What’s Inside?
NaFFAA Mourns the Loss of Former National Chairman Ed Navarra
From the Editor NEC 2016 Brendan Flores Region 8 NaFFAA Iowa Region 10 NaFFAA NY Region 5 Region 3West Membership Form
Washington, D.C. Eduardo Navarra, who served as NaFFAA National Chairman from 2010-2014, died August 26 of intracranial hemorrhage. He was surrounded by his family, who kept vigil for days until he passed away at the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital of Oakland in Pontiac, Michigan. He was 72. “We lost a pillar of the community,” says NaFFAA National Chairman Brendan Flores. “Tito Ed was always extremely dedicated and we all looked up to him with great admiration and respect. He was the epitome of servant leadership. His legacy will live on.” A charter member of NaFFAA, Navarra was among the nearly 2,000 Filipino American community leaders who converged in Washington, D.C. in August 1997 to organize the first National Empowerment Conference (NEC). Michigan NaFFAA National Chairman Ed Navarra welcomes dele- sent one of the largest delegations to the historic event, due gates and guests to the 11th National Empowerment Con- in no small measure to Navarra’s influence. He has consistference held August 2014 in San Diego, Calif. (Photo by ently attended all 12 national gatherings in the last 19 years. “Ed Navarra was completely dedicated to NaFFAA and its NaFFAA Communications) empowerment goals,” says Loida Nicolas Lewis, National Chair Emeritus and one of the founders of the organization. “He shepherded NaFFAA when it needed tender loving care, infusing it with his passion for advocacy, especially on issues that matter to Filipinos in the United States. We are all enriched by his leadership.” Greg Macabenta, whom Navarra succeeded as National Chair, calls his passing “a great loss to NaFFAA and to the entire Filipino-American community. He was dedicated to the cause of unity and empowerment and he worked hard at it - but he went about it in his own charming way, always good-natured and always with that mischievous quip in the course of a heated discussion. Ed was also a very sweet and thoughtful person. On at least two occasions after a NaFFAA conference, he handed me a box of chocolates to bring home to my wife.” Board Member Rozita Lee also remembers Navarra as a delightful person with a wry sense of humor, which has endeared him to many friends and colleagues. “He kept us laughing all the time, providing comic relief especially after a tense discussion,” she says. Photo: Google images
Adds Gloria T. Caoile, National Vice Chair Emeritus and a NaFFAA founder: “We love the way he loved life, his devotion to his wife Vicky and his children and grandchildren, and the way he laughed about the absurd things that came his way.” Caoile notes that on his Facebook page, Navarra posted as his personal motto this tongue-in-cheek quote: “To reach for the sublime and the ridiculous !!!” Youth Mentor and Champion Navarra attended his last National Empowerment Conference held four weeks ago in Philadelphia, as a member of NaFFAA Region 3 East. “Although he looked frail and weak, he told me he came because he wanted to be there to celebrate a millennial moment, when youth leadership at the national level becomes a reality,” recalls Rita Gerona Adkins, a Washington, D.C.-based journalist and colleague. “I could tell from his broad smile after the conference that he felt something truly significant happened, that he was thinking, happily, for the young leaders who are now taking leadership roles and, hopefully, bring NaFFAA to even greater success.” 1
Region 10 Chair Myrna Farinas Reyes recalls how Navarra called her a number of times during the planning of the 2014 NEC in San Diego, Calif. “He wanted to make sure we gave the younger generation the lead in chairing the planning committee,” she says. “We listened to his advice. As a result, we had a very successful conference headed by our youth leaders, working hand in hand with their elders.” Among the young people Navarra mentored is Kelly Ilagan, who studied International Studies and Political Science at Michigan State University. Inspired by Navarra, she attended the NEC in Philadelphia for the first time. “Tito Ed was a father figure who believed in me,” she says. “He encouraged my generation to be engaged in our country’s political process. Everyone claims to want the youth to be involved in community organizations, but he always acted on it.” Rebuilding NaFFAA’s Infrastructure In his acceptance speech after being sworn in as National Chair in 2010, Navarra vowed to re-establish NaFFAA’s political presence in the nation’s capital through active advocacy, voter education, corporate partnerships and coalition building.
