What’s Inside?
Juanito R. Amor, Jr. (a.k.a “AMOR”) NaFFAA Fil-Am Vote Co-Director
Purple Heart Award.…..... 2 Efforts on WWII Vets……..3 NaFFAA NYC Event....…….4 NaFFAA MI/IL Events.......5 Announcements.…………..6 FYLPro 2015……….………...7 Membership Form..……….8
Amor, as he is popularly known to everyone in NaFFAA, got his first connections with the Federation through Region 10 Chair, Dr. Aurora S. Cudal. The NaFFAA meeting in 2002 held in National City, San Diego, gained him his appointment as Region 10’s Youth Chair. It also gave him the opportunity for the first time to meet NaFFAA’s founder, Alex Esclamado. Amor remembers Alex, “he always had a smile.” Believing in the vision of Alex Exclamado that NaFFAA is the voice of all the Filipinos in the United States in any national forum, Amor is also inspired in the direction of current NaFFAA National Chair, Atty. JT Mallonga, to create a national server that would generate an accessible Filipino Database, and a strong Fil-Am Vote Program in each NaFFAA Regions. Excited in this project, Amor explains what the Filipino Database is all about and how it will strengthen the Fil-Am Vote Program, “I always wanted to know how many Filipinos lived here in the US, and had a hard time finding answers, so I started learning how to access information from the census data. As of January 24, 2015 in the US Census Database under the American Community Survey, it estimates that there are 2,664,606 Filipinos (Parents are both Filipin@) in the US, and if we add the Filipino combination with one or more additional races (Mestiz@s) the estimated total is 3,648,933 Filipinos in the US. Now, my goal is to finally collect the data and have a Filipino Database created for our community so that each community in the US can easily access the data by creating a Filipino App we can provide in our NaFFAA website. And here is how to start, example; since I live in the City of Oceanside in the County of San Diego, California, here is the data of Filipinos currently living there. This is something I learned and want to pass on to all who wants to become part of creating a Filipino Database and learn how to extrapoAmor, joined by Fil-Am activist Jose Antonio Vargas promoting Fil-Am Vote. late our Filipino population data in the US Census. Let’s work together to create our own Filipino Database National Server powered by NaFFAA. Email me now at juanito.amor.sdcounty.ca.gov and let’s get started.” Amor further explains that “Our FIL-AM VOTE Program must start in the Local Level in all NaFFAA Regions to build the National Level with four components and simple initiatives: Voter Registration, Voter Education, Get Out The Vote (GOTV), and Voter Protection. My priority in the beginning was to make sure that the youth have a voice and take part in the development and programs in NaFFAA, to continually advocate on important issues for students and young professionals. While I’ll always continue to make sure the youth is visibly present in NaFFAA, I finally found my career within community service with the help of the Filipino community here in San Diego, CA, especially from Dr. Cudal. I was hired in the County of San Diego Registrar of Voters to be the Filipino Language and Voter Outreach Coordinator, or simply as the Community Liaison for the Filipinos in San Diego to the Local County Government in the Elections Office.” Amor’s challenge to everyone in the Filipino American community is: “Voting starts with you, Register to Vote. Voting is good for your Family, Friends, and our Community. Together, We Count. Panahon Na!” 1
US Awards FilAm Veteran the Purple Heart Washington, D.C. Filipino World War II veteran Jesus M. Baltazar finally got the Purple Heart for wounds suffered in combat at the Bataan Peninsula in 1942. In a January 20 ceremony filled with pomp and pageantry, the 94-year-old retired Air Force major walked proudly and stood with head high as U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond Odierno presented the medal in his honor. But it took 70 years. “I'm very grateful that I finally got it and that all the members of my family were here today to witness it,” Baltazar said after the ceremony held at the Ft. Meyer army base. “I'm sure they'll never forget it and they can pass it along to the next generation.” Witnessing the event were his wife of 60 years, Magrit Baltazar; his five children and nine grandchildren. In his remarks, Odierno noted that Baltazar has the distinct honor of being the first native-born Filipino to be commissioned in the U.S. Air Force. “I’ve been moved by your humility, selflessness and service to this nation,” Odierno said. “Your story is about honor and courage, as an American patriot, soldier, airman and diplomat. Today, we stand on your shoulders, proud of your legacy and your great example of courage and public service.” NaFFAA National Chairman JT Mallonga conveyed his congratulations to Baltazar for his “bravery, heroism and exemplary record of public service. Our community is proud of your service and we will continue to work hard so that the thousands of other veterans who risked their lives for this country will get the recognition they deserve.” After serving in three wars – World War II, Korea and Vietnam – the retired Air Force major worked as a security adviser in the U.S. State Department. He has resided in the Washington D.C. area with his wife since 1951. Over the years, he joined his fellow veterans lobby for equity benefits. When Congress approved the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation (FVEC) Fund in 2009, Baltazar was among the 18,000 who received lump-sum payments.
