Linda Mayo

Founder and President 1992-2006

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Linda Mayo co-founded and became the president of the Philippine American Concerned Citizens Action League, Inc. (PACCAL) in 1992 whose primary mission assesses and addresses the human service needs of the Filipino community in  Jersey City. PACCAL champions the causes of battered Filipina women, the Philippine American veterans, the seniors, and the youth. PACCAL was the stakeholder of the Community Foundation of New Jersey "Parents Organizing Parents Strategy" (POPS), which bridges the gap between long time residents and the new immigrants in Jersey City.

Linda spearheaded a fund drive to donate 500 Philippine books in the the Jersey City Public Libraries. She collaborated with the Association of the Filipino Teachers of America (AFTA) and made Conversational Filipino and Philippine Folk Dances to become part of the "SUPER SATURDAYS' program offered in Jersey City Public Schools.

Linda collaborated with the Order of the Knights of Rizal, NJ chapter and secured the site for the Philippine National Hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal Plaza in Jersey City which was unveiled in November of 2000. She was the first President of the Ladies for Rizal, NJ Chapter.

Professionally, Linda worked at the Purchasing Division of the City of Jersey City as an Administrative Assistant. She used to work in the Mayor's Office of Constituent Services and was appointed Deputy Mayor on March 9, 1998 by former Jersey City Mayor Bret Schundler. Before joining the Mayor's office, she worked for AlliedSignal (now Honeywell) for 22 years in the International Marketing and Distribution Department.

On April 21, 1998, she was elected to the Jersey City Board of Education. She was the First Asian-American elected official in Jersey City.

Linda was a leadership mentor of the Institute for the Advancement of Community Leadership and Service Learning at New Jersey City University; member of the Advisory Committee on Community Outreach of the New Jersey City Museum; Hudson County HIV/AIDS Planning Council; and the Billboard Action Coalition against alcohol and tobacco. She was a past commissioner of the Jersey City Planning Board and a member of the State of New Jersey Governors Ethnic Advisory Council from 1992 until May 1999.

Linda has been recognized in 2001 Public Service/Government  Achievement Awardee of the Asian American Heritage Council (AAHC), "Women of Action" of the City Council of Jersey City in 1998; Hudson Jaycees 1997 "Most Outstanding Filipino-American in Government/Politics:, and "Excellence in Leadership" by the Philippine-American Veterans Organization, Inc."

Ms. Mayo graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service degree from the University of Manila, Philippines. She has an English/Drama major from the University of the East, Philippines. She earned credits for Master of Arts courses at New York University, NYC.

Ms. Mayo is a widow and has one son, Jose Mayo.

Betty Buenviaje

President 2006-2010

Betty Buenviaje served as the President of the Pan American Concerned Citizens Action League (PACCAL) from 2006 to 2010. During her tenure, she was instrumental in organizing key community events and initiatives that strengthened the Filipino-American presence in Jersey City and Hudson County. Her leadership was characterized by a deep commitment to cultural preservation and community service.

Professionally, Betty has been recognized for her contributions to the community. She has been acknowledged for her efforts in organizing events such as the Senior Brunch and Senior Caregivers Brunch, which provided moments of respite and community engagement for seniors. These events were partly funded by Hudson County, highlighting her ability to collaborate with local government to support community needs.

Beyond her role in PACCAL, Betty Buenviaje has been a dedicated member of various community organizations, contributing to the cultural and social fabric of the Filipino-American community in the region. Her ongoing involvement reflects a lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and the promotion of Filipino heritage.

Luz Vivas

President 2011

Ms. Luz Vivas, also known as Luchie Vivas, is a distinguished community leader from Jersey City, New Jersey, renowned for her unwavering commitment to cultural preservation and community service. As an active member of the Filipino-American community, she has significantly contributed to various organizations, including the Philippine American Concerned Citizens Action League (PACCAL) and the Philippine-American Friendship Community Organization of New Jersey (PAFCOM). Her dedication to promoting Filipino heritage and supporting local initiatives has left an indelible mark on the community.