Ed and Vicky Navarra at a 2014 NaFFAA Gala Dinner in Chicago, Illinois.
“While we will continue to be concerned about events in the Philippines, our collective energies will be directed towards issues that affect our community here in the U.S.,” he declared. “We will undertake these initiatives not as an umbrella organization but as an equal partner with other national formations and local groups that have a stake in protecting and promoting the interests of Filipinos and FilipinoAmericans in this country.”
Always thankful: “It was a superb summit, my gratitude to the organizers and to all who spent time and money to attend this memorable event. Let's continue to move forward, let us be compact and walk hand-in-hand in moving NaFFAA forward. With God's blessings, we will persevere. Mabuhay ang NaFFAA! Long Live NaFFAA!” Excerpts from Eduardo Navarra’s speech during the 2013 NaFFAA Summit in Las Vegas. During his four-year term, NaFFAA started rebuilding its infrastructure to strengthen the FilAmVote program, a key vehicle for political empowerment in this country. Internally, he paved the way for a revision of NaFFAA’s By-Laws, the creation of the Board of Governors, and publication of a monthly newsletter. He also expanded regional memberships by partitioning Region 3 into East and West, due to rapid growth among Midwest states. Armin Sayson, Region 3East Chairman, remembers Navarra as always setting high standards for officers and members of the region to strive for and maintain. “As a leader, he recognized the talent within the region and mentored the individuals who would replace him,” Sayson says. “I am grateful that Ed encouraged me to take on a leadership role within the region. He always told me, ‘Panahon mo na, Armin!’ Until the day he died, Ed continued to provide advice, guidance, and friendship.” Community Service Navarra’s long track record of outstanding community service started from the community where he and his family had resided for many years – Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. He became an editor of a Filipino American newspaper, and an agent in promoting Philippine-based performers to raise funds for local Ed Navarra had been honored several organizations in Michigan. His leadtimes for his public service and ership at the Filipino American Comcommunity leadership. munity Council (FILAMCCO) brought relevant fund raising initiatives that fueled the organization’s projects for the Filipino American community. FILAMCCO is the umbrella organization of over 52 Filipino-American organizations in Michigan. Navarra was one of the founding members of the Council of Asian Pacific Americans (CAPA), which is a consortium of Asian Pacific organizations and leaders composed of Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, Asian-Indian, Filipino and other Asian Pacific groups in Metro Detroit. Ed Navarra and US Sen. Maize Hirono at the NaFFAA 2013 Summit, where NaFFAA declared its support for the Senator's Family Reunification bill for Filipino World War II veterans. 2
In 2003, Navarra became NaFFAA Region 3 Chair, occupying the same position four times. During his term, he organized highly successful regional conferences and the hosting of the 6th national conference in Chicago in 2004. In 2006, he received the prestigious Presidential “Banaag Award” for Community Service by then Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. A dedicated Republican Party member, Navarra was appointed by the Republican National Committee in 2013, one of four Filipino American leaders to sit in the Asian Pacific American Advisory Council. Systems Engineer After completing his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering in FEATI University in the Philippines in 1965, he worked for Northern Motors Company. In 1967, he immigrated to the United States and completed his Master's in Computer & Electronics Systems Engineering from the University of Michigan and Wayne State University. He worked at Burroughs Company, then transferred to Ford Motor Company in 1973, where he worked for 30 years as Systems Engineer until his retirement in 2003. The youngest of three children, Eduardo Navarra was born on Oct. 27, 1944 and grew up in Sigma Capiz, Philippines. He is survived by his wife Dr. Victoria Gallardo Navarra; their children John, Laura and Nicole; daughter-in-law Rachel; sons-inlaw Jeffrey Haxer and Kyle Winkelman; and grandchildren Tristan, Lucas, Evelyn, Eleanor and Zoe Victoria. A wake is scheduled on Friday, September 2, at the A.J. Desmon & Sons Funeral Directors, 2600 Crooks Rd.,Troy, Michigan. Visitation is from 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm EDT. The memorial mass is slated for Saturday, September 3, at their parish, St. Hugo's of The Hills, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303. (Ryan Tejero and Emraida Kiram contributed to this press statement.)
