Rev. Alex Vergara: UFCH progress awardee

He calls me “Ka Amado”. I call him “Reverend”. He asked me to call him “Alex”. I asked him to just call me “Amado”.

His wife Marienne and Alex are our newest volunteers in my “Special Projects, Mission Day Service”, a regular community service that I organized and is coordinating for the “Feeding the Homeless” and “Adopt a Highway” programs. It is a project in partnership with other Filipino organizations and various churches.

Alex’s root is from San Esteban, Ilocos Sur. His father was Rev. Jaime Empleo Vergara and his mother Lucrecia Ravelo was from Pasuquin and Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.

The president of the United Filipino Council of Hawaii [UFCH] a statewide umbrella organization of Filipinos in Hawaii appointed me as a chairman and coordinator of the UFCH Progress Award 2013 Selection Committee with three prominent community figures former Hawaii State Representative Felipe Abinsay, Jr., retired professor Dr. Belinda Aquino from UH-Manoa and retired Philippine Airlines branch manager John Dionisio, Jr., seen and read

Alex Vergara’s nomination papers and documents were so impressive and a proof of evidence of what Rev. Vergara contributed to the community. No doubt in my mind, and the three members of the Selection Committee [Board of Judges] agreed that Alex is the right person to receive the most prestigious and highest award given to an individual—to be named Lifetime Achievement Awardee 2013.

1. Personal Achievements 

Educational Attainment: Academic Degrees -

Doctor of Ministry - Claremont School of Theology (California), 1986; Master of Theology - Southern Methodist University (Texas), 1976; Certificate in Fine Arts - Philippine Women’s University (Manila), 1972; Bachelor of Science in Journalism - Lyceum of the Philippines (Manila), 1968; Bachelor of Arts - Lyceum of the Philippines (Manila), 1968.

Professional Certification:

Chaplain Vergara received the Basic Level (1995), Senior Level (2004) and Master; Level (2007) Certification from the International Conference of Police Chaplains (ICPC).

He received the highest level of academic certification at an annual training seminar and awards ceremony in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The event was attended by 400 police chaplains from 12 countries. He completed the required unit hours of professional study, tenure of service, evidence of significant contribution to law enforcement chaplaincy and a satisfactory review by a group of peers.

Rev. Vergara presented his law enforcement contribution—a 100 page collection of prayers used for an array of police activities, informational documents on stress management and a collection of police humor documents.

“The police have a different kind of humor,” he explained. “A lot of humor helps the police officers cope with stressful situations and experiences.”

“He’s filled with the holy spirit,” shared officer Tony Pacheco, Police Community Liaison Officer of District 8 (Waianae- Ewa Beach-Kapolei). “I think he’s really a good guy. He’s there for us no matter the circumstances. If something goes wrong, I give him 30 minutes before he’s knocking on the door making sure we’re OK and we have everything we need. That’s the kind of man he is.”

Chaplain Vergara attended Police Training classes at the “Ke Kula Makai” in Honolulu in 1996.

He received the Police Chaplain’s Commission from HPD Chief of Police Michael Nakamura on March 24, 1997. “...for and within the City and County of Honolulu, with such assignments and duties as may from time to time be fixed by competent authority in conformity with the Rules and Regulations of the Honolulu Police Department. Rev. Vergara is the first Filipino Chaplain of the HPD.

In 2002, the Hawaii State Department of Public Safety commissioned Chaplain Vergara as the first Sheriff’s Chaplain. A year later, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) recruited him as the first Filipino chaplain of the FBI. He received additional training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

He holds an Instructor Certification from the Honolulu Police Department Training Academy; and Instructor Certification from the School of Christian Mission of The United Methodist Church; Certificate of Training: “Pastoral Crisis Intervention” -  International Critical Incident Stress Foundation; Certificate of Training “ Mind of the Terrorist and Helping Professionals” -  Tripler Army Medical Center; Certificate of Training: ‘The Lasting Scars of Sexual Abuse” -  Carondelet Management Institute; Certificate of Training: “Emotional and Spiritual Care in Disaster” -  International Critical Incident Stress Foundation; Certificate of Training: “Critical Incident Response Team” - Queen Benner & Associates ; Certificate of Training “Critical Incident Stress Management” -  International Critical Stress Management Foundation;

He is married to: Marienne Villanueva Vergara since 1967. She is a licensed practical nurse and vice-president of the United Public Workers (UPW) Private Sector Division.

They have three grown children: Virgil V. Vergara, businessman; Vernon V. Vergara, military chaplain and theologian; and Victoria V. Vergara, respiratory therapist in Seattle.

Alex and Marienne received the “Parents of the Year” Award from the Sanchez Mira Association of Hawaii.