L to R: Joe Montano, Filipino Veteran advocate,Rudy Pinaglima, WWll Veteran, Jon Melegrito, Communications Director, National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), Rey Cabacar, WWll Veteran, Maj. Jesus Baltazar, Purple Heart recipient, Claudio Pedery, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Maj. Gen (Ret), Delfin Lorenzana, Head, veterans Office, Maj. (Ret) Jesus Baltazar, 94 years old resident of Philippine Embassy, and Maj. General (US Army-Ret) Antonio M. Taguba, Executive Committee, Filipino World War ll Con- Virginia, Purple Heart recipient, with NaFFAA Leaders gressional Gold Medal Project, posed for a picture immediately after the formal awarding ceremony of the Purple Heart to Jon Melegrito and Bing Branigin. Major Jesus Baltazar, Ft. Myer, Arlington, Virginia, January 20. Photos: Bing Cardenas Branigin
Baltazar was previously awarded the bronze star, but receiving the Purple Heart has special meaning for his family. “This is the culmination of his entire career,” said his son, Tom Baltazar. “It really is. We have heard these stories of how he was wounded since we were little children and really the question came up a few years ago, ‘Where's the purple heart?’” After compiling their father’s records and doing all the necessary leg work to get the Army’s attention, the children finally succeeded. The awarding ceremony, which was attended by NaFFAA Region 2 officers and members, featured a parade in review replete with honor guards, a brass band and the Fife and Bugle Corp dressed in colonial attire. Naked Soldier. Old soldiers may just fade away, but not Baltazar. Although diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer, he continues to report to the State Department part-time “because I get bored just staying home watching TV,” he says. He still gardens and loves to cook. Encouraged by his family, he recently started to write down his memoirs. Copies of a first edition were made available to family and friends. He chose “The Naked Soldier” as the book’s title. “When I was recruited to join the 71st Battalion of the USAFFE, we had no uniforms, no military training, no food supplies and weapons to match the enemy’s superior guns,” he wrote. “Our hardware was obsolete and the jungles were hostile with mosquitoes. All we had was our courage and determination to fight the invaders and defend our country. We were naked soldiers who fought against all odds and never gave up on our path to victory.” Continued on p.3
2
In the book, Baltazar describes escaping from the infamous Bataan Death March and finding his way back home. He recalled how two Filipino fishermen sneaked into their encampment where close to 80,000 political prisoners were resting. It was the third night and he didn’t think he was going to make the 66-mile march. The fishermen offered to “smuggle” anyone who would pay them $20. As it happened, he had a $20 bill rolled up and concealed in his shoes to avoid detection. “That $20 saved my life,” Baltazar wrote. He was 21 at the time. Baltazar also acknowledged the hundreds of veterans advocates, community leaders and members of Congress who have championed the veterans’ cause over the years. In June this year, he testified before the House Armed Services Committee on behalf of his comrades who have not received their benefits. “I am outraged that we were not treated right,” he said of the 1946 Rescission Act that stripped Filipino veterans of their rightful benefits. “I want to see my comrades receive the honor they deserve.” Four-Star General Ray Odiorno, U.S. Army Chief of Staff, conducted the official pinning of the Purple Heart Medal to Maj. (US Air Force Ret), Major Jesus Baltazar, last January 20, Ft Myer, Arling ton, Virginia. Baltazar was wounded during World War ll, fighting the Japanese Imperial Army in 1942. He escaped the grueling Death March. After WWll, Baltazar came to the US and worked the USAID, and the US State Department. The 94 years old Baltazar still get's up early everyday, and do his part time job at the State Department. After over seventy years, Baltazar got his Purple Heart through the hard work of family members and friends. Photo: Bing Cardenas Branigin
Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba (Ret), himself a son of a veteran and former staff of the Army’s Chief of Staff, is delighted that Baltazar was honored the way he did. “Mr. Baltazar represents all the Filipino World War II veterans who have never been recognized for their valuable contributions during the war,” he says. “They have waited patiently for 70 years. We can not close this dark chapter in US history until America says ‘thank you’ and give them official recognition.”