Ed Navarra (left) served four terms as Chair of NaFFAA Region 3, seen here with members of the regional delegation to the 2014 NEC Conference in San Diego.
Ed Navarra (right) joining Region 3East delegates to the recentlyconcluded 12th National Empowerment Conference in Philadelphia on August 4-7, 2016.
memories “PACCM Hula Dance Team had an emotional performance for PAMMFM fundraiser last night at the American Polish Cultural Center. We felt Manong Ed Navarra’s presence during the event. Three days before he got a stroke, he called me to make sure PACCM Hula Group will be performing, and suggested that we should wear the costume we showcased at the 2015 NAFFAA Gala in Kentucky. Manong Ed - all your request/ suggestions were accomplished - including the picture you were asking (that you said you look "pogi" in your Hawaiian shirt). I will treasure all your support mentorship great advises. Aloha Oe, .God be with you. Rest in Peace!” Flor Penner, Michigan “Had we known we'd be seeing you for the last time, we'd have lavished you with our love and thanks for your friendship, mentorship, and love. We will miss you dearly, Ed. May you rest in peace! Armin Sayson, Ohio 3
I will never forget the man who gave me this job in NaFFAA! When Ed decided to start a newsletter after he was re-elected for his second term as national chair in 2012, he approached me to take care of creating the online monthly publication. I told him that I have a very limited experience in handling the job. But he insisted, he promised that he will be there to support, and said that he will bring in other people to help out. Of course, I believe him! Then, we had the first issue, the second issue came, and next month— September 2016, it will be our fourth year anniversary already! Unfortunately, Ed will not be there next month to congratulate me on the 48th issue of our NaFFAA newsletter! I am already sad that he has no feedback on this month’s issue of the newsletter.
From the Editor: Ryan Tejero
Did you know that Ed has (always) been the first person to congratulate me each time our newsletter comes out online? He would never miss giving a congratulatory note, either by text or email. This is—the one thing I will miss from him! This August issue of the newsletter is by far the hardest to create for me! In the past, I would look at submitted stories or pictures, and I can create titles for them so easily. Ideas would flow out from my head as I lay-out the articles in my publisher page. I also get excited about choosing a front page story, and incorporating interviews or comments from readers and leaders. I remembered when we featured “Leader on the Spot” in the front page, I would receive emails and Facebook messages inquiring about would be the next NaFFAA leader to be featured. That’s when I told Ed “I can’t believe we actually have readers of the newsletter now!” When I started working on this month’s newsletter, I was so un-motivated. I was not excited about it. I did not have any desire to look at what stories to be included or at least start on collecting pictures and organize them. I got stuck on the front page. I never thought at all that the man who trusted me to create newsletters for a national organization four years ago, is going to be on the headline this month, with a story of his passing away! I cried so hard after putting together the first page, that my wife and daughter heard me that day! It was just so sad! Then I caught myself writing what I felt at that moment, and so I came up with this! Not a whole lot to say here, but I know that I am truly blessed to have met Ed. He was strong in believing in the potentials of other people. I learned from him how to be firm, yet cordial. He taught me how to care genuinely in order to get back the same. His generosity with time and bridging connections of people was endless. His care for the community was unparalleled. He takes pride of his family – his wife and children. He talked about his shortcomings. He would care about other people’s problems and difficulties, like he wants to help. He would talk to you about his faith! This newsletter is my greatest memory of him! I missed him now! I just can’t imagine the days to come! 4
