Publisher's Note:

At the outset, I would like to congratulate the ten outstanding Filipinos on Maui who were honored during the 14th Gintong Pamana Leadership/Achievement and Scholarship Awards Banquet sponsored by the Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce. This is an annual event of the organization aimed at recognizing community members who have reached leadership positions in their respective endeavors and have served the community as well.

Of equal importance is the selection of Erlinda Rosario as one of the five notable honorees selected by the YWCA. Rosario owns and operates eight MacDonald franchises on Maui. Likewise, Bryan Andaya was also honored as the first Filipino to receive the prestigious Pacific Business News distinguished leader award.

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On June 30, 2011, Philippine President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III marked his first year in office. It must be recalled that his presidential ascension was marked with a passionate commitment to curtail corruption aimed at making life more easy to the common people.

However, his 365 days in office is marked with dissatisfaction from the general public. The oppositionists in the Aquino administration gave the president a failing grade due to his inability to govern the republic.

Who will not forget how they mishandled the hostage drama at Rizal Park in August 2010 wherein eight Hongkong tourists were killed?

What about the killing of some journalists, the unconstitutionality of Executive Order No. #1 the  “Truth Commission” as declared by the Supreme Court, the death of former Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes which was allegedly caused by corruption in the military, among others?

Amidst all of these, the president still enjoys the trust given him by majority of the Filipinos. As such, he launched “Pilipinas Natin,” a campaign to promote wider partnership and cooperation between the government and the people for sustainable development.

It is our hope that President Aquino will hear the voice of the people and take necessary actions for the betterment of the general population.

Aloha and Mabuhay!