SEVENTY-ONE years ago, in the 1950s, a group of Kapampangans settled in Mindanao, particularly in Calinan, Davao City, far from their northern hometown of Pampanga to find a better life.
Pampanga is a province located in the central plains of Luzon with two cities and twenty towns. Like other places in the country, the name Pampanga was given by the Spaniards who colonized the Philippines.
The settlers in Calinan formed a small group to help one another and preserve the values and traditions of their native land.
This group was composed of Dr. Hector Quiambao, Sr., who practiced in Calinan and Brokenshire Hospital in Davao City, Jose Rivera, Mr. Manalili. Pedro Sicat, Filomeno Sunga, Eladio Yumang, Jesus Miclat, Juanito Simpao and Mario Dingal. They named their organization ASPACA – Aslag Ning Panicalugud ding Capampangan, which was joined later by many who shared the group’s aims and aspirations and stayed through its successes and failures.
The 71st Induction of Officers, Board of Directors, and Advisers took place on Feb. 22, 2025, at Ram’s Restaurant along McArthur Highway, Bago Aplaya in Davao City. Dr. Aurora V. Chio introduced the Guest Speaker, Hon. Ronaldo A. Rivera, a Consultant from the Department of Health. An Inspirational Message was delivered by Michael Angelo M. Reyes.
Presidential Awardees for 2024 were: Magdangal Family, Josefina Magtoto, Marietta Y. Pechardo, Edes Lumanlan, Cristino B. Sugay, Engr. Ruben and Amparo Santos, Dr. Aurora V, Chio, Bert Miranda, Zenaida M. Tan and Rey Trinidad.
The newly-elected officer for 2025 are: President – Ma. Corazon Jasmin R. Tamayo; VP- Internal – Edna V. Cheng; VP – External – Jesus Manuel M. Garcia; Secretary – Minda F. Navarro; Treasurer – Luz Cristina B. Sunga; Auditor – Jesus F. Isip; PRO – Emilyn B. Ocampo.
Dr. Aurora V. Chio, a former president of the organization says “Today, Capampangans are all over the world, but wherever they are they excel in their endeavors. They are peace-loving, patriotic and industrious, and above all, God-loving people.”