In 2010, Ms. Vivas chaired a notable fundraising event for PACCAL, held on October 10, which featured a runway showcase of gowns designed by renowned designers. This event not only highlighted Filipino artistry but also served as a platform to raise funds for PACCAL's programs aimed at addressing the needs of the Filipino community in Jersey City. Her leadership in organizing such events underscores her commitment to supporting initiatives that benefit the community.

Beyond her involvement with PACCAL, Ms. Vivas has been a steadfast supporter of PAFCOM, an organization dedicated to fostering friendship and cooperation among Filipino-Americans. Through her active participation and support, she has helped strengthen the bonds within the community and has been instrumental in organizing cultural events and activities that celebrate Filipino traditions. 

Her contributions continue to inspire and uplift the Filipino-American community in Jersey City and beyond.

Rose Javier

President 2011 -2013

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Rose, as she is fondly called, is one of the very active community leaders in Jersey City.

Rose is mostly known for her dedicated role as a (past) President of Pan-American Concerned Citizens Action League, Inc. (PACCAL), a 501c3 non-profit organization primarily focusing on the health and human service needs of the local community in Jersey City and Hudson County and secondarily for its promotion of the Philippine Culture and Heritage.

In PACCAL, she started as a member in 1994 and became a cast member of the stage play “Back to The Roots” which written by Mrs. Linda Mayo and was shown in Ferris High School in Montgomery Street in Jersey City.

In 1997, Rose was appointed by former Jersey City Mayor Bret Schundler as Commissioner of Cultural Affairs and became the Stage Director to the former’s “Taste of the Nation” festival. After her active membership and as a Chair of PACCAL’s flagship events, she took the Presidency in 2011 to 2012. Upon seeing that there was no one ready yet to pick up the pieces after her first two-year term, she stayed for another year in 2013. She continued to be an active advisor from then on. When her husband Rolando served as the President in 2019 and 2020, she continued to work alongside with him during the height of the pandemic creating masks and PPEs from scratch, and then took her second two-year term from 2021 to 2022 to ensure the organization stays intact during the most concerning times of the world.

A sweet lady with such a charming personality, she has effectively held positions to help organize events for Philippine American Friendship Committee (PAFCOM), the Garden State Filipino-American Association, Inc. (GSFAA), and the Filipino-American Association of St. Aloysius Parish while simultaneously seated as Vice-President of other well-known Filipino-American organizations in the eastern seaboard of New Jersey: the United Mindoro Association and Ladies for Rizal – New Jersey Chapter. Aside from all these, she’s also actively involved in a number of community events: as a member of the Board of Directors and Events coordinator of the Philippine Fiesta in America, Inc., the Secretary of the Republican Committee (Jersey City Chapter), member of Philippine Dance Ensemble, and acted as Committee Chair in various fundraising events and Charity Balls.

With Rose’s love for her culture and heritage, she has gracefully reigned as Reyna Emperatriz during the Catholic Action of Mary’s Annual Santacruz as Mrs. Performing Arts Philippines of P.A.P.I., and Ms. Balik-Mindoro of the United Mindoro Association.

While Rose, by profession, works in the Hudson County Social Services in Jersey City, she balances her time for her charitable work and with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Lumen Castaneda

President 2014-2015

​Paraluman “Lumen” Castaneda is a revered educator, community leader, and faith-driven servant whose legacy spans decades of impactful work in both the Philippines and the United States. She retired at the age of 75 after an extraordinary 55-year teaching career—34 of those years in the Philippines and 21 more with the Board of Education in the Bronx, New York. Even while actively teaching, Lumen also championed the Filipino-American teaching community, first as Vice President and later as President of the Association of Fil-Am Teachers of America (AFTA). Her visionary leadership led her to found the United Federation of Fil-Am Educators (UNIFFIED), which began with just two chapters and has since grown into a global network of over 40 chapters, including 25 in the Philippines.