2. His Professional Achievements Related to field of a Lifetime Achievement Award category

Writer/Editor /Photographer - “Waves” The United Methodist Church of Hawaii;  A Centennial Jubilee, published by Taylor Publishing Company, Kauai, 1988; Professional Project - “Filipino Ministry in Hawaii, Past, Present and Future”, published by the Claremont School of Theology, California, 1986; Writer and Photographer - General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church, New World Outlook Magazine, The Interpreter Magazine, and Curriculum Resources of the United Methodist Church, 1978 – 1986; Associate Editor - “PACASIANA”, Worship and Christian Education Resources,  Hawaii United Methodist Union, Honolulu, Hawaii, 1978; Contributor - “Out of This Struggle: The Filipinos in Hawaii”, Luis V. Teodoro, editor, Filipino 75th Anniversary Commemoration Commission; The University Press of Hawaii, 1981 Writer and Photographer - “The Circuit Rider”, weekly newspaper published by the California- Pacific Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church 1976 – 1986 Kauai Correspondent - Hawaii Filipino News, Juan C. Dionisio, editor and publisher, 1982 Associate Editor, “Who’s Who: A Directory of Professional People of Filipino Ancestry,  Mary K. Makapagal, editor and publisher, 1980; Writer and Photographer - “The United Methodist Reporter” nationally circulated and published by The United Methodist Church, Dallas, TX 1975; Writer and Photographer - NEWSASIA - Wire Service, 5412 N. Luna, Chicago, IL,1971-72; Writer and Photographer - “Crusader Magazine”, Billy Graham Association, 1969-1972; Managing Editor - “National Council of Churches in the Philippines “ Newsletter, 1970-72; Freelance Photographer - The Daily Mirror, Manila, 1970 -72; Information Officer - Philippine Leprosy Mission , 1970- 72; Radio News Reporter - DZCH, MASCOM Network, Interchurch Center, Taft Avenue, Manila 1969-72.

3. Community Service/Civic Involvements (Membership with organizations/club including leadership positions held in Hawaii and elsewhere)

Start-Up Ministry: In 2001, over 500 people gathered in an old Barbers Point airplane hangar to give flight to a different way of reaching the heavens. Pastor Alex Vergara welcomed a mixture of curious seekers, friends and members of The United Methodist Church to celebrate a “launch” event designed to get the Kapolei United Methodist Mission off the ground.

The launch event marked a full year since Vergara organized a group to begin a United Methodist Church in Kapolei. It also represented a new method of church- building.

For the past year (2000), Rev. Vergara and members of the mission’s core group have been holding worship services on the lanai of Vergara’s Kapolei home. He saw the need to develop a church-building group after noticing the United Methodist Church’s lack of presence in the growing West Oahu community. Rev. Vergara envisions a church that will be integrated into the fabric of the Kapolei community for now and well into the future. “We will be a full-service church, he said. “We will provide Bible studies and social services.”

An ordained minister of the United Methodist Church, he served churches on the Big Island of Hawaii, Kauai, Waianae, Honolulu and Kapolei. He was a member of the Broadcast Commission of the Hawaii Council of Churches, 1978-80; Kuakini Medical Hospital Chaplain, 1977-1980.

He was a member of the West Kauai Ministerial Association, 1980-86; the Kauai Interfaith Council, 1981-83; and Hospital Chaplain of West Kauai.

He received the “Road Runner Ministry Award” on June 12, 1986 from the Pacific and Southwest Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. The award is made annually to the Pastor of a small membership church who has demonstrated exemplary faithfulness in his task of ministering to a congregation and its community. Perseverance, creativity, diligence and a love for the ministry are aspects of faithfulness in this context.

He received the “Humanitarian Award” on December 9, 2000 from the United Filipino Council of Hawaii (UFCH); he received the Department’s “Serving and Protecting With Aloha” from the Honolulu Police Department on November 12, 2003; he received a Certificate of Recognition in appreciation of his service and ministry, being the founder and organizer of Kapolei United Methodist Mission - 200 to 2009; he received a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of the 33 years of faithful service rendered as a minister of Jesus Christ the California-Pacific Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. The acknowledgement was delivered in a Conference

Session at the University of Redland’s chapel upon his retirement in 2009, as a token of love and respect and with the gratitude of the Church.

Aloha Medical Mission: Reverend Vergara is actively involved with the Aloha Medical Mission and has served as a coordinator for the past 20 years. He has accompanied AMM volunteers to multiple missions in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Bangladesh and the Philippines.

In 1996, Rev. Vergara joined a delegation to receive the Philippine government’s Presidential Award for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas in Manila’s Malacañang Palace. President Fidel V. Ramos presented the “Kaakbay Ng Bayan” award to the Aloha Medical Mission.

Rev. Vergara was among the special volunteers who were honored at Aloha Medical Mission’s 25th Anniversary Celebration in 2008 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki.

