong and we are very lucky that they are the CHAMPION of this International Race. Our dream has come to reality .We are very proud to have good man who has contributed a very significant momentum which the people of BATAC will be benefited not only today but in the coming years ahead too. This is not the end of everything it's the beginning , so let's keep our fingers cross that more blessings will come into the next millennium.. THANKS to all the people who have done great contributions which made our association a pride of the North. The advisers ,officers, and members keep up the good work you have started for the millennium. AGBIAG TI ANNAK TI BATAC !
Shirley I. Culannay |