NaFFAA Elects 31-year-old Brendan Flores as National Chair Washington, D.C. Noting that “we have made history” by electing a millennial to lead the organization, 31year-old Brendan Flores of Jacksonville, Florida told the more than 300 delegates and guests, who witnessed his swearing-in as NaFFAA’s seventh national chairman, that he will strive “to make positive change, to create hope, to build up our community, and to bring us together.” Our common goal, he asserted, is “to make sure the voices of 4 million Filipinos living in the United Vice President Leni Robredo installs NaFFAA’s newly-elected national officers, from left, States today carry signifiChairman Brendan Flores, Vice Chair Emraida Kiram, Secretary Mariella Fletcher, Treasurer cant weight. Imagine the Brad Baldia and Board members Marie Cunning, Giselle Rushford and Steven Raga. Not in impact we can make when we all come together with a picture is Board member Bing Branigin. drive to see that hope become reality.” This goal was amplified throughout the three-day conference by speakers who urged delegates to educate themselves on the issues, help in voter registration drives in their localities and harness the community’s voting power in November. NaFFAA’s FilAmVote program, launched in January, has been registering new voters in states like California and Nevada where large concentrations of Filipino Americans reside. “One of the ways of empowerment is to focus on issues, such as the economy, job growth, early childhood education and affordable access to colleges,” said U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott of Virginia, the opening day’s keynote speaker. “Make sure Filipino Americans are involved in these policy decisions. Make sure to hold politicians accountable. But to make a difference, everyone must participate and exercise their right to vote.” Pipeline of leaders. Flores gave his inaugural remarks at the final evening of the 12th National Empowerment Conference (NEC), held August 4-6 in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. He has served as NaFFAA National Youth Chair and National Treasurer. Flores’ community involvement both locally and nationally led him to establish a series of networks, awards and scholarship opportunities for other driven individuals. He is a scholarship grantor for The Public Education Foundation of Las Vegas, and president of the Alumni Leadership Circle of the Academy of Finance. Currently the Regional Banking District Manager and Vice President at Wells Fargo in Florida, Flores is the president of Emerging Leaders United in Saint John’s county, Florida. He is a graduate of three internal and external leadership executive programs both in Pennsylvania and Florida states. “I am a true millennial by age with a Gen-X’s heart and passion, a work ethic like a baby-boomer and strong values similar to traditionalists,” he says, in describing himself. Having been with NaFFAA for over a decade, and chalking up 14 plus years at the bank, he continues to be active within his community, expanding his professional sphere and promoting personal growth. Flores succeeds 64-year-old JT Mallonga, a New York immigration lawyer who served for two years. Preceeding Mallonga was retired engineer Ed Navarra of Bloomfield, Michigan, who was 66 when he was elected to the top post in 2010. NaFFAA’s founding chairman, Alex Esclamado, was 85 when he led the first empowerment conference in 1997. He was followed by Philanthrophist Loida Nicolas Lewis, Entrepreneur Alma Kern and Publisher Greg Macabenta - all in their 60's when they assumed the national chairmanship. “It’s about time the baby boomers and the millennial generation hold the baton together moving forward,” Mallonga said of Flores’ election. “I am encouraged by the participation of many young people, coming from all over the country to make their presence felt in this conference.” NEC Co-chair Brad Baldia also applauded how the organization is moving seriously “to build a pipeline of leaders,” with its emphasis on education and leadership development. “This is timely as NaFFAA will be celebrating its 20th anniversary next year. Our newly-elected officers are eager to take the organization to a new level in providing increased value for our members and making NaFFAA self-sustaining.” 5
‘It’s our time to reach’ The day before the NEC opened, youth delegates spent a full afternoon in workshops, focusing on issues dealing with personal growth as individuals and as communities. Framed by the theme “Reach,” the discussions revisited the conversations held at the last NEC in San Diego, CA., from gay rights to immigration, cultural identity to leadership development. Members of the Filipino Intercollegiate Networking Dialogue, Inc. (FIND), Empowering Pilipino Youth through Collaboration (EPYC) and Pilipino American Unity for Progress, Inc. (UniPro) served as resource leaders, sharing best practices, practical skills and effective strategies. NaFFAA Board Member Steven Raga, a founder of UniPro, said: “We developed a concept to challenge delegates to create a sustainable intergenerational pipeline of leadership for the Filipino American Vice President Leni Robredo, speaking at the Gala community. The theme ‘Reach’ will continue the movement by reaching Dinner, called on her “Kababayans” to give back inwards, within ourselves; reaching upwards, to our mental capabilities; to the homeland. (Photo courtesy of VP Robredo’s reaching outwards, to our networks and communities; and reaching Office.) across the generations. It is our time to reach, reach for a better today.” Like the