Our History
One afternoon on December 8, 1989, a group of Filipino visionaries – Tony and Rosine Aguirre, Robert and Zaida Angeles, Carmen Gose, Lynda Veluz, Mario Lagliva, Manny and Becky Lebita, Cecil and Edna Nepomuceno, Ramon and Carina Ochinang – met to form Birmingham’s first Filipino Association. The group decided to call for a larger meeting, inviting all Filipino residents living in the greater metro area so they can generate interest and membership in the association.
The larger meeting occurred early the following year, and those in attendance formalized the creation of the association and approved the name:
FILIPINO-AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF GREATER BIRMINGHAM (FAAGB)
Officers of the Association were then elected as follows:
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Dr. Retna Billano, Chairman; Tony Aguirre, Member; Charles Martin, Member; Dominic Angeles, Member; Atty. Ricardo Valdez, Secretary
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS:
Dr. Cecil Nepomuceno, President and Founder; Robert Angeles, Vice President; Carmen Gose, Treasurer; Lynda Veluz, Secretary; Becky Lebita, Auditor; Mario Lagliva, Public Relations Officer
The Officers of the Association took their respective oaths of office during the Philippine Independence Day Gala celebration at The Club on June, 1990.
The FAAGB Certificate of Incorporation was issued by the Jefferson County Judge of Probate on September 15, 2003. The FAAGB By-Laws, written as a collaborative effort by Atty. Ricardo Valdez, Robert Angeles, and Tony Aguirre were ratified and approved by the Association on September, 2003.
Executive Officers
The Executive Officers of the Filipino American Association of Greater Birmingham, Inc. (FAAGB) consist of the President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Auditor, and Public Relations Officer, all of whom are elected by the members of the Association. Additional officers and assistant officers deemed necessary for the effective operation of the organization may be elected or appointed by the President.
The election of Executive Officers is conducted by the membership during the last regular meeting of the year in the month of October and on the same designated day every two (2) years thereafter. Elections are supervised by a nominating committee composed of three (3) panels appointed by the Executive Officers and the Board of Directors. If the election is not held at the designated meeting, it shall be conducted as soon thereafter as conveniently possible.
Each elected officer serves a term of two (2) years or until a successor has been duly elected and qualified. Officers continue to serve unless they resign, are removed according to the organization’s governing procedures, or until death.
2026 – 2027
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors serves as an important governing and advisory body of the Filipino American Association of Greater Birmingham, Inc. (FAAGB). Functioning as a senior partner to the Executive Committee, the Board provides guidance, oversight, and support to ensure that the organization operates in accordance with its Constitution and By-Laws. Established in October 2003 and originally composed of past presidents of the Association, the Board continues to play a vital role in strengthening the mission, leadership, and long-term growth of FAAGB.
Board members serve three-year terms, with one-third of the membership succeeded during the Association’s
October General Meeting. The Board also assists and advises the Executive Committee in carrying out programs, activities, and initiatives that promote Filipino culture, community unity, and service.
Current Board Leadership:
- Chris Valencia – Chairman of the Board
- Dr. Cely Sweeney – Board Secretary
Past Executive Officers
2024 – 2025
