Our organization was established in the year 1996 with the assistance of Fr. Lindo, a Filipino priest who was assigned to Holy Faith Catholic Church here in Gainesville, Florida. He was instrumental in creation of this organization.

The first meeting was held on Easter Sunday of that year, at Westside Park. The official name chosen for the organization was PAGASA, which stands for Philippines-American Association of Gainesville And Surrounding Areas. PAGASA is the word “HOPE” when translated into English.

The late Pablito Aragon was the organization's first president and filled that position until 1999.

The membership during his administration went from 20 to 60 members. He worked hard to encourage people in this organization to work together in formulating the essential concepts that gave our organization the needed strength to endure throughout the years.

The next president was Dr. Gilbert Sigua from 1999-2001, followed by Abby Estilong, 2001-2003. Linda Canlas was our president from 2003-2007. Emil Pata followed from 2007-2009. Erlinda Canlas led PAGASA from 2009-2013. Elisa Palada then served as president from 2013-2015. Gali Encabo was our president from 2015-2017. Our current president is Rica Gagne. .

PAGASA has participated in the cultural presentations sponsored by the City of Gainesville, presenting Philippine dances and giving Gainesville residents a taste of Philippine cooking. PAGASA members have also participated in caroling during the Christmas season.

For many years monthly “Last Friday Fellowship and Pot-Luck” get- togethers provided the members a chance to further socialize with each other. During these gatherings, the University of Florida Filipino-American students (UFFSA) were included.  Presently our association has 120 members. Throughout the years each administration has successfully organized projects and participated in a number of civics projects, like donations to the International Red Cross, The March of Dimes, and other local charities that have added value to our community.

What is PAG-ASA, INC?

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To pursue activities that foster goodwill, friendship, camaraderie and to strengthen cultural ties among Filipino-American residents of Gainesville and surrounding areas.

To organize social, cultural, educational, historical awareness and spiritual activities for a better understanding of the Philippines and American culture.

Our Misson

           Officers 2019-2021

President:                       Ricabuena Gagne        

Vice President:         Jackson Songayab

Secretary:                      Ellen Kostewicz          

Asst Secretary:           Vivien Delano

Treasurer :                        Gel Caudill.                      

Asst Treasurer:               Marivic Meyer

Auditor:                     Elisa Palada.                    

Asst Auditor:                Yollie Mama

PRO:                                Dory Watkins

Asst PRO:                       Dada McGlynn

PAG-ASA Committees

Caroling Director:                       Jomari Delos Santos

Caroling Coordinator                 Rica Gagne

Cultural Chairman                      Galileo Encabo

​Membership Committee.          Jun Aragon

                                                       Em Heaton

​Membership Records.               Melita Byrd

Special Projects Chairman        Galileo Encabo

Special Projects Co Chair          Sheilachu Gomez

PAGASA Events Chairman.        Marivic Meyer

PAGASA Events Co-chair.          Yollie Mama

PAGASA Events Coordinator.    Rica Gagne

Volunteer Programs Chair.        Jackson Songayab

Volunteer Programs C0-chair  Marivic Meyer

                                                       Vivien Delano

                                                       Dory Watkins

Webmaster                                  Ted Palada

​Website Coordinator.                  Dada McGlynn

Newsletter                                    Jean Fowler

Thanksgiving Mass and Potluck Dinner. Due to Safety and Health precaution we will not observe this event this year. More events info

Family Christmas Party. In lieu of annual Family Christmas Party, this year we will be hosting Simbang gabi on December 15, 2021. Watch out for the announcement. More events info

Annual New Year's Ball 2022.  Saturday, January 8th @ 6pm at Best Western Gateway. More events info

To our beloved members and officers. My name is Jackson Songayab and I am the Interim President of the organization while we are dealing with a delayed 2021 elections. The PAGASA Election of Executive Officers & Board of Directors will be on Easter Sunday 2022 at Lake Wauburg.

Thank you always for your cooperation and patience during these unusual times.

The History of PAG-ASA

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The Philippine American Association of Gainesville and Surrounding Areas, Inc., was established in 1996.

PHILIPPINE-AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF GAINESVILLE AND SURROUNDING AREAS, Inc.
(PAG-ASA, Inc.)
P.O. Box 142803

Gainesville, Florida 32614

contact:pagasaincgainesville@gmail.com

Board of Directors