October 3, 2026 – New York, NY – The Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI), organizer of the annual Philippine Independence Day Parade in New York City, proudly announces the election of Mariano “Nongsky” Aquino, Jr. as President for the 2027 term, along with a distinguished slate of newly elected members to its Board of Directors.
A respected Filipino American community leader, civic advocate, and nonprofit organizer, Aquino has dedicated many years to advancing civic engagement, cultural preservation, volunteerism, and community development. Through leadership roles in organizations including PIDCI, Triskelion Synergy Inc., the American Association of Pangasinenses in America Foundation (APAFI), and the Knights of Rizal New York Chapter, he has built a reputation as a collaborative leader committed to strengthening unity among Filipino Americans.
In his acceptance and campaign message, Aquino emphasized his vision of continuing the organization’s legacy while bringing greater unity and participation throughout the Filipino American community.
He reminded supporters that PIDCI’s mission remains as important today as when the organization was founded: to promote Filipino culture and strengthen cooperation among Filipino American organizations.
“The parade should not belong to a select few. It should belong to all of us,” Aquino stated, underscoring his commitment to ensuring that every Filipino American organization feels valued, represented, and engaged in the work of PIDCI.
Aquino also shared a vision of a more collaborative and inclusive organization, saying, “I firmly believe that the future of PIDCI is not about one person. It is about all of us. When we work separately, we are individual organizations. But when we work together, we become something greater: one Filipino American community united by our heritage, strengthened by our diversity, and inspired by a shared vision for the future.”
Joining Aquino is a diverse and accomplished Board of Directors whose members bring extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, law, finance, engineering, business, and community service.
Newly Elected PIDCI Board of Directors
Mercedes Arellano of Tagoloan Heritage International Society (THIS) brings more than a decade of auditing and financial management experience serving nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, churches, pension plans, and government-assisted programs. Her expertise in financial accountability and organizational oversight will strengthen PIDCI’s commitment to sound governance.
Janeth Blake is a dedicated advocate for community engagement and collaboration whose commitment to volunteerism and organizational development reflects the values of service that PIDCI promotes. Her leadership experience and passion for community building will contribute significantly to the organization’s future initiatives.
Elizabeth Cueva, Esq., representing Ladies for Rizal New York, Inc., is a licensed attorney in both New York and the Philippines. She also holds advanced degrees in Industrial and Labor Relations and Public Affairs. With a distinguished career in immigration, civil rights, labor relations, compliance, and employment law, she brings valuable legal expertise and a strong commitment to advocacy, education, and public service.
Eddie “Bong” Echavez of RGI Alakdan New York, Inc. is a successful entrepreneur, community leader, and longtime advocate for Filipino-American organizations. As President and CEO of EMB Cargo Services, Inc. and Apex Global Enterprises, he combines business leadership with a lifelong dedication to helping others through civic and charitable service.
Donato Gerry Gamaro, representing the Filipino American Association of Engineers (FAAE), has more than twenty years of professional engineering experience and currently serves in New York City as a Senior Mechanical Design Reviewer. A former FAAE President and active civic leader, he brings technical expertise, strategic thinking, and organizational leadership to PIDCI.
Felina Velez-Hassan of KAPWA is a respected community leader and humanitarian advocate who currently serves as President of the organization. Her efforts have supported medical outreach missions, humanitarian projects, and educational assistance for underserved communities. Her compassion, dedication, and grassroots leadership exemplify the spirit of service at the heart of PIDCI’s mission.
Czarmel Lopez, representing the Association of Filipino American Accountants New Jersey (AFAA-NJ), is a seasoned Certified Public Accountant with more than two decades of public accounting experience in both the Philippines and the United States. As a leader in professional accounting organizations and a champion of civic engagement, he brings extensive knowledge in financial management, governance, and organizational stewardship.
Together, the newly elected leadership team reflects the rich diversity, talent, and dedication of the Filipino American community. Their collective experience and commitment to service position PIDCI for continued success as it advances its mission of preserving Filipino heritage, promoting cultural pride, and fostering unity across generations.
Aquino concluded his remarks with a call to action for the community: “Let us honor those who came before us by building something even stronger for those who will come after us. Let us dream bigger, reach higher, and create a PIDCI that reflects the very best of our people.”
As PIDCI enters a new chapter, the organization remains committed to celebrating Filipino heritage, empowering future generations, and ensuring that the Philippine Independence Day Parade continues to serve as both a celebration of the past and a powerful symbol of the future.
About PIDCI
The Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI) is a nonprofit umbrella organization dedicated to promoting Filipino heritage, culture, and civic engagement. PIDCI organizes the annual Philippine Independence Day Parade in New York City, one of the largest celebrations of Philippine Independence outside the Philippines, while supporting programs that strengthen and unite the Filipino American community.
Congratulations to President Mariano “Nongsky” Aquino, Jr. and the 2027 PIDCI Board of Directors. May your term be marked by leadership, unity, integrity, and service to the Filipino American community.
