Our PRECA Journey
In the heart of the East Coast, on October 16, 1997, the Papaya Residents of East Coast America, Inc. (PRECA, Inc.) was established as a beacon of unity for U.S. residents with roots in Papaya. Incorporated in New Jersey as a nonprofit organization, our genesis was driven by the vision of its founders including Jennifer Padolina and Amelita Rivera. Their aspiration? To knit the Papaya diaspora, spread across states like New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Michigan, Illinois, and Virginia, into a tighter community.
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Our humble beginnings saw gatherings filled with laughter and nostalgia; picnics and social events became avenues for Papayans to reconnect with their past, catch up with long-lost friends and relatives, and update one another about happenings back home. While many members had embraced their new American identity, their emotional compasses invariably pointed back to their cherished hometown, Papaya.
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Under the leadership of our inaugural president, Othelio Fajardo from New York in 1996, PRECA began its transformative journey. Over the years, the organization thrived under the stewardship of presidents:
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Larry B. Rivera, New Jersey, 1997-2007 & 2011-2013
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Eden Bote-Terrado, Virginia, 2008-2011
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Marciano ‘Sonny” Estrella, New York, 2013-2014
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Tes Abes-Olitan, New Jersey, 2014-2019
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Mila Fernandez, New Jersey, 2019-2021
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Jennifer Padolina, New Jersey, 2021-2023 & Present
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However, as time progressed, so did our mission. Beyond the heartwarming reunions, PRECA recognized a greater calling: to give back. In 1999, our commitment materialized with the establishment of a college scholarship fund. This initiative aimed at supporting high-achieving yet economically challenged students from Papaya, enabling them to pursue their college dreams. We believed, and continue to believe, that by investing in their futures, we not only uplift them as individuals but also sow seeds for the broader progress of Papaya.
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As we march forward, PRECA remains devoted to its dual mission: celebrating our shared heritage and contributing meaningfully to our beloved hometown.
The PRECA Educational Foundation: Empowering Future Leaders
Established to pave the path for a brighter future, the PRECA Educational Foundation champions the academic dreams of Papaya's promising youth. This scholarship initiative is dedicated to offering financial assistance to the diligent yet underprivileged graduates from Papaya's local high schools, empowering them to pursue college education within the Philippines. The lifeline of this noble initiative? Funds raised through heartfelt donations, primarily driven by personal outreach, letters, and various fundraising ventures.
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With a rigorous selection process rooted in academic excellence and financial need, candidates are shortlisted before their maiden college year. To ensure we capture the potential of every deserving student, we welcome scholarship applications until April 15 each year.
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A significant milestone in our journey was achieved on May 20, 2006, when we were recognized with a tax-exempt status by the United States Internal Revenue Service, under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. This not only catalyzed our fundraising efforts but also amplified our reach, allowing us to continuously expand our roster of beneficiaries.
As of July 2023, the ripple effect of our endeavors is evident. We take immense pride in the 31 scholars who, powered by our support, have flourished in their professions and now shine across global horizons. Presently, we stand alongside 14 scholars, with plans to extend our support to an additional 6 scholars in the 2023-2024 academic year, spanning institutions in Metro Manila, Cabanatuan City, and nearby provinces.
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Education, we believe, is among the greatest legacies one can bestow. With this conviction, PRECA remains unwavering in its commitment to fostering educational excellence, always exploring avenues to further uplift and serve the heartland of Papaya.