Her dedication extends beyond education. As a committed member of the Catholic faith, she has served as a liturgical and Extraordinary Minister. A highlight of her spiritual journey came in 2008 when she was invited to read the Tagalog petition during the Mass of Pope Benedict XVI at Yankee Stadium—an honor witnessed by 50,000 people in person and millions on television. In 2015, her efforts toward unity and peace were globally recognized when she was named an Ambassador for Peace by the Unification Church of South Korea, joining the ranks of international dignitaries and leaders. She also embraced cultural advocacy as President of the Ladies for Rizal and has held key roles in various civic organizations.

As a past President of PACCAL (2014–2015), Lumen infused the organization with her signature blend of wisdom, grace, and unwavering community spirit. Even in retirement, she remains an active figure, featured in three segments of the YouTube series Cooking With Granny, where her warmth and wisdom continue to shine. Through all her accomplishments, Lumen remains deeply grounded in her faith, with God as her first priority, followed closely by her love for her five children and grandchildren. 

A true pillar of the community, Paraluman “Lumen” Castaneda is a living testament to a life beautifully led in service, humility, and faith.

Ramona Gapasin

President 2016-2018

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Ramona “Ramona S.” Gapasin is a distinguished and beloved figure within the Filipino-American community throughout Jersey City and the broader New Jersey–New York region. She first gained recognition as a “Parents of the Year” honoree by PACCAL in 2011 and officially joined the organization in 2013. 

In 2016, her deep commitment to service was affirmed when she was elected President of PACCAL, a position she held through 2018. During her presidency, she championed causes that strengthened community bonds—organizing four Atlantic City day‑trip fundraisers, two signature galas for Women’s History Month and the annual anniversary celebration, and spearheading leadership development and cultural education events, such as a Filipino History Month program at Five Corners Library.

Professionally, Ramona has dedicated over five decades to her career as a Medical Laboratory Scientist, with positions at Jersey City Medical Center, UMDNJ, Hoboken University Medical Center, and currently at Clara Maass Medical Center in Belleville, NJ. Her extensive experience in healthcare has complemented her organizational leadership, bringing attention to wellness, service, and scientific rigor in her civic work. At PACCAL, she has continued in an advisory role and remains active in other community initiatives, including serving as President of Senior Citizens Incorporated (SCI) as of 2022.

Passionate about heritage and service, Ramona is also celebrated for her involvement in faith and cultural traditions. In 2016, she was honored as Reyna Emperatriz for Catholic Action of Mary’s Santacruzan in Jersey City, and she was recognized as the inaugural Mrs. PACEC. 

Whether coordinating fundraisers, mentoring peers, or participating in cultural processions, Ramona’s gentle leadership, tireless work ethic, and authentic care for others continue to inspire and unite individuals across generations.

Rolando 'Rollie' Javier

President 2019-2020

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Rolando “Rollie” Javier is a respected community leader best known for his role as the President of the Pan American Concerned Citizens Action League, Inc. (PACCAL) from 2019 to 2020. During his leadership, Rollie played an active role in steering the organization through meaningful community service projects, including support initiatives during the early days of the pandemic. Under his guidance, PACCAL strengthened its outreach and visibility, continuing its mission of uplifting Filipino-American communities in Jersey City and beyond.

Alongside his wife, Rose Javier—who later served as PACCAL President from 2021 to 2022—Rollie helped build a strong foundation of civic service grounded in compassion and inclusivity. The couple worked together in numerous outreach programs such as food and mask distribution efforts, especially during critical times when vulnerable members of the community needed it most. Rollie’s quiet strength, collaborative nature, and consistent presence in community events earned him the respect of both peers and residents alike.

Although his professional background prior to his PACCAL tenure remains private, Rolando “Rollie” Javier’s impact within the Filipino-American community is evident in his enduring legacy of service. As a leader, partner, and advocate, he has exemplified the values of commitment and unity—leaving a lasting impression on those who have had the privilege to work with him in and out of the organization.

Rosita 'Rose' Javier

President 2021-2022

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Rose P. Javier served as the President of the Pan American Concerned Citizens Action League (PACCAL) during two separate terms: from 2011 to 2013 and again from 2021 to 2022. Her second term was particularly impactful, as she led the organization through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring its continued service to the community.

