| Laureana D. Abano Piscataway, New Jersey President of North East Federation of Philippine American Organizations The first Filipina elected to a School Board in the North Eastern State |
In the mid eighties when the clamor for Filipino-American political
empowerment across the nation was foremost in the agenda of
Filipino-American organizations, Laureana D. Abano of
Piscataway, New Jersey, took it upon herself to be politically
involved. She ran for an elected position and handily won as as a
Member of her township's Board of Education, a position hotly
contested and sought-for by many citizens of Piscataway.
Becoming the first Filipina to have the distinction ever to be
elected in her region, she held on that elected position from
1986 until only last year when she did not seek for another term
to prepare for a higher elected position as member of the City
Council.
"It was a rigorous but an enjoyable campaign when I ran for the
first time. In process, I have learned various lessons in politics
and gained legions of friends," recalled Mrs. Abano, "I encourage
our compatriots to actively participate in the electoral process of
the land as candidates rather than campaign workers. In the final
analysis, when the Filipinos themselves run for elected
positions, our political clout will be stronger and respect from the
mainstream will be bestowed to our people."
empowerment across the nation was foremost in the agenda of
Filipino-American organizations, Laureana D. Abano of
Piscataway, New Jersey, took it upon herself to be politically
involved. She ran for an elected position and handily won as as a
Member of her township's Board of Education, a position hotly
contested and sought-for by many citizens of Piscataway.
Becoming the first Filipina to have the distinction ever to be
elected in her region, she held on that elected position from
1986 until only last year when she did not seek for another term
to prepare for a higher elected position as member of the City
Council.
"It was a rigorous but an enjoyable campaign when I ran for the
first time. In process, I have learned various lessons in politics
and gained legions of friends," recalled Mrs. Abano, "I encourage
our compatriots to actively participate in the electoral process of
the land as candidates rather than campaign workers. In the final
analysis, when the Filipinos themselves run for elected
positions, our political clout will be stronger and respect from the
mainstream will be bestowed to our people."
In 1990, Loring, along with ten leaders of Piscataway, NJ, was elected to the "Honor Roll" of Piscataway
Women. She was recommended by the Piscataway Historic Advisory Commission and the award was
presented by Mayor Ted Light and then Council Vice President Mary Alexander at an open session of the
Municipal Board of Piscataway.
Mrs. Abano's efforts in highlighting positive Filipino image have been consistent with her involvements with
various organizations, more specially those involved with civil and human rights groups. As one of the
rewards of her tireless and countless involvement with different groups, Loring in 1986, together with eight
outstanding citizens of the State of Jersey, was presented a plaque of recognition by the New Jersey Division
of Civil Rights, "for outstanding contribution in the area of Civil Rights" -- another distinct honor of being the
first Filipina in New Jersey to be accorded such an honor.
"Loring's dynamic leadership definitely makes her a role model and an inspiration not only to the Filipinos, but
to other minority groups in the country," stated one active community leader who has been working with Loring
on various humanitarian projects. "She is tireless when it comes to helping another human being."
Retired from her practice as a certified public accountant with a local accounting firm, Loring now devotes her
time to community activities. "My functions have tripled since I retired last year. The problem is I don't get paid,
whatsoever, with whatever I am doing now," chuckled Loring.
Some of her current activities include as President of two major organizations and is an immediate Past
President of another one, in addition to being a member of the Board of Directors with almost a dozen
groups. Loring is President of the North East Federation of Philippine American Organizations (NEFPAO),
an umbrella organization of five states' umbrella group. "The group has really toned down and is on a low
profile stage," explained Loring. "NEFPAO counts as its members New York Phil-Am Union of New York
Organizations (PUNO); Federation of Philippine Societies in New Jersey; Philippine Communities Council of
Greater Philadelphia, and Filipino-American Cultural Foundation of Rhode Island."
Loring is the President of the Philippine American Neighbors and Townsfolk Association that contribute
material and financial aids to the St. Frances Cabrini School. She is also the Secretary of the Foundation of
Philippine-American Medical Society, NJ, Inc., that award scholarships to deserving students here and
abroad. She's also the Immediate Past President of Highland Park Phil-Am Lions Club. The Lions have
projects for the blind and the hearing-impaired; drug and alcohol abuse awareness, libraries, schools,
scholarship and contribution projects.
Born and raised in Minalin, Pampanga; Loring received her college degree from Far Eastern University, where
she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration majoring in Accounting.
Loring is married to Magtanggol Abano, recently retired as Senior Auditor of Rutgers University and currently
the President of the Board of Trustees of the Piscataway Public Libraries. They have two married daughters,
both registered nurse, and an only son, Reverend Edgardo D. Abano, Pastor of St. Frances Cabrini Catholic
Church in Piscataway.
Women. She was recommended by the Piscataway Historic Advisory Commission and the award was
presented by Mayor Ted Light and then Council Vice President Mary Alexander at an open session of the
Municipal Board of Piscataway.
Mrs. Abano's efforts in highlighting positive Filipino image have been consistent with her involvements with
various organizations, more specially those involved with civil and human rights groups. As one of the
rewards of her tireless and countless involvement with different groups, Loring in 1986, together with eight
outstanding citizens of the State of Jersey, was presented a plaque of recognition by the New Jersey Division
of Civil Rights, "for outstanding contribution in the area of Civil Rights" -- another distinct honor of being the
first Filipina in New Jersey to be accorded such an honor.
"Loring's dynamic leadership definitely makes her a role model and an inspiration not only to the Filipinos, but
to other minority groups in the country," stated one active community leader who has been working with Loring
on various humanitarian projects. "She is tireless when it comes to helping another human being."
Retired from her practice as a certified public accountant with a local accounting firm, Loring now devotes her
time to community activities. "My functions have tripled since I retired last year. The problem is I don't get paid,
whatsoever, with whatever I am doing now," chuckled Loring.
Some of her current activities include as President of two major organizations and is an immediate Past
President of another one, in addition to being a member of the Board of Directors with almost a dozen
groups. Loring is President of the North East Federation of Philippine American Organizations (NEFPAO),
an umbrella organization of five states' umbrella group. "The group has really toned down and is on a low
profile stage," explained Loring. "NEFPAO counts as its members New York Phil-Am Union of New York
Organizations (PUNO); Federation of Philippine Societies in New Jersey; Philippine Communities Council of
Greater Philadelphia, and Filipino-American Cultural Foundation of Rhode Island."
Loring is the President of the Philippine American Neighbors and Townsfolk Association that contribute
material and financial aids to the St. Frances Cabrini School. She is also the Secretary of the Foundation of
Philippine-American Medical Society, NJ, Inc., that award scholarships to deserving students here and
abroad. She's also the Immediate Past President of Highland Park Phil-Am Lions Club. The Lions have
projects for the blind and the hearing-impaired; drug and alcohol abuse awareness, libraries, schools,
scholarship and contribution projects.
Born and raised in Minalin, Pampanga; Loring received her college degree from Far Eastern University, where
she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration majoring in Accounting.
Loring is married to Magtanggol Abano, recently retired as Senior Auditor of Rutgers University and currently
the President of the Board of Trustees of the Piscataway Public Libraries. They have two married daughters,
both registered nurse, and an only son, Reverend Edgardo D. Abano, Pastor of St. Frances Cabrini Catholic
Church in Piscataway.
Washington D.C. Since 1987
Washington D.C. Since 1987
| Copyright© 2006 Filipino Image. All rights Reserved. Advertise | Contract | Subscribe | Publisher | Contact Us |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |