Bicol USA Houston Chapter, Inc. (BUHC) was organized with a mission to preserve and uphold Bicolano’s most treasured heritage and traditions. The organization seeks to provide numerous opportunities for its members to give back to the community; interact, support, and collaborate with other Filipino organizations in Houston; and become role models of responsible citizenship by upholding the constitution of the United States of America.
BUHC had successfully spearheaded various projects in the Philippines. Their concerted efforts to raise funds here in the US allowed them to help many of their fellow Bicolanos back home. Since its inception, BUCH has initiated several surgical and medical missions. The group also established scholarship programs for college students. They were also able to sustain water pump-well projects in the countryside of the Bicol Region. For the very young Filipinos attending elementary school, BUCH has launched educational assistance to benefit numerous families. While the Bicol Region is frequently visited by typhoons, not to mention, the random volcanic action by the famous Mt. Mayon, BUCH has earmarked funds for disaster relief and humanitarian assistance to benefit victims of natural calamities. In its efforts to preserve Filipino culture and promote the essential aspect of Bicol’s rich heritage and traditions, BUCH takes the lead in organizing the annual celebration that honors the “Ina” or mother, who is the Lady of Penafrancia, also known as the Patroness of Bicolandia. This festive event is celebrated with a Holy Mass and a gathering of Bicolanos every third Saturday in the month of September. Some of BUCH’s projects are in collaboration with the umbrella organization, the Bicol National Association of America.
Currently leading BUCH is an outstanding FilAm leader in Houston, Mayet Flores. During the interview with One Philippines at the recently concluded BUCH picnic, Mayet explained the overwhelming support of the group to her leadership in bringing Bicolanos together and building a strong BUCH. She said, “My focus is the Peñafrancia Festivities. It is the best occasion for the Bicolanos to come together to celebrate the feast day of our beloved “Ina”. This event is preceded by a nine-day novena and culminates with a concelebrated mass and feast! This event is celebrated simultaneously by all Bicolanos all over the the world.” The annual picnic was held at the George Bush Park in Houston, TX on March 31, 2024.
Mayet is grateful also to other community organizations like One Philippines Texas Newsmagazine for the opportunity to collaborate and to have a wide audience to promote BUCH. This year, BUCH had partnered with One Philippines in bringing the annual Fiesta Ko Sa Texas 2024 on August 4th at the Bayou City Event Center. Mayet said has reached out for support of BUCH, she said, “BUHCI will reach out to you! Find us on social media, contact anyone of the officers. You can invite non-Bicolano friends as well. Together we can do more for our community. Our “Mother, Our Lady of Peñafrancia will be happier if we are working together for the good of our less privileged brothers and sisters - Makosog pag boroniog! Tara na! Dios Mabalos po!”
One Philippines Publisher and Owner, Mr. Bhong Zausa applauded the huge contributions of BUCH to the community here in the US and back home. He thanked BUCH for being a major partner of Fiesta Ko Sa Texas which One Philippines is the organizer. He said, “Let’s support one another. There is no other force stronger than Filipinos helping one another for the greater good of the community and its members!”
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