The Maasinhons of Cebu

What does it take for a community organization to survive and succeed in a big city as its second home? Probably, not just a very strong commonality in having the same roots and origin but also its track record, members' support and its leaders' credibility, integrity and sincerity, very elusive traits in contemporary leadership both in public and private concerns.

The Katipong Maasinhon sa Sugbo, Inc. (KMSI), the organization of natives of Maasin City now residing and working in Cebu City, definitely can boast of its firm homogeneity and cohesiveness, making them closely knit and more responsive. A religious bond makes them stronger - Our Lady of the Assumption, the Patroness of Maasinhons whose feastday they celebrate every August.

The Katipong Maasinhon in Cebu, under various energetic leaderships, has distinguished itself in laudable community undertakings to help those in need here and in the homefront.

These included relief assistance to the victims of Ormoc City, spearheaded by KM President Helen F. Yusingco; aid to Panaon island calamity victims, led by President Rogelio "Odong" Panal and the environmental fight against the dredging of Maasin marine sand for use at the South Reclamation Project (SRP) during the time of KM President lawyer Arthur R. Orito, among other forms of assistance that benefited poor, needy and deceased Maasinhons. The Maasinhon organization also supported the Maasin City government's participation in the Cebu Sinulog contests, as well as in youth sports competitions held in Cebu by housing and accommodating participants. The Maasin Cathedral Parish and the diocese have also been recipients and beneficiaries of the organization's community programs and projects, being continuously and vigorously helped by successful professionals and businessmen from Maasin, Southern Leyte. They feel they have to share their blessings with others who are less fortunate.

This year, the Maasinhons in Cebu will again observe their fiesta tomorrow, August 6, after the traditional evening novena Masses which started July 28 until today, 6 pm, Capitol Parish Church. They assigned particular groups to sponsor the religious activities and motivate maximum participation and utmost cooperation.

The Maasin fiesta Mass tomorrow will be at 5 pm in the spacious Tisoy's Karenderiya ni El Presidente Mon Fernandez, himself a Maasinhon, at A.S. Fortuna, Banilad, Mandaue where a dinner reception will follow. Rev. Fr. Lope Lesigues of the San Carlos Seminary will be the Mass celebrant.

Katipong Maasinhon officers include President Helen Fernandez Yusingco, Vice-President Fiscal Valentin Suan, Treasurer Connie C. Dublois, Secretary Jacinta Elena A. Duarte, and Board Directors lawyer Rodulfo Miel, Angelina Escaño, Engr. Kim Demeterio, Antolin de la Serna, Felisa Vicoy, Vic Molos, Amparo Pia, lawyer Romy O. Mantilla and Willie O. Justimbaste, lawyers Alan Gaviola and Violeta O. Bantug.