New York, United States—UPF-USA launched its Office of Asian Affairs with an assembly held under the theme “Security and Understanding in the Asia Pacific Region.”
The event, which was held on March 28, 2015, drew diplomatic officials, businesspeople and community leaders from several states.
In his welcoming address, Mr. Greg C. Agulan, executive director of the new office, explained two approaches to achieving peace in the Asian-Pacific region: one based on historical territorial claims and the other on sovereignty.
UPF-USA President Ricardo de Sena gave an introduction to UPF, including the five Principles of Peace based on the teachings of UPF Founder Dr. Sun Myung Moon. “Transcending racial, religious and ethnic barriers is an imperative of our time. Faith can give people the power to forgive, and the love to overcome even generations of hatred, resentment and violence,” he said.
President de Sena and Executive Director Agulan presented Ambassador for Peace certificates to Hon. Mario de Leon Jr., the Philippine consul general to New York, with his wife, Mrs. Eleanor de Leon, and to Mr. Ismael Jampayas Sr., a Filipino businessman and former Columbia University professor, and his wife, Mrs. Josie Jampayas.
In his acceptance speech, Hon. de Leon said, “Countries need to be bound by something higher than themselves, and that is being mindful of international relations.” He also said that Asians are the fastest-growing minority in the United States, numbering about 15 million.
Another highlight of the program was a ceremony in which President de Sena administered an oath of office to representatives of Asian countries as they joined the organization: Mr. Arjun Guadel from Nepal; Mrs. Roshan D’Souza Wolff from India; Dr. Elvira Green from New Jersey; Mr. James Kushi from Japan; Mr. Ruben Olgado from the Filipino International Community of America; Dr. Edwin Ang from Indonesia; and Mr. Rene Ballenas, New York representative to the Maharlika Charity Foundation.
Thanks to the following staff members for their help in making the event successful: Mrs. Yuka Agulan, Mrs. Marlon Magsico in charge of layout and printing, Mrs. Nancy Gals Elimabella in charge of food and decorations, and Mrs. Esther Faith Batino, executive secretary of the Asian Affairs office, in charge of education.