INSIDE:
President Obama Signs Bill Granting Recognition to Filipino World War II Veterans
Message from National Chair Visit in Michigan, Ohio, San Diego WWII Vets Tidbits Membership Form
Next steps planned for newest Congressional Gold Medal recipients
Washington, D.C. Seventeen months after Congress introduced the Filipino World War II Veterans Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015, a bill granting recognition to Filipino and American soldiers who served in the Pacific theater, their heretofore forgotten story of uncommon valor became enshrined in U.S. history when President Obama signed the measure into law on December 14, 2016. But it took more than seven decades for this moment to arrive. "After enduring 75 years of injustice and humiliation, our Filipino World War II veterans finally regained their honor and dignity with the signing of this historic bill,” said Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba (Ret), Chairman of the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetREP). “With deep gratitude, our nation has now fully recognized the service and sacrifice of our brave heroes who fought valiantly under the American flag."
Photo: Google images
US President Barack Obama
To FilVetREP Board Member Christy Poisot of Houston, TX, granddaughter of a Filipino World War II veteran, “this historic act by Congress and the President of the United States provides the foundation for us to ensure that their amazing stories of heroism are now part of the American story. This means my grandfather and my family can have closure. They will be honored and not forgotten.”
Adds FilVetREP Board Member Sony Busa, of Annandale, VA: “It is said that a person dies twice, the first time when they breathe their last, and the next time when their name is mentioned for the last time. By awarding the Congressional Gold Medal, especially to those who have passed away, our veterans will not die a second time. They will always be remembered. This is the least we can do for these honored veterans who have sacrificed so much so that we may enjoy the freedoms we have today.” Bookending President Obama’s Administration in the closing days of his Presidency In lauding Obama’s action, Taguba recalls that among Obama’s first acts in office was the signing in January 2009 of a bill creating the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation (FVEC) Fund, which grants a one-time lump sum payment to Filipino World War II veterans. “We also remember his most recent executive action this year to launch the Filipino WWII Veterans Parole Program, allowing veterans to reunite with their families,” he points out. “He has been a champion for our veterans throughout his time in public service on the national stage, and we salute him for his leadership.” Taguba also acknowledges the tireless efforts of former Senators Daniel Inouye (D-HI) and Daniel Akaka (D-HI), who spent most of their years in Congress fighting for veterans equity rights. “They inspired others to champion the veterans’ cause – notably Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Dean Heller (R-NV), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Harry Reid (D-NV) in the Senate, and U.S. Representatives Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI), Joe Heck (R-NV), Mark Takai (D-HI), Judy Chu (D-CA), and Mike Honda (D-CA) in the House. Thanks to them, the 18,000 veterans who are still alive don’t have to wait any longer. We recognize Rep. Mark Takai (D-HI) posthumously for his efforts on behalf of the veterans.” “Recognition, after all, is what our veterans need more than anything else, an official thank you from the government that ordered them to fight under the American flag,” Taguba points out. “But it can only be demonstrated with Congress awarding them the Congressional Gold Medal. They are most deserving of this honor, and we are heartened that in February 1946, Congress stripped them of their rights and benefits. In November 30, 2016, Congress passed the congressional gold medal bill to rectify a grave injustice.” 1
A long journey Thelma Sevilla of Seattle, WA., daughter of a Philippine Scout, remembers “the sacrifices, and perseverance of the many Filipino soldiers who served the United States. Their journey before, during and after the war for justice and recognition has been a long and arduous one. And now that journey nears the end. In my 20 plus years of Filipino Veterans advocacy work, I have come to know and understand their courage, patience, and quiet strength, waiting for justice that’s long overdue.” In Seattle, a number of living Filipino veterans are looking forward to receiving their medals, Sevilla said. Among them are 97-year-old Gregorio Garcia, 99-year-old Escolastico Galarosa and 98-year-old Joe Taton. “Along with countless fellow Bataan and Corregidor survivors and POWs who have since passed away, they would be thrilled just knowing that America has not forgotten them.” In Washington, D.C. 99-year-old Celestino Almeda, 88-year-old Rey Cabacar and 86-year-old Rudy Panaglima, are also delighted that the day they’ve been waiting for finally came. “My children will now have something to pass on to their children and their children’s