The GUBATNONS of Northern California is a non-profit organization whose membership includes individuals and families whose origins are from the town of Gubat, in the province of Sorsogon, Philippines. Its history dates back to the early 1920s when a few courageous Gubatnons migrated to the United States in search of a better future. Like the few Filipino immigrants at that time, staying close to each other was a support system they needed in order for them to survive life in America.

As the years went on, their numbers grew and the frequent get-togethers to talk about good old days in Gubat became a favorite pastime, thus making way to an organization called the Bico l Circle. 'Bicol' is the name of the region of provinces in southeast Luzon that Sorsogon belongs to. Among the first few families who pioneered this organization were the Escarchas, Felicias, Erginas, Escandors, Ofalsas and Fresnozas. The Bicol Circle remained a strong network and support system to newly arriving Gubatnons in the Bay Area.

In 1988, the Bicol Circle membership decided to rename the organization to reflect the members' actual hometown, thus giving birth to Gubatnons of Northern California. The organization evolved from primarily having fraternal and social focus to include economic, educational and social empowerment of the town of Gubat. Since, the GNC has:

• Established a newsletter in 1993, circulated to Gubatnons worldwide
  
  
• Established and continue to help maintain a computer laboratory at the Gubat National High School and at the Gubat Central Elementary School
  
  
• Donated an educational television program to Gubat Central Elementary School



• Held a career fair during a San Francisco Bay Area Fiesta celebration



• Sponsored several BalikGubat trips

The GNC continues to maintain the vision of assisting in the improvement of the quality of life in Gubat. Its officers and members dedicate their meetings not only in camaraderie but in finding ways to channel resources and establish a network that could result in benefiting Gubat. Most recently, it facilitated the participation of the Ayala Foundation (of the Philippines) as a major sponsor in Gubat's Economic Summit on June 11, 2002.

Officers

back to top