The Governor of Pangasinan, Victor E. Agbayani, presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Rev. Alex Vergara in grateful recognition of his invaluable role in bringing health care services to various communities during the Aloha Week celebration in Pangasinan. His commitment and dedication to volunteerism brought immeasurable benefit, wellbeing and relief to countless Pangasinenses who availed of the services of the mission. Given this 24th day of November, 2003 in Lingayen, Pangasinan.

Another Certificate of Appreciation was presented by the St. Scholastica’s Bacolod Alumnae Foundation, Inc. to Reverend Vergara for his altruistic gift of self to support the Aloha Medical Mission in Negros Occidental. His generosity, dedication and competence is an eloquent testimony that together we can continue to bring hope where there was none.

Where there is hope, there is great love and “the fruit of love is service.”

At the People’s Gymnasium of Sanchez Mira, Cagayan, the local chief executive (mayor) and provincial governor presented to Rev. Vergara a Certificate of Appreciation for his invaluable service as Mission Administrator in January of 2007 which further alludes to his professionalism, enthusiasm, volunteerism and immeasurable services to the noble cause of serving the poor and impoverished people of Sanchez Mira, Cagayan North (Vergara’s birthplace).

In partnership with Cagayan Valley Association of Hawaii and three Rotary Clubs (Los Gatos, CA, Kapolei and Tuguegarao), he has coordinated a mission to Tuguegarao, Cagayan (where he graduated from high school) on February 10- 14, 2014.

Filipino Community Center: Reverend Vergara provided spiritual leadership from the genesis of the Filipino Community Center. He participated in the ground blessing prior to the laying of mortar and cement to the beautiful structure in Waipahu. He participated in numerous FILCOM fund raising projects and gave numerous invocations during NAMI (nurses) graduations and community celebrations. He also joined the “Himig at Indak” (song and dance group sponsored by the FILCOM Center).

In addition, he participated in various Jose Rizal Day and Independence Day celebrations at the Philippine Consulate in Honolulu. He helped several people in applying for their Philippine passports or travel visas to the Philippines

As an immigrant and naturalized US citizen, he helped others go through the process of receiving their US citizenship. He helped the Susannah Wesley Community Center obtain block grants for their Immigrant Service Center. He accompanied several persons to the Immigration Office or when they had to appear in federal court. He was asked several times to become a “character witness”. At one time, a federal judge remarked before he made his ruling, “If the Reverend says so, I take his counsel.” Case dismissed.

4. Other Pertinent information (i.e., honors received, certificate of recognition, etc.).

National Geographic Society:  A Tibetan “gelong” or monk stands near the Ganden monastery in a photograph taken by Alex Vergara...He journeyed to the distant, mountainous homeland of the Dalai Lama as part of a photographic expedition led by officials from National Geographic magazine.

Vergara’s stunning images were displayed at the Kapolei Public Library. These images were followed by his photographic exhibits of his travels in Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Laos and Cambodia, Africa and the Philippines.

He also gave presentations to the Rotary Club of Kapolei. “Wow, what a job,” said Ross Rolirod, president of the club, upon viewing Vergara’s photos. “I take National Geographic and, to me, these photos are the same quality you’d expect in the magazine.”

Rev. Vergara is a member of the National Geographic Expedition’s Life-long Explorer’s Program. He has travelled extensively in more than 100 countries and is a published travel writer and photographer. He teaches photography classes to homeschoolers and their parents. He is a favorite mission speaker in Hawaii and California churches.

Kapolei Rotary Club – Rev. Vergara is an active member of the Rotary International. Aside from his weekly attendance at the Kapolei Rotary Club, he participated in the Rotary Global Peace Forum in Honolulu on January 25-27, 2013. Attendees of the three-day forum interacted with each other in a collaborative environment and shared ideas about how we can strive for global peace through Rotary’s unique approach of peace through service.

He coordinated a security detail at the annual “Taste at Kapolei” scholarship fundraisers. Project coordinator D. Keola Lloyd, wrote to him, “The Rotary Club of Kapolei would like to thank you for donating your services to ensure the safety and well-being of the attendees and participants at our “Taste at Kapolei.” The logistics of the Ko Olina Resort Marina was difficult to oversee, but with your presence as a representative of the Honolulu Police Department, the well-being of all guests and participants were insured of their safety.”

Cagayan Valley Association of Hawaii – Rev. Vergara is a recipient of the 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Cagayan Valley Association of Hawaii. He is a founding member of the organization, which was established in 1977.

Oahu Filipino Community Council (OFCC) - He is a newly installed OFCC director (2013-2014); thankful to be a part of OFCC.

United Filipino Council of Hawaii (UFCH) - He was a delegate to the UFCH Convention 2013, Kauai; more involvement to come.

Rev. Alex Ravelo Vergara is an official candidate for OFCC president this OFCC annual convention on June 14 at the Philippine Consulate Social Hall. His fellow volunteer and OFCC officer Angie Dytioco Santiago, also vying for the same post. Both of them assured this writer to carry on the best of the best in OFCC with gradual changes and improvement and more successful Council.