children,” Cabacar says. “I’m swelling with pride that the America I served has come through for me and my fellow veterans.” Way ahead With the bill’s signing, FilVetREP is now planning the way ahead for the veterans to mark this historic event. Immediate plans include providing information for veterans and their families on how to get involved. The FilVetREP website, www.filvetrep.org, will be a definitive source of information, with an FAQ, updates on resources and events. FilVetREP will also work with the U.S. Mint and the U.S. Commission on Fine Arts to design the Congressional Gold Medal. More than 20,000 bronze replicas of the medal will be produced, which will be individually awarded to eligible veterans. “FilVetREP has vowed to raise the funds to cover the cost of these medals,” Taguba said. “We also need to plan a national exhibition and create an education program, which will enshrine the Congressional Gold Medal, and the veterans whose service it recognizes, for generations to come.” “Given these activities, fundraising is going to be our main focus in the coming months,” Taguba said further. “We are counting on the Filipino American community, advocates, sponsors, and partners across the country to give generously and work just as hard in building our financial resources so we can accomplish our mission of preserving our veterans’ story for posterity.” "Now the real work begins,” FilVetREP Outreach Director Ben de Guzman states. “We continue to engage the White House and the Congress to make sure our lawmakers fully manifest the gratitude of a grateful nation for these veterans. We'll be working with folks in Washington and around the country to make sure we lift up the veterans and that our celebratory events for them are worthy of the sacrifices they made in the war and have continued to make in the 70 plus years since." Adds Nonie Cabana of San Antonio, TX., and a FilVetREP Deputy Regional Director: “We will also continue to engage our grassroots supporters who have been pivotal in securing the needed votes from the Senate and the House. This is a huge victory for the Filipino American community because we applied ourselves vigorously, in so many different ways of organizing and mobilizing, forming alliances at local and state levels, and touching the hearts and minds of citizens who rallied behind a worthy cause. We owe our veterans a huge debt of gratitude and the least we can do is make sure we keep their memory alive.” “Most importantly, to our Veterans of WWII, we proudly salute you with the utmost reverence for your distinguished service to a grateful Nation,” Taguba said.
Commemorating Pearl Harbor and the heroism of Filipino World War II veterans Washington, D.C. Seventy-five years ago today, Japanese fighter planes bombed Pearl Harbor. On the same day, Japanese forces attacked the Philippines, a U.S. territory at the time. More than 250,000 Filipino soldiers responded to President Roosevelt’s call-to-arms to defend the Philippines and the United States. They would go on to endure some of the most horrific conditions anywhere in the world, including the Bataan Death March and the ravages of the bombing of Manila, second only to Warsaw in its destruction. They would not accept defeat. They would not quit. They would not leave a fallen comrade. Half of them died in battle fighting under the American flag, making the ultimate sacrifice as soldiers in the U.S. Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) and as guerrilla fighters during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines. Those who survived suffered the scars of battle and the invisible wounds of war. They were forced to endure additional humiliation and a slap in the face when the U.S. Congress passed the 1946 Rescission Acts, which stripped them of their rights and promised benefits. Righting a wrong “This extraordinary moment can only be consoled with the award of the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal,” says Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba (Ret), chairman of the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project. “Through all this time, the veterans – those who have passed and those still alive today, remained steadfast and resolute hoping our country they had willingly defended would right the wrong brought upon them. Their determination to gain recognition was long and arduous.”
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On November 30, Congress finally passed legislation granting recognition to the 260,000 Filipino soldiers for their service and sacrifice. It took more than 72 years. “The passage of this bill on the eve of the bombing of Pearl Harbor on Dec 7, 1941, and the attack on the Philippines on Dec 8, 1941 is a momentous event, which is now enshrined in U.S. history,” adds Taguba. “Commemorating the anniversary of ‘the day of infamy’ and the courageous response of Filipino and American soldiers to call to duty, should serve to remind us that their uncommon valor should never be forgotten, that this American story should be preserved for posterity. Always remembering what they did is the best way to protect our children and their children from the horrors of war.” 90s.