previous National Empowerment Conference, this year’s gathering was a way of opening up more opportunities for continued engagement between seasoned veterans and the youth. It culminated in a gala dinner graced by Philippine Vice President Leni Robredo, who gave the keynote address and installed NaFFAA’s newly-elected national officers. They are: Brendan Flores of Jacksonville, Fl. as chair; Emraida Kiram of Milwaukee, WI. as vice chair; Mariella Fletcher of Seattle, WA. as Secretary; and Brad Baldia of Philadelphia, PA., as treasurer. Also inducted were new members of the Board of Governors: Bing Branigin of Reston, VA; Marie Cunning of Phoeniz, AZ; Steven Raga of New York, NY; and Giselle Rushford of Denver, CO. NaFFAA’s Board of Governors include 16 members elected at large and the chairs of all 13 regions. Helping the homeland In keeping with the conference theme, “Celebrating our History and Building a Brighter Future,” Vice President Robredo called on NaFFAA “to create programs that will give opportunities National Chair Brendan Flores (left), with VP Robredo, NEC for young professionals to understand what is going on in the Phil- Chairs Drs. Rommel and Aida Rivera and outgoing National Chair ippines and to educate them on how they could be of help to the JT Mallonga. (Photo courtesy of VP Robredo’s Office.) homeland." Robredo is the first top government official to address a national organization in the United States after the May elections in the Philippines. She was recently appointed by President Duterte to head the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC). She said it’s a role she welcomes as it would allow her to tackle problems that have deprived the poor and marginalized sectors of society from enjoying a better quality of life. In her gala dinner speech, she called on her kababayans “to find the path towards service for others. If you don’t, may you make your own trail so that others who follow will step forward with confidence, hope and a bigger chance at actualizing our dreams of a brighter, more inclusive, and empowered economy.” In reiterating the need for “a brighter, inclusive future,” the Vice President urged NaFFAA’s members and the Filipino American community to “share their skills and knowledge to provide a world-class service to the Filipinos back home.” At a press conference held earlier in the day, Robredo fielded questions from the media. One asked her to comment on the spate of “extra judicial killings,” that has raised widespread concerns. While she expressed dismay, she admitted her limitations in being able to influence policy decisions on this matter because “I am only one person.” However, she encouraged the media to “create a mindset that [extra-judicial killing] is wrong.” Conference Highlights Alex Esclamado Community Service Awards Introduced at the last NEC as a way of honoring the legacy of one of NaFFAA’s founders, the Alex Esclamado Community Service Awards were given this year to the Filipino Cultural School based in Norwalk, Los Angeles County; Filipino American Association of Philadelphia, Inc.; Filipino American Community Action Group of Hampton Roads, Va.; and the Washington DC-based Feed the Hungry. 6
Former NaFFAA National Chairman Greg Macabenta, who chairs the awards committee, explained that the winners were chosen based on their “commitment to the Filipino people both in the United States and in the Philippines, a desire to empower our people and to claim our rightful place not only in the United States but all over the world, and lastly, integrity which are all truly apparent in the man who inspired this award.” The awards ceremony, which was co-sponsored with GMA International, opened with a video of Esclamado’s life of public service and his dream of Filipino American empowerment and unification. This year, 19 organizations, including nine from two years ago, were nominated. Because they were outstanding and deserving of recognition, a certificate was awarded to their representatives. They included: Council for Teaching Filipino Language Members of the Filipino American Association of Philaand Culture (San Diego, CA.), Ernesto Esquejo Scholarship Foun- delphia accept the Alex Esclamado Community Service dation (Corpus Christi, TX), Eskwela Natin (Sacramento, CA), Fili- Award, which was given to four national organizations. pino Educators Federation of Louisiana, Filipino American Nation- NaFFAA Board members Rodel Rodis and Rozita Lee al Historical Society (FAHNS, National), International Drop-in Cen- presented the awards. ter (Seattle, WA), Pagyamanin Likas Musika (Santa Clara, CA), Lubang-Look International (NY, NY), Mending Faces (Denver, CO), NaFFAA (Chicago, IL), Pilipino American Unity for Progress (NY, NY), Philippine American Cultural Foundation (Chicago, IL), Philippine American Society of Greater Dayton (OH), Philippine Bisayan Society of Nevada (Las Vegas), University