NAFFAA Commends Bipartisan Effort on Behalf of Filipino World War II Veterans Washington, D.C. “We are grateful to Sen. Mazie K. Hirono, Sen. Dean Heller and U.S. Rep. Grace Meng for introducing a bill that would ensure that Filipino veterans who fought in World War II receive their rightful benefits,” says NaFFAA National Chairman JT Mallonga. “While more than 18,000 veterans have already received them, there are thousands more whose claims have been denied and are still waiting. That’s mainly because their names were not listed in official rosters maintained by the United States Army.” Called “The Filipino Veterans Promise Amendment,”the proposed measure would direct the Department of Defense (DOD), in consultation with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), to “establish a process for determining whether certain individuals meet the necessary service requirements to receive veterans’ benefits and subsequently be verified as a Veteran by the United States Army.” Following passage of the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation (FVEC) Fund in 2009, Filipino veterans residing in the U.S. have each received a lump sum payment of $15,000 while those who live in the Philippines received $9,000. Of the thousands whose claims have been rejected, about 4,200 have appealed. They assert that their rejection was based on unfair proceJT Mallonga, Esq. dures established by the U.S. Army in determining service eligibility. These veterans are deNaFFAA National Chair manding that the Veterans Administration review their appeals and allow them to present other forms of proof to back up their claims. According to Sen. Hirono (D-HI), “This bill will provide Filipino World War II veterans a process to prove that they indeed served and are eligible for the benefits they’ve been promised. We must now work to ensure every surviving veteran who served shoulder-to-shoulder with American forces receives this well-earned benefit.” Mallonga is calling on the Filipino American community to urge their senators and representatives to vote for the bill. “It is a matter of honor and dignity, for both the U.S. and for our brave soldiers who fought for this country,” Mallonga said. 3
NaFFAA- New York to Host 1st Annual NY-State Symposium on Civic Engagement & Community Empowerment MANHATTAN, NY – January 20, 2015 – The New York chapter of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA NY) will host the 1st annual Symposium on Civic Engagement & Community Empowerment for New York State at the New York University Palladium (140 E. 14th Street) on January 31st, 2015 from 10am-5pm. Speakers include NY State Assemblyman Ron Kim, President & CEO of New York Power Authority Gil Quinones, and writer/activist Meredith Talusan. NaFFAA-NY State Chair Steven Raga stated “These 3 speakers will shed light on how Filipino Americans can become more involved in the civic process and advocacy throughout the entire state of New York, not just the usual 5 boroughs and surrounding counties.” Conference Chair, Christopher Unera said “the workshops and panels are aimed to pinpoint priority issues within the city and state of New York”. He explained “local government engagement is not a practice commonly found within Filipino American organizations. This conference will help set the foundation for a more engaged community.” The 3 discussion panels will be facilitated by Makilala TV hosts and will range from the importance of lobbying elected officials, to the current state of Filipino community centers/space in New York, and even intergenerational issues when leading organizations within the FilAm community. “I am particularly excited about our Civic Engagement Session” added Raga. “Delegates will be split by their county of residence and devise an plan to inform local government agencies and officials of their priority issues“ he continued. NaFFAA-NY is providing a limited amount of free tickets for this event. To inquire, please call (917) 392-4546 or email NaFFAA.NY@gmail.com.