Today, less than 16,000 remain, most of them ailing and in their
Global conflict The Pearl Harbor bombing led to a global conflict. As a Commonwealth of the United States, the Philippines was inevitably drawn into the war. Filipino soldiers fought the Japanese Imperial Forces from December 1941 to December 1946. Thousands were killed, wounded and captured as Prisoners of War. Thousands more fought as guerrillas until the enemy was finally defeated, liberating the country and preserving freedom and democracy in the United States. Photo: Google images
“While Americans of all ages remember Pearl Harbor as a key event that triggered our nation’s involvement in World War II, we rightly commemorate the sacrifices of the brave men and women who fought for our freedom in the years that followed,” Taguba points out. “But much less is known or remembered of the thousands of Filipino and American soldiers who fought bravely for our freedom more than half a century ago and half a world away. Granting them recognition ensures that their story is now a significant part of American history. Honoring and remembering them is the best way to keep their memory alive.” They are America’s Filipino Soldiers of World War II. They are part of our American story.
Holiday Message from the National Chair Brendan Flores
On behalf of the National Executive Board, the Board of Governors, and the National Chairman’s Council, I wish to extend you my warmest wishes during this holiday season. Since the 2016 National Empowerment Conference, I am so excited that we brought on board Kelly Ilagan, the youngest National Operations Officer in the history of our organization. By infusing fresh energy into our daily operations, she has helped me to develop a new and exciting structure to NaFFAA. With her help and many others, we have identified amazingly talented individuals to help lead different functions throughout our organization. Next month during our Board Summit in Houston, Texas, we will have the opportunity to hear from our new Directors and the innovative ideas and talent they will bring to the organization. With the new talent and enthusiasm being brought into the organization, I am reminded of our late National Chair, Tito Ed Navarra. Looking back on the progress we’ve made these past few months, I am certain he would be so proud about the positive changes that have been made. In working to create “one voice” to represent all Filipino-Americans, I made it a priority to meet leaders across the nation to understand the needs and concerns of our community. From Pennsylvania, to Illinois, Missouri, Washington DC, California, Ohio, and Michigan, it has been my honor to meet so many influential Filipino Americans in their element. In Washington D.C., we had the privilege of being part of the planning committee for the White House Filipino-American History Month celebration. During this event, NaFFAA led a historic National Leaders Strategy Forum, which included Judy Patacsil, the President of the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS), Maj. General Tony Taguba, the National Chair of the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetREP) to increase communication and develop strategy on how to better coordinate the largest national Filipino-American organizations. One of our proudest moments was NaFFAA’s grassroots efforts towards H.R. 2737 – the Congressional Gold Medal for Filipino World War II Veterans. The collaborative effort began under Chairman JT Mallonga’s administration, and became a focal point of my Administration with establishing weekly conference calls to ensure there was active participation from each region and progress. I am so proud that we played an active role in giving the Filipino World War II veterans recognition for their service. I have also had the opportunity to get insight from passionate leaders and visionaries such as Greg Cendana, Executive Director of the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA); William Kaimana Peetoom, Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce of San Diego; Ryan Rosario, President of Filipino American Community Council of Michigan (FILAMCCO) and so many others. In these travels, I’ve learned about how impactful Filipino-Americans are in many different sectors. That’s how much influence we have on our economy, and why we need to continue to create better representation for our community nationally. One passionate voice in the San Diego Filipino-American community is Tony Olaes, who has brought cultural identity towards the front of conversation. He showed us the work he’s done in serving the youth through the Filipino School, and enlightened us of his yearly charitable pilgrimage back to the Philippines. From the national, to state and local level, our leaders need to engage our youth and create a pipeline for leadership. If we take the time to encourage and nurture these voices, we will ensure that our representation will be vocal now, and for years to come. Just last week, I had the pleasure to attend the Filipino American Community Council of Michigan (FILAMCCO) annual Rizal Day Ball. Here, my keynote address emphasized the work we have done in the organization so far. I also stressed the importance of investing time to develop the youth, and thanked our late Chairman Ed Navarra for investing time in me. 3