of the Philippines Alumni and Friends Rondalla). Trailblazers In further honoring Filipino Americans who have distinguished themselves in various fields, NaFFAA recognized the following individuals and presented them with the NaFFAA Filipino American Trailblazer Award: Congressman Bobby Scott (D-VA), Vice Admiral Raquel C. Bono (US Navy), Cristeta Comerford (White House Executive Chef), Francey Youngberg (Deputy Assistant Secretary at HUD), Ronnie Del Carmen (Pixar graphic designer), Billy Dec (WHIAAPI Commissioner), Robert Lopez (Award winning songwriter for Disney's "Frozen"), Jason Tengco (former Deputy Director for WHIAAPI), and Stella Abrera (Principal Dancer, American Ballet Theatre). AARP, a major corporate sponsor of the conMaj. Gen. Antonio Taguba (Ret) challenges delegates to help secure ference, presented the awards. the Congressional Gold Medal for Filipino World War II veterans. "They've waited for 72 years to be recognized," he said. "Let's get it Congressional Gold Medal Award done this year." One award that NaFFAA has been working hard to win is the Filipino Veterans Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015, which would recognize the service and sacrifice of the 260,000 Filipino soldiers who fought in World War II. The conference featured Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba (Ret), chairman of the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetREP). He urged delegates to call their U.S. representatives and enlist their support. Taguba stressed the urgency of securing 290 co-sponsors in the House (the number required to pass the bill). The Senate passed the same measure last month. The subject of parole visas for families of Filipino World War II veterans was also discussed at the same session. Tribute to Joe Montano Delegates paused to honor Joe Montano, former NaFFAA executive director, who passed away peacefully in his home in Arlington, Va. on Jul 25. He was 47. A passionate civil rights advocate, he was among dozens of youth leaders who led the fight for equity and justice for Filipino veterans in the mid-90’s. He also coordinated NaFFAA’s FilVote from 2000-2002, visiting college campuses across the U.S. to register students and mobilize them to vote. Dedicating himself completely to public service, Montano was a top aide to U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine who eulogized him at his funeral as “a proud patriotic American” who “was about outreach and bridge building and bringing people together.” At the Friday night tribute, George Mason University student Kathleen Cabrera played the guitar as she sang a Joe Montano favorite, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” 7
Climate Change In introducing this topic at the NEC, NaFFAA Board Member Rodel Rodis tied the subject to the conference theme of “building a brighter future” by saying “it’s hard to imagine a future, let alone a brighter one, if climate change is not addressed.” In his presentation, Wei-Tai Kwok, a designer of innovative energy storage solutions and a volunteer public speaker for the Climate Reality Project, warned that “it’s up to us, not our children, to find solutions to this global crisis. It’s time we demand prompt action from our leaders. Our socie-
For two days, NEC delegates listened to prominent speakers talk about climate change, community empowerment, entrepreneurial development, inter-generational leadership, political participation and congressional engagement. ty is not acting fast enough.” He singled out the Philippines as the only country experiencing the most number of storms, resulting in humanitarian disasters from food and water shortage to conflicts. Moving Forward After the conclusion of NEC, the Board of Governors (BOG) met with the newly-elected national chairman, who reiterated his vision for NaFFAA: “I ran on a platform supported by 7 pillars that I believe will serve as the foundation for taking NAFFAA to the next level. Through Membership Acceleration, we will expand and reach more of our fellow Filipino Americans across the nation. Bridging Generational Gaps will allow us to collaborate more effectively within the organization. Empowering Students, Young Professionals, Women, and the LGBT community will provide a diverse and inclusive pool of ideas and initiatives. By focusing on Professional Development and Financial Literacy, we will instill our members with the skills and tools they need to succeed in any endeavor. By Engaging with Various Sectors and other Groups, we will broaden our network and our resources. Advocacy Programs will cement NAFFAA as integral to the framework of our Nation. Creating a strong and structured funding program will be crucial to the growth and development of our organization. Finally, by having Financial Soundness and Transparency, we will ensure that future generations will be able to continue the work that we do today.”
