What’s Inside?
Leader on the Spot:
Consul General Generoso Calonge Philippine Consul General in Chicago
NaFFAA Illinois.…………..... 2 Pictures ………………………….3 Region 3West……….………..4 News Round-Up…......…….5 Natural Medicine.……….....6 Global Summit………………..6 Announcements...………….7 Membership Form...……….8
The Consulate General of the Philippines in Chicago was established in 1948. It aims to foster close and mutually beneficial relations between the Philippines and the Midwest region of the United States, particularly in the fields of trade, investments, tourism, culture and people-to-people relations. The Consulate also services the consular requirements of the growing Filipino community, extends assistance to nationals in distress and conducts regular outreach programs to the 16 states under its jurisdiction. These states are: Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. The Consul General’s typical day is a reflection of the aims of the Consulate General. He is often meeting prospective investors to the Philippines, his fellow diplomats, and federal, state and local officials. He is also frequently attending the functions of the Filipino-American community.
The Consulate General Office along Chicago’s North Michigan Avenue
Among the ongoing major thrusts of the Consulate General are: campaign for Filipino-Americans to avail themselves of Philippine citizenship by means of Republic Act 9225 also known as the Dual Citizenship Act; inviting all qualified Filipino Overseas Voter applicants from the Midwest to file applications for registration, certification and transfer of registration records; encourage all Filipino-American Organization to apply for recognition from the Consulate General; the accreditation of Notaries Public with the Consulate General; and the invitation for Filipino-American Community leaders to the monthly meet-up at the Consulate every third Thursday of the month. The Consulate General looks at the members of the Filipino-American community as excellent partners in promoting the Philippines in their respective areas and strengthening the link between the Philippines and the US Midwest.
The Consul General with Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel
The Consulate General is located at 122 S Michigan Avenue, Suite 1600, Chicago, Illinois 60603. Its contact details are: tel: 312.583.0621; fax: 312.583.0647; website: www.chicagopcg.com and email: chicagopcg@att.net. For those with Facebook accounts, you may keep up to date with all announcements by the Consulate General by going to its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/chicagopcg and clicking “like.”
Officers and staff of the Consulate General with Chicago officials after completing the Chicago Community Emergency Response Team training
One of the monthly meet-ups in the Consulate General
NaFFAA Illinois Inducts Stellar Group of Empowered Women This year’s batch includes accomplished women in the fields of law, medicine, business, journalism and community leadership. March 29, 2015. This year's theme, "Challenge - Action - Change," addresses 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."
2015 CEW Keynote Speaker NaFFAA National Vice Chair Emraida Kiram (seated L), with Chicago Consul General Generoso Calonge and other guests
The economic discussion focused on the proposal to raise the minimum wage in Illinois ― where voters overwhelmingly supported a ballot measure to increase the minimum wage to $10 an hour in 2015; the healthcare segment clarified the benefits covered under the Affordable Healthcare Act; and the youth portion addressed the $1-trillion student loan debt ― a looming financial crisis that could negatively impact the quality of life for students decades after they graduate. Abbey Eusebio, who is the NaFFAA Illinois Vice Chair and Forum Chair moderated the forum discussion. A sit-down dinner immediately followed the forum at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Rosemont, IL, where a new batch of Empowered Women was inducted. 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 Illinos vice chair, led the general planning of this year as the 2015 CEW Overall Chair. IL State Chair Cindy Flores has been instrumental in spearheading the overwhelming success of CEW both in 2014 and 2015.
NaFFAA IL State Chair Cindy Flores with the event’s host, Ms. Rose Tibayan
Photos by 2015 CEW Inductee Dionalane Cannon/Rosalina Shea
The following were inducted to the 2015 CEW by Philippine Consul General Chicago Generoso Calonge at Crowne Plaza Hotel: Geri Aglipay, Kulsum Ameji, Edith Ardiente, Jovie Calma, Dionalane Cannon, Donna Fahrenbach, Rian Mari Francisco, Eleanor Gonzales, Anjana Hansen, Jeannie Hoffman, Linda Hou, Maria Isabel Lopez, Christina Madridejos Mancini, Josina Morita, Megan Nakano, Iris Sagrado, and Luyang Yang. Please find profiles of these empowered women at the newly-launched website at www.naffaaillinois.org.
More Pictures at NaFFAA Illinois Circle of Empowered Women Event
Illinois State Chair Cindy Flores with National Vice Chair Emraida Kiram and NaFFAA IL Treasurer Lynnette Torres 2015 Circle of Empowered Women Inductees
Illinois State Chair Cindy Flores with IL Secretary of State Jesse White, NaFFAA Officers Lynnette Torres Rose Tibayan and Community Leader Carmen Estacio Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White and Philippine Consul General in Chicago Generoso Calonge with one of the inductees, Philippine movie star Maria Isabel Lopez
Thank you very much Jhun and Chaziel from JC Patron Photography for the beautiful pictures! From the Editor! Illinois State Chair Cindy Flores (4 from L) joined by inductees Maria Isabel Lopez (5 from L) and Jovie Calma (3rd from L), members of Chicago Philippine Press Club and some Chicago community leaders
2015 NaFFAA R3West Mission in the Philippines: Touching lives, fulfilling dreams, providing hope
The 6th Biennial Humanitarian Mission co-sponsored by the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) Region 3 West (consisting of Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, & Wisconsin), Pagbilawin Foundation, Houston Royal Oaks Lions Club, Tuy Club USA and the Carandang/Chua Family, was a huge success. Close to 2,000 needy patients availed of the free medical, dental and optical services in the towns of Balayan, Nasugbu, and Tuy in Batangas, and in Lubang Island, Occidental Mindoro. Over 30 volunteers from all over the U.S. joined the local volunteers who served the beneficiary municipalities: 14 from Illinois, 7 from California, 1 from Nevada, 4 from Texas, 2 from Tennessee, 2 from Kentucky, and 1 from Washington. The Espineli Family's home in Balayan, became the home away from home of some volunteers from the USA during the mission in Batangas. This year, Map International and World Medical Relief were the sources of the medicines, medical & dental equipment, and medical supplies, and we only paid for their related administrative costs. Young Innovations, Inc., donated toothbrushes which we provided to the dental patients and some local volunteers. Dental anesthesia and some supplies were purchased in the Philippines. AMLI Property Management donated used desktop & laptop computers, which we donated to the various schools & barangays in the beneficiary municipalities. The mission in Balayan was made possible through the help and support of Municipal Councilor Francisco "Cocoy" Ramos and the Captains of the 4 beneficiary barangays, who provided the food & refreshments. In Tuy, Municipal Mayor Jey Cerrado and Municipal Doctor Pilar Adrias were instrumental in the success of the mission there, also providing delicious lunch. We were also treated to dinner, singing & dancing at the Gavana Resort by Mr. & Mrs. Rey Carandang. In Nasugbu, former Mayor Tony Barcelon, with the help of the Knights of Columbus, obtained permission from the Parish priest to hold the mission at the Parish Hall. We were also treated to a sumptuous lunch and morning & afternoon native meriendas, through the kindness of the former mayor's family and our friend, Boy Mulingbayan. In Lubang Island, Mayor Juan Sanchez, his family and members of the municipal staff were credited for the smooth and very organized mission. The food & lodging accommodations were provided by Air Link International Aviation College.
Mission Team providing dental services
Volunteers with Lubang Mayor Juan Sanchez
Mission Team providing medical services
Region 3West Presents “Know your Rights” Forum, Collaborates with another agency March 28, 2015, NaFFAA R3West, in collaboration with the Chinese Mutual Aid Association, presented a “Know Your Rights” forum in Chicago that discussed relevant topics such as DACA and civic engagement. NaFFAA was represented by R3West Chair Jelly Carandang and National Vice Chair Emraida Kiram. Chinese Mutual Aid Association was represented by its Executive Director Dennis Mondero (photo below).
NaFFAA News Round-Up San Francisco, CA After careful hearing on the proposed ordinance to amend the City’s Transportation Code, the City of San Francisco eventually passed on March 19, 2015, an ordinance banning tour bus drivers from narrating while driving. (L-R) Rodel Rodis, Anthony Remo Luna, Jinni Mabalot Bartolome and Rudy Asercion attended the Board of Supervisors hearing.This advocacy is in honor of Precy Moreto (RIP) who was fatally run over by a tour bus last October 23, 2014 in front of San Francisco City Hall. NaFFAA Region 8 officially introduces Attorney Anthony Luna as a new member of NaFFAA R8 and currently is the designated spokesperson on civil rights matters affecting Filipino-Americans. Rudy Asercion is also taking over NaFFAA Region 8 Chair effective April 2015.
San Diego, CA NaFFAA Region 10 Cosponsors Philippine Economic Partnerships event on March 19, 2015 in San Diego, CA. Shown in picture (LR) are Honorary Philippine Consul General Audie de Castro, Myles Colosa, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose L. Cuisia Jr., New NaFFAA Region Chair Myrna Reyes and Jr. Amor.