In these first 100 days of my Administration, I’ve had the privilege to meet with local Filipino-American elected officials. It is ever more important to be engaged and follow what our representatives work on. I urge you to continue to engage these men and women, and create relationships because they shape how we live. To best represent us, they must know what issues the FilipinoAmerican community faces. This is why NaFFAA national programs like FilAm Vote remains relevant, even after election season. We need to continue to understand the issues and make sure our voice is heard. One way to ensure this is making sure we have Filipino-American representatives in each level of government. Filipino American Councilman for the City of San Diego, Chris Cate, has proposed a candidate preparation program. We need to work to ensure that there isn’t just a pipeline of leadership for community advocates, but for elected officials as well. Mayor Ron Falconi of Brunswick, Ohio echoed these sentiments, and also spoke of his deep passion and understanding of the immigration dialogue. In creating a space for talented and passionate Filipino-Americans to be encouraged and guided through the election process, I believe NaFFAA can truly help to create more Filipino representation in public service and can advance us to be part of the mainstream conversation. This month, our Board of Governors approved the reinstatement of the Executive Director position, to be held by Jason Tengco. Tengco will be responsible for co-managing NaFFAA’s National Chairman’s Council with a strong emphasis on National Programs, Strategic Partnerships, Legislation, Government Affairs and National Development. Jason is an incredibly well balanced leader with a “can do” attitude and a dedication to public service. We are ecstatic to have him as a part of the Executive Board and look forward to partnering with him. Kelly and Jason will be extremely effective within their own roles, as well as in their partnership together. I applaud our Board of Governors for realizing the great impact that bringing new leaders to our organization. Another historic move for the organization came this month, when the Board of Governors approved the National Executive Board decision to create the National Chairman’s Council (NCC), as well as my corresponding appointments. Amongst the thirteen innovative Councils, there were two pressing aspects of NaFFAA that needed to be addressed. One of the newest divisions we’ve created was the National Integrated Marketing and Branding Council. This Council will maintain a consistent messaging and Social Media presence for NaFFAA, from the national to regions as well. We will also be revamping the NaFFAA website and are working to create a national membership database. Secondly, we have created the National Diverse Segments Council, which will ensure that NaFFAA is not only diverse, but inclusive as well. Segments that the Council will direct their efforts towards are: Young Professionals, College Students, Women’s Network and Veterans. We hope that our Regional and National conferences will become the space where Filipino-Americans active in these diverse segments can be comfortable convening. In keeping many of the same functions of the organization in place, the Councils will help to ensure that NaFFAA remains relevant, present and vocal in different avenues of work. As you can see, we have made great strides in continuing the successes of our predecessors, but have also initiated programs to push us to even greater heights. I urge you to be ever mindful of this season of giving, and to further realize the amount of work we have yet to do. We will need each and every one of you continue your unwavering contributions. No doubt, we will be ready for tomorrow. I know I can count on you all to join us in this tremendous endeavor to be the one voice of the Filipino American community. Maligayang pasko at manigong bagong taon sa inyong lahat! Merry Christmas, and a happy new year to you all! 4