During her leadership, Rose collaborated with various individuals and organizations to provide essential support to the community. She played a crucial role in distributing food to first responders, seniors, and healthcare workers. Additionally, she spearheaded efforts to create face masks and personal protective equipment, personally delivering them to over 70 seniors in a single day, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to the community .

Professionally, Rose works in Hudson County Social Services in Jersey City. Her dedication to both her professional role and community service reflects her deep commitment to the well-being of others. Beyond her work with PACCAL, she has been actively involved in various organizations, including the Philippine American Friendship Committee (PAFCOM), the Garden State Filipino-American Association (GSFAA), and the Filipino-American Association of St. Aloysius Parish. She has also held leadership positions in the United Mindoro Association and Ladies for Rizal – New Jersey Chapter .

Rose's contributions have been recognized through various honors, including being named "Reyna Emperatriz" during the Catholic Action of Mary's Annual Santacruz, "Mrs. Performing Arts Philippines" by the Performing Arts Philippines, and "Ms. Balik-Mindoro" by the United Mindoro Association. Her leadership and service continue to inspire and positively impact the Filipino-American community in New Jersey.

Marieta Lamar

President 2023-2024

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Marieta Tala-Tala Lamar is a devoted and dynamic community leader whose heart for service has made a lasting impact on the Filipino-American communities of Staten Island, New Jersey, and beyond. 

Known for her dedication, reliability, and strong faith, Marieta holds multiple leadership roles across prominent organizations. She served as the Public Relations Officer for the Philippine American Community Center of Staten Island (PACCSI), Executive Secretary for the Philippine American Cultural and Educational Center (PACEC), Treasurer for the Lord’s Flock Charismatic Group in Staten Island, and is also part of the Finance Committee for the annual Simbang Gabi celebration at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan.

With a tireless commitment to culture, faith, and civic engagement, Marieta has become a vital presence in community-building efforts. Whether managing event logistics, providing financial stewardship, or simply lending a hand wherever needed, she embodies a spirit of compassion and humility. She is a familiar and respected face at countless fundraisers, outreach programs, and faith-based gatherings—always working behind the scenes to make sure every detail is thoughtfully handled.

Marieta’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. She has been honored for her excellence in community service by organizations like PACCAL, and continues to serve as an inspiration to fellow volunteers and leaders. Her passion for uplifting others, preserving Filipino traditions, and building stronger communities reflects the very best of what servant leadership can look like. 

Freddy Burke

President 2025-2026

Federico “Freddy” Burke is a dedicated community leader from Jersey City, New Jersey, known for his longstanding commitment to St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish and his active involvement in various Filipino-American organizations. Born to Peter and Luz Burke, both of whom have been active members of the parish, Freddy has been an integral part of the community since his youth. He served as an altar server from 2006 and has held multiple roles within the parish, including lector, Eucharistic minister, and religious education teacher. In 2020, he was appointed as the Director of Religious Education, overseeing the parish's catechetical programs and sacramental preparation.

Beyond his responsibilities at St. Mary's, Freddy is deeply involved with the Filipino-American community through the Catholic Action of Mary (CAM). He currently serves as the president of CAM, a role in which he has organized significant cultural and religious events, such as the annual Santacruzan and Flores de Mayo celebrations, which include street processions and community gatherings . Freddy's leadership extends to the Filipino Apostolate of the Archdiocese of Newark (FAAN) – Hudson County, where he collaborates with other community leaders to serve the needs of Filipino Catholics in the region.

In addition to his religious and community work, Freddy has been recognized for his contributions to various organizations. He has been honored by the Pan American Concerned Citizens Action League (PACCAL) and Friends Indeed USA for his dedication and service. 

Notably, Freddy was the Event Ball Chair for PACCAL's 30th Anniversary Dinner and Dance in 2022 and served as a co-chair for the 2023 event . These recognitions highlight his unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of others through service and leadership.