NaFFAA Makes Recommendations at AAPI-ACA Teleconference with US VP Biden Notes taken during a teleconference call with Vice President Biden and U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy for the AAPI Community on the Affordable Care Act (ACA), January 13, 2015 Submitted by: Rommel Rivera, M.D. NaFFAA Health Director Rommel.rivera@naffaa.org
Get the word out to all communities and encourage sign up for healthcare insurance coverage for 2015; the last day for open enrollment to get healthcare insurance coverage for 2015 is FEBRUARY 15, 2015. Overall satisfaction rate of 79% of the quality and cost of ACA insurances Additional 3.1 million young adults received health insurance coverage through their parents in 2014; 120,000 AAPI young adults received health insurance coverage through their parents in 2014 Additional 47 million women (2.5 million AAPI women) covered for preventative health services including mammograms and pap smears 129 million with pre-existing conditions can no longer be denied coverage through their own existing insurances or through ACA insurances HEALTHCARE IS A BASIC RIGHT HEALTH INSURANCE – is a RESPONSIBILITY to take care of one’s self HEALTH INSURANCE – equates to PEACE OF MIND; a SECURITY to you and people you love HEALTH INSURANCE – is about CHOICE, OPPORTUNITY, and FREEDOM For more information on the Affordable Care Act including enrollment, changing coverage, 2014 taxes, fees, and exemptions, visit: https://www.healthcare.gov
4
NaFFAA MI Leaders to Host Major Annual State Events in 2015 32nd Anniversary Celebration and Valentine's Ball 2015 Philippine American Cultural Center of Michigan February 7, 2015 Co-Chairs: Loida Moses, NaFFAA MI BOD Member Willie Dechavez, NaFFAA MI State Chair Immigration Informational Meeting on Administrative Relief February 21, 2015 Host: NaFFAA Michigan Oath Taking Ceremony for New Immigrants with US Immigration Office April 7, 2015 Host: NaFFAA Michigan Asian Pacific Americans Heritage Month Capitol, Lansing, Michigan May 2015 Chair: Willie Dechavez, NaFFAA MI State Chair Workshop: "Know Your Rights and Resources" June 20, 2015 Host: NaFFAA Michigan "Consulate on Wheels" September 2015 Chair: Willie Dechavez, NaFFAA MI State Chair NaFFAA 12th Annual Event Celebrating the Filipino American Heritage Month October 3, 2015. Chair: Willie Dechavez, NaFFAA MI State Chair
NaFFAA Michigan State Chair Willie Dechavez (L) at the 2014 Rizal Day Celebration.
NaFFAA ILLINOIS ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR 2015 CIRCLE OF EMPOWERED WOMEN The members of NaFFAA Illinois (Midwest Region 3) invite you to the Circle of Empowered Women (CEW) educational forum and induction dinner. This year's theme, "Challenge - Action - Change," will address concerns within a triad of topics: economy, healthcare, and youth. "Not only do we want to provide an educational forum for the community," says Abbey Eusebio, chair of the 2015 CEW Forum, "but, we also want to challenge one's thinking, and encourage others to work towards positive change for themselves and others." The economic discussion will focus on the proposal to raise the minimum wage for in Illinois ― where voters overwhelmingly supported a ballot measure to increase the minimum wage to $10 an hour in 2015; the healthcare segment will clarify the benefits covered under the Affordable Healthcare Act; and the youth portion will address our $1-trillion student loan debt ― a looming financial crisis that could negatively impact the quality of life for students decades after they graduate. The roster of speakers will be announced soon. Rose Tibayan, award-winning journalist, will moderate the forum discussion. A sit-down dinner will immediately follow the forum, where a new batch of nominees will be inducted into the Circle of Empowered Women. The CEW is a network, founded in the Midwest in 2004, which provides mutual support, leadership growth, and experience sharing, to create the foundation for lasting personal and social change. Lynette Torres, current NaFFAA Illinois vice chair, leads the general planning of this year's event as the 2015 CEW Overall Chair.
Circle of Empowered Women
Forum & Induction Dinner Sunday, March 29, 2015 4:30PM Crowne Plaza Hotel 5440 North River Road Rosemont, Illinois
For tickets, please contact: Cindy Flores, NaFFAA Illinois Chair 312-925-7812 cindycflores15@yahoo.com Lynette Torres, 2015 Overall Chair 630-440-4869 lynnettetorres20@gmail.com Abbey Eusebio, 2015 Forum Chair 847-529-5558 abbeygne@yahoo.com
Cindy Flores NaFFAA Illinois Chair
5
2014 People of the Year Awardee
PeopleAsia magazine presents its People of the Year for 2014. The list of awardees includes the names and faces of people who have made a difference in their lives and in the lives of others. They have made their country proud, and to some extent, they have made humanity a race to be loved, nurtured and celebrated. NaFFAA congratulates one of its founding members, and former National Chair, Loida Nicolas-
Lewis to be a recipient of 2014 People of
Loida Nicolas-Lewis
the Year Award. She was cited as the first Asian to have passed the New York Bar without having to study in the US and the former chair and CEO of TLC Beatrice International, the largest African-American USbased conglomerate in the ‘90s — is the total picture of a global Pinoy. She is a philanthropist who believes that by giving his fellow Filipino the right guidance will help them improve themselves. She is a civic leader who cares about the welfare of her country and her countrymen.