Student leaders (from left) Andrew Esmele, Kat Cabrera, Stephanie Mina, John Victoria, Regine Marie Victoria, and Aldrin Cabrera are among several youth delegates who attended the conference.
At the BOG meeting, Flores congratulated Region 1 Chair and conference host Dr. Aida Rivera, and her co-chairs Brad Baldia and Dr. Rommel Rivera for their “fine work, exceptional preparation and leadership” in putting this year’s event together.
FilAm Vote national coordinator Juanito “I would also like to extend my heartfelt thank you and appreciation to our Amor, Jr. (left) with team members Myrna volunteers, media partners, the speakers for their thought-provoking presenta- Farinas Reyes and Rom Sarno urge NEC deltions and the sponsors for their value-added contributions,” Flores added. egates to step up voter mobilization drives in their communities across the country. The BOG is slated to hold a summit in November to discuss NaFFAA’s program for the next two years, including plans for a 20th anniversary celebration in September next year, in Washington, D.C. where NaFFAA was formed and incorporated. Formed in 1997 in Washington, D.C., NaFFAA mission is to actively promote civic engagement and community empowerment among the nearly 4 million Filipinos in the U.S. today. In the last 19 years, NaFFAA’s advocacy initiatives have focused on securing equity benefits and recognition for Filipino World War II veterans, voter registration and education, overseas voting and dual citizenship rights. NaFFAA is also part of national Asian American coalitions working on comprehensive immigration reform and other civil rights programs that seek protections against hate crimes and all forms of discrimination that undermines cultural diversity and inclusion. Lending their corporate support to the 12th National Empowerment Conference are AARP, Comcast, GMA International, PagIBIG Fund, Santander Bank and Wells Fargo. (Andrew Esmile, Ryan Tejero and Regine Victoria contributed to this report.) 8
12th NEC Pictorials
Amor, Bing, Karl, Myrna, Kelly and Brendan
BOG waiting for election results: (The late) Ed, Armin, Bing, Jelly
Fil-Am Media: Ryan (first Left) and Bing (3rd Left)
Comelec Chairs Dr. Rivera and Atty. Jurani
Lining-up to cast their votes at the BOG elections
Eric, Lakhi, Bing and Billy
The late Ed Navarra with NaFFAA leaders from Michigan and Kentucky. (Photo courtesy of VP Robredo’s Office.) 9
Statement of NaFFAA National Chairman Brendan Flores on Trump’s Proposed Ban on Immigrants from the Philippines As a national organization committed to inclusion, diversity and the empowerment of Filipinos in the United States who have contributed significantly as immigrants to this country’s cultural, economic and political life, we are deeply troubled by comments made recently by GOP Presidential Candidate Donald J. Trump. In a recent speech in Maine, the latest in a series of divisive anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim statements, Mr. Trump lumped the Philippines among “terrorist nations” from where people should be denied entry to the United States. The nearly 4 million Filipinos in the US today make up the second largest Brendan Flores, National Chair Asian American population in this country. They are proud of their historic accomplishments, notably in the American labor movement and in the nation’s education and healthcare system. During World War II, 260,000 Filipino soldiers served with uncommon valor to protect and defend America’s interests. After 72 years, they have yet to be recognized by the U.S. for their service and sacrifice. Today, Filipinos continue to serve with honor in the U.S. military, faithful to their duty to protect this country. Mr. Trump’s misleading statement not only disregards how immigrants from the Philippines and other parts of the world have made America great. He is further inflaming a climate of increasing fear and growing hostility that have been directed against South Asian, Middle Eastern and Arab communities. He