National Chair strengthens networking & promotion of NaFFAA in San Diego The San Diego visit of the National Chair took place on the first weekend of this month and started with a kicked off meeting organized by NaFFAA Region 10 Chair Myrna Reyes, and the National CoDirector of Diverse Segments, Fresas Flores Balisteri at the Mabuhay Room of Ditas Santos Yamane. National Chair Brendan Flores, National Operations Officer Kelly Ilagan and Membership Director Chris Rivera met with Drs. Edwin and Barbara Yorobe, who expressed to give a posthumous award to NaFFAA Founding Chair, Alex Esclamado at the scheduled Region 10 Conference in March 26, 2017. The Yorobe couple are the founding officers of the San Diego FilAm Humanitarian Foundation. Inspired by the meeting with Republican San Diego Councilman Chris Cate, who is one of the two Filipino-American members of City Council, NaFFAA national officers discussed the possibility of creating a National Program for Candidate Development. In the meeting with Philippine Honorary Consul in San Diego, Audie de Castro, NaFFAA national officers learned various consular programs and services for Filipinos in the San Diego area. NaFFAA Region 10 is currently getting support from the Consul’s office in promoting the Federation’s advocacies to include FilAmVote. NaFFAA Region 10 hosted a Business Meet and Greet between the visiting NaFFAA national officers and members of the FilAm Chamber of Commerce of San Diego led by its President, William Kamaina Peetoom. The impromptu Q & A gave an opportunity for NaFFAA to introduce its national advocacies. The event was moderated by former NaFFAA Region 10 Chair, JoAnn Fields. The San Diego visit became very productive with the National Chair’s meeting with FilVetREP National Chair Gen. Tony Taguba, Filipino American National Historical Society President Judy Patacsil, Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance Executive Director Greg Cendana, Herb Delute, and Joe Garbanzos. Gen. Taguba expressed his gratitude for the collective hard work to pass H.R. 2737 and discussed the next steps. National Chair Brendan Flores reiterated the unwavering support of NaFFAA leaders in the passing of H.R. 2737. Other highlights of the San Diego visit include a meeting with Tony Olaes, who is the founder of The Filipino School, with presentations from Greg Cendana of APALA. In attendance to this meeting were Rico Luancing, Dr. Aurora Cudal Rivera, Juanito Amor, Vangie Meneses, Joe Garbanzos, Judy Patacsil, Herb Delute, Dra. Yorobe, Joe Santos, Julian Oriel, and Elsa Siverts; a paid a Courtesy Call to the House of the Philippines with leaders Rommel Alberto, Sal Flor, and Patrick Ambrosio, and on the final day, NaFFAA leaders met with Cynthia Suero-Gabler, NaFFAA San Diego County Chair at Bali Hai Restaurant. There, Suero-Gabler expressed her support of NaFFAA Region 10 Empowerment Conference in March 2017, which is centered on “Connect, Collaborate, Celebrate.”
NaFFAA Chair Meets with Leaders in Michigan; Encourages youth in community involvement
National Chair Brendan Flores was the keynote speaker at the Filamcco (Filipino American Community Council of Michigan) Annual Rizal Day Celebration, held on December 17, 2016 at the Pennas of Sterling Heights in Michigan. Under the authentic and progressive leadership of President Ryan Rosario, FILAMCCO acts to coordinate and assist their over 45 member organizations in the Filipino community in various projects and advocacy, as well as provide means for the advancement of civic, cultural and professional interests of the Filipino American community of Michigan. The evening’s theme of “Kahapon, Ngayon at Bukas” aimed to honor and celebrate Dr. Jose Rizal’s sacrifice and selflessness to the Filipino people, showcasing cultural dances, local talent and entertainment. In his speech, Flores emphasized the importance of embracing kahapon, ngayon and looking forward to bukas, “As a community with one voice, we need to identify and nurture our future leaders. To our experienced leaders—take the initiative and be a mentor. Bridge the generational gap and proactively cultivate the young minds of our future leaders, so that one day, someone will step up. These young men and women will find their niche, and truly be part of our one voice. Who knows? Maybe out of that one hour presentation you deliver to #FilAm high school students, will come the next Tito Ed.” Former FILAMCCO President, and the late NaFFAA National Chair Eduardo Navarra was given a tribute for his excellence in leadership and contributions to the community, with thoughtful remarks from Flores and Mr. Rosario, and was finished with a posthumous award presented to wife Vicky Navarra. It is evident that the impact of Navarra’s sense of community service is far reaching—from local to national, influencing the past to inspire future leadership. Flores thanked NaFFAA Michigan Chair Fe Sanagustin and NaFFAA State Vice-Chair and Rizal Day Co-Chair Loida Montecillo Moses for their always warm hospitality in Detroit. Following the evening’s festivities, Flores then visited the Philippine American Community Center of Michigan (PACCM), located in Southfield, Michigan. PACCM is a non-profit organization aimed to operate, manage and maintain the Community Center to provide a space for services and programs to benefit the community at large. PACCM Executive Director and NaFFAA Member Tony Kho manages the building to host their most prominent program, Paaralang Pilipino, which is a year-round Filipino School serving Metro Detroit Filipino youth. With over 32,000 Filipinos in the State of Michigan, it is exciting to see a long-lasting curriculum to educate the youth about Filipino culture.