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.
Editorial Staff Ryan Tejero
Editor-In-Chief ryantejero@yahoo.com Contributing Editors
Eduardo “Ed” Navarra ejn0115@aol.com
Jon Melegrito
jdmelegrito@gmail.com
Bing Branigin
MCBranigin@aol.com Please forward event announcements and news articles in your community for February issue by the 25th. Submission must be in word format and pictures are in jpeg or jpg formats.
Thank you to all January contributors! Ple
6
Search for the 4th batch of Filipino American Youth Leadership Program (FYLPro) Delegates The Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. is pleased to announce the search for the fourth batch of delegates for the annual Filipino American Youth Leadership Program (FYLPro). FYLPro, the brainchild of Philippine Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Jose L. Cuisia, Jr., was launched in 2012 as part of his advocacy to reach out the youth and encourage them to actively engage in their own communities, and at the same time, promote Philippines development.“By giving Filipino-American youth leaders the chance to have a better appreciation and understanding of the land where their parents came from, we are also giving ourselves the opportunity to have more spokespersons for the Philippines in the United States,” Ambassador Cuisia, Jr. said. The program is open to individuals who meet the following criteria: a) No younger than 25 years old and no older than 40 years old by 02 July 2015; b) Ready and capable of undertaking travel to the Philippines by that date (i.e. have a valid passport for international travel), and be able to participate in the 4thFYLProand the 10th Ambassadors, Consuls General and Tourism Directors Tour (ACGTDT) to be held on 02-04 July and 06-09 July, respectively; c)
Have potential or demonstrated leadership skills within their school, community, workplace or other area of involvement, and
d) Have potential or demonstrated involvement in the Filipino American community, or in issues and/or activities that align with the interest of the Filipino American community or the Philippines. When asked what FYLPro means to program alumnae Bea Querido, she says that "FYLPro offers an entry point - the beginning or continuation of a journey towards finding a meaningful connection to the Philippines. It's about building empathy and learning between Fil-Ams and Filipinos in the Philippines in hope of creating impactful collaborations that will push forward our global and local Filipino communities forward." The past three batches who participated in the program were able to undertake political advocacy initiatives, cultural and tourism promotion programs, social entrepreneurship activities, education innovations, Filipino-American heritage projects, voter awareness and education, and even political campaigns. The previous batches are now focused on mentoring the incoming batch and undertaking concrete projects that would ensure the batch’s legacy. Interested individuals may download the application form at the link found in the attached Press Release, starting 15 January 2015. Deadline for submission of applications and documentary requirements is on 30 March 2015, while the announcement of the ten (10) delegates is on 30 April 2015. Applications must be submitted to the proper Foreign Service Post who has jurisdiction over the applicant’s place of residency (please refer to the application form). http://www.philippinessanfrancisco.org/news/4366/591/4TH-ANNUAL-FILAM-YOUTH-LEADERS-PROGRAM-LAUNCHED/d,phildet/ Cultural, Community Relations and Public Information (CCPI) Section Philippine Consulate General, San Francisco 447 Sutter Street, 6th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94108 USA Tel. No.: (415) 433-6666 ext. 313 Fax No.: (415) 421-2641 Email: cultural@philippinessanfrancisco.org Website: http://www.philippinessanfrancisco.org
It is equally important to register Fil-Ams to Vote as it is to make them understand the issues on the ballot. NaFFAA is involved in an aggressive voter registration program that will increase the number of eligible Fil-Am voters. Voter education allows Fil-Ams to learn the issues that effect their everyday lives. A GOTV program will encourage Fil-Am voters to participate in the electoral process. A voter protection will ensure that voters are free to exercise their choice. For more information of the Fil-Am Vote and to volunteer to help educate others, please contact the following NaFFAA FilAm Vote Directors: Gloria T. Caoile, Juanito Amor, Dick Aquino. Please visit naffaa.org. 7
NaFFAA Region 2 members were among the panelists at last year's White House briefing on Asian American Pacific Islander issues, which included health care, the elderly, and immigration reform. NaFFAA members from across the country participated in the day-long summit. (Photo by Bing Branigin)
8