has now expanded the target of his xenophobic rhetoric to include Asian Pacific Americans, casting them as suspicious, disloyal and threatening. Electoral tactics promoting harmful depictions of Filipinos and other communities of color deserve no place in American society. They are reminiscent of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which was used for years to halt the influx of Chinese laborers, and the unjust internment of over 100,000 Japanese Americans. We must ensure these dark periods in American history are not repeated. During these perilous times when Americans and people all over the world feel vulnerable because of constant threats to their safety and security, we can understand calls for vigilance and sometimes extreme measures from political leaders. But while we condemn all terrorist acts committed by anyone regardless of nationality, we must ensure that our nation’s values of inclusion and diversity always prevail over the rhetoric of division and fear. America is strong because it welcomes people around the world who enrich the social, economic and cultural fabric of the United States.
NaFFAA R8 hosted a community conversation about Diabetes on afflicting 14.1% of the Filipino community according to a Kaiser study - on August 22, 2016 at the San Francisco Philippine Consulate with Congen Henry Jr Bensurto, Dr. Melinda Bender, Asst. Prof, UCSF, Rudy Asercion, Rodel Rodis and Ester Custodio Aure. 10
As of Sept. 1, the Congressional Gold Medal Award (HR 2737) still needs 73 co-sponsors. Please continue to reach out to your U.S. Representatives. Thank you!
NaFFAA News Around the Nation NaFFAA Iowa through its State Chair Roel Campos recently participated in David Young's 2nd Annual Veterans Career Day held in Des Moines, Iowa on August 30, 2016. Rep. David Young is one of Iowa’s four Congressmen. NaFFAA Iowa sponsored a booth to promote the advocacies and projects of the federation. NaFFAA leaders Roel and Malou Campos took the opportunity to discuss HR2737 with Rep. Young, which is the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015. NaFFAA was able to get the support of Rep. Young, as he signed the petition letter. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard from Hawaii introduced HR2737 on 06/11/2015. Photos showing NaFFAA leaders in Iowa Roel and Malou Campos with Rep. Young.
Region 10 conducted a Train the Trainers for Fil-Am Vote on August 30, 2016 at 1603 Hoover Avenue in National City, Califonia. Fil-Am Vote is a national program of NaFFAA Region 10. The Train the Trainers Program is aimed at Voter Registration Drive Training and 4-Point Communication Strategies. The event was sponsored in part by County of San Diego Registrar of Voters, AARP, State Farm, among others.
Congratulations to Steven Raga (New York), he is the newly-elected member of NaFFAA Board of Governors, as he was introduced as one of the 2016-2017 Fellows of the New American Leaders Project (NALP). This Fellows Project consists of Ready to Lead alumni who have demonstrated their potential to serve as elected officials in the very near future! NALP alumni will receive advanced training and the mentoring they need to run, win and lead. 11
NaFFAA National is a monthly newsletter with the goal of circulating information on NaFFAA’s advocacy events and projects, appointments, messages from leadership and other related activities in the Filipino American community.
Ryan Tejero
Editor-In-Chief ryantejero@yahoo.com
Jon Melegrito jdmelegrito@gmail.com
Bing Branigin MCBranigin@aol.com Please forward event announcements and news articles in your community for September issue by the 25th. Submission must be in word format and pictures are in jpeg formats. Thank you to all August contributors !le Used with permission by Joseph G. Lariosa
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c/o Brad Baldia 1625 Washington Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19146
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