GREETINGS! As I embark on taking the reins of leadership, being President of the Antique Circle USA, I feel greatly honored for the trust and confidence that the officers and members have bestowed upon me.

Since 1977 of my involvement with the Antique Association, I had been a member of the Board of Directors during previous administrations, a Secretary, Vice-President and later Business Manager of this organization.

Being the President-elect of the association since December 2001, I was nominated with Mr. Sixto Moscoso to coordinate with the Medical Team of Texas Association of Philippine Physicians led by Dr. Leonidas Andres which initiated to give free services to the people of Antique who need medical assistance.

Communications were sent to all Rural Health Units by Dr. Nelly Abiera, PHO II of Del. Angel Salazar Jr. Memorial Hospital and also Dr. Norman Tanchuan, the Provincial Coordinator assisted by Mr. Sixto Moscoso of ACUSA. The mission was widely disseminated through radio DYKA in order to inform the people even in the remotest barangay.

The mission was able to accommodate over 2,700 patients by way of consultations, surgical operations and treatments of different diseases free of charge and with free medicines. We managed the project successfully.

Now, I have to start with the collection of books and current magazines which could be made as references by the students. This is the continuation of the project initiated by the outgoing President and I request my fellow ACUSANS to please donate some books or magazines as soon as possible so we could send by June 2002 in time for the opening of the classes to give a chance for our young students to improve their knowledge and capabilities for future success. Other projects shall be discussed later based on their necessities and priorities. We will try to accomplish some projects with our relentless efforts to benefit our deserving "Kababayans" so their success will be the living memory of our dear organization, the Antique Circle, USA.

Our special thanks to Texas Association of Philippine Physicians headed by Dr. Arsenio Martin in the absence of Dr. Andres of Barbaza, Antique, because of emergency reason.

Finally, let us unite officers and members as one, in making the year ahead fruitful and memorable. May God bless us all!