The Filipino Centennial Celebration Commission (FCCC) and the Hawaii Filipino Centennial Committee (HFCC) have agreed to enter into an agreement under which HFCC will become the nonprofit organization that will be responsible for any moneys received or expended for the centennial anniversary celebration.

The Hawaii Filipino Centennial Committee was formed to operate exclusively for charitable purposes, within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Complimenting the Commission's purpose, the Committee seeks to preserve, enhance and promote an appreciation of Filipino culture and heritage, and the experiences, achievements and contributions of Filipino Americans in Hawaii since their arrival in 1906.

The Filipino Centennial Celebration Commission, created under Act 159 in 2002, is a governor-appointed commission charged of preparing an overall program to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the arrival of Filipino people in Hawaii.

Under the agreement, HFCC agreed to:

Serve as the nonprofit organization responsible for any moneys received or expended for the centennial anniversary celebration;

Receive grants, donations, and other moneys on behalf of the Commission;

Provide accounting services consistent with generally accepted accounting principles;

Prepare all disbursement checks for FCC signature; and

Attend FCC meeting and provide financial reports and make available its financial records upon request of FCC.

On the other hand, the Commission agrees to:

Prepare an overall program to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the arrival of the Filipino people in Hawaii;

Identify HFCC as the nonprofit organization that will be responsible for any moneys received or expended for the centennial anniversary celebration;

Develop, plan, and coordinate the various program activities that are to be scheduled throughout the year of the celebration and shall encourage the participation of all segments of the Filipino community;

Identify all FCC-related agencies that require deposit and disbursement services;

Seek grants from public and private sources, and accept donations to finance the projects, programs, and the activities of the centennial anniversary celebration;

Submit funds and donations from public and private sources to HFCC;

Reimburse or pay HFCC all actual costs associated with the administration of funds and carrying out all duties and responsibilities of the HFCC for the benefit of FCCC;

Assist HFCC in performing its responsibility as funds administrator;

Submit all necessary reports to the grant-providing agencies. HFCC shall assist with preparation of the financial report;

Budget for and pay state and federal taxes, if any are due;

Hire and compensate an auditor to audit the books of FCCC as required by grant-providing agencies;

Be ultimately responsible and accountable for the management and conduct of all projects, programs and activities within the scope of FCC and covered by the Memorandum of Agreement.

Jake Manegdeg, Commission vice-chair, was named President of the Committee. Other committee officers are Jun Colmenares, vice chair; Ben Saguibo, treasurer; Donna Kekauoha, secretary; and Tony Saguibo, member. (by Raymund Liongson)