Covington, KY Jessica Cox Speaks at the Region 3East Regional Conference August 1, 2015 http://www.naffaa-r3east.org Jessica Cox has famously eliminated the words “I can’t” from her vocabulary. Although born without arms as the result of a birth defect, she has never allowed that to be a limiting factor. While she suffered from self-esteem issues early on and physical challenges throughout her life, Jessica managed to overcome and achieve — earning a college degree and a Taekwondo black belt, learning to drive a car with her feet, type with her toes, and in 2008 fly an airplane. That feat landed her in the Guinness Book of World Records and led to an audience with the Pope, meetings with heads of state, and a great deal of media attention. Recently married, Jessica continues her journey. In the present, she has turned the tables on her so-called “disability”, allowing it to enable her as a motivational speaker and advocate in the USA and beyond. In the future there is no telling where her feet will take her .
Medicines From Local Natural Source By Dr. Erlinda Rojas Santos
Member, NaFFAA Task Force on Health and Education Former NaFFAA Region V Chair and Colorado State Chair International Federation of University Women Triennial Conference Speaker on Herbal Medicine University of the Philippines Alumni Association in America Vice President-West, Convention Speaker on Philippine Herbals as Pharmaceuticals
The Philippines is a biodiversity hotspot, making it favorable for the discovery of novel compounds from indigenous land and marine species. Successfully commercialized herbal drugs with various indications that were developed through academic research and development include: Vitex negundo tablets and syrup for nonbacterial cough (see photo attached); Blumea balsamifera tablets for urolithiasis and dieresis; Cassia a lata lotion for fungal infection; and Mentha cordifolia tablets as analgesic. The Philippine Department of Health in consultation with The National Integrated Research Program on Medicinal Plants (Nirpromp) was established in 1977 to develop safe and effective medicinal preparations from indigenous plants to cushion the effect of escalating Prices of drugs and to increase the availability of drugs, especially in the rural areas. It involved government collaboration with various hospitals and academic institutions, in both public and private sectors. These included the University of the Philippines System, Ateneo de Manila University, Central Luzon State University and Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center. Research-based Swiss healthcare company Novartis has signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aimed at advancing the Philippine Drug Discovery program, particularly in the area of natural substance and products research and development. A minimum of 15 years and a huge amount of money is necessary to develop a single drug. However, with proper strategic collaborations such as the partnership with Novartis, limited resources can be maximized and discovery cost minimized to develop safe and effective medicines from indigenous sources according to Science Undersecretary Amelia Guevara. The MOA was signed in the Novartis campus in Basel, Switzerland last Dec. 12 2014 by Dr. Dhavalkumar Patel, head of Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research ( NIBR) Europe and Dr. Guevara, witnessed by Alexandre Jetzer, senior adviser for government relations and member Emeritus of the Board of Directors of Novartis International; Philippine Council for Health and Development Executive Director Dr. Jaime Montoya and Novartis AMAC (Asia, Middle East, Africa) head Carlos Garcia.
“As a first time attendee of this global summit of Filipinos in the Diaspora, I can express awe and admiration for the efficient and effective activities through the 3-day event. It was educational as it opened my eyes to opposite aspects of the lives of Pinoys abroad: Firstly, the affluence, influence and comfortable lifestyle of those who have progressed in their enterprises in public or private; and secondly, the sad plight of Pinoys suffering from abuse, dangers, misfortunes in their jobs and displaced families. The adulation poured on the participants as "BalikBayanis" was well-deserved, but their contributions to the Philippine economy in some instances were marred by the injustice, when victimized with their properties (houses, lands, etc) being misappropriated or grabbed while out of the country by unscrupulous individuals, even relatives. Overall, the 3rd GS deepened my love for my homeland with the call for action for its development and the welfare of its people. “ Dr. Erlinda Rojas-Santos (2nd from L) with Loida Nicolas Lewis (Center) and other Summit guests. Dr. Santos was the sole representative from NaFFAA Colorado Jelly Carandang, NaFFAA Region 3West Chair, with another summit guest (Center) and Anthony Guevarra, NaFFAA Region 6 Chair, taking a “selfie” during the break.
“We did represent our group with pride when we participated at an impromptu presentation entitled, "Intergenerational Connectivity," wherein most of the NaFFAA officers present participated.”
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 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 March issue by the 25th. Submission must be in word format and pictures are in jpeg or jpg formats.
Thank you to all March contributors! Ple