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National Chair reinforces NaFFAA presence in Ohio NaFFAA National Chairman Brendan Flores paid a visit to the Buckeye State (Ohio) on Friday, December 16th to meet leaders in the 3 C’s—Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati. The first stop was to a City in the Cleveland area, Brunswick, to meet with the very first Filipino-American Mayor of Ohio, Mayor Ron Falconi. A practicing lawyer, Falconi previously represented clients in immigration cases, in addition to having served on Brunswick City Council for 6 years prior to his Mayoral election in 2014. During the visit, Mayor Falconi expressed his support to Flores’ administration and his excitement in working to help promote a new national initiative for candidate engagement. Additionally, Flores stressed the importance of many Republican elected officials, like Mayor Falconi, to be highly visible nationally under President-elect Donald Trump’s Administration to represent the Filipino American voice. They had a very healthy discussion on how immigration is being viewed under the new leadership, and will look towards being proactive in how to best respond to any changes laying ahead. Flores has strong plans in connecting with more bright and dedicated Republican leaders like Mayor Falconi across the country, in collaboration with influential Democrat leaders, to ensure that NaFFAA has a seat at the table in issues affecting the Filipino-American community nationally. Later that evening, Flores made the 4 hour trip to Cincinnati to join Region 3 East Chair Armin Sayson and other NaFFAA members at the Annual Filipino American Society of Southern Ohio (FASO) Christmas Gala. FASO is a 63 year-old nonprofit organization, focused on giving back to the community by helping Tri-State Filipino-Americans who are in Brendan with Filipino American Mayor of the City of Brunswick Ron Falconi need of financial and social support, and by extending these efforts to help victims of catastrophic events, especially in the Philippines. Their President was gracious to invite us on stage to say a few words about NaFFAA. Our officers took the opportunity to talk about the Congressional Gold Medal for WWII Veterans, while Sayson made mention on what the next steps are regarding fundraising and Veteran name collection. NaFFAA thanked FASO’s President Suzy Hussey and Board Member Jason Dimaculangan for their interest in learning more about NaFFAA’s mission and purpose. It was great to reconnect with other NaFFAA Region 3 East Leaders, under the leadership of Region Chair Armin Sayson, such as Vicky Villareal, Beth Piocos, and Marian Sayson. “Armin is a great example of what discipline, organizational skills and dependable qualities can do for a region,” added Flores. Sayson will join the Council as Webmaster in 2017 to ensure that the website is properly updated. We look forward to come back to Ohio Brendan with NaFFAA Region 3 East Officers for the Region 3 East Conference in Columbus on July 29, 2017.
National Executive Officers promote NaFFAA’s Mission NaFFAA’s NOO Kelly Ilagan delivered the keynote address at the Rizal Day Ball in Philadelphia. This annual event is organized by the Filipino-American Association of Philadelphia, Inc. (FAAPI). Ilagan highlighted the advocacies and accomplishments of NaFFAA in her speech. She encouraged everyone to take active involvement in community events that unify Filipino Americans. NaFFAA National Treasurer Brad Baldia urged the FilAm community in Philadelphia to support by making a monetary contribution to the FilVetRep initiative. Other NaFFAA leaders and members in attendance included Aida Rivera, Rommel Rivera, and Jeanilyn Ficarra, with the newly crowned Miss Maria Clara Brigitte Marie Weesner. FAAPI is a recipient of the 2016 Alex Esclamado Memorial Award for Community Service given at the Philadelphia National Empowerment Conference. It is considered to be one of the oldest FilAm organizations with more than 100 years of existence. It is currently headed by its President, who is NaFFAA’s Membership Director Chris Rivera. 6
Tengco is the new NaFFAA National Executive Director In consultation with the executive board and the national vice chair, NaFFAA National Chair Brendan Flores announced this month the appointment of Jason Tengco as the new Executive Director of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA). Tengco will be responsible for co-managing NaFFAA’s National Chairman’s Council, with a strong emphasis on National Programs, Strategic Partnerships, Legislation, Government Affairs and National Development. He will report directly to the National Chair, and work in close collaboration with Kelly Ilagan, who is the current National Operating Officer and members of the Board. Over the past decade, Jason has worked for a presidential campaign, the White House, Obama Administration, Congress, and numerous non-profit and campus organizations. In 2016, Jason served as the National Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Outreach Director for Hillary for America. Previously, Jason worked for the White House Initiative on AAPIs from 2012 to 2016, where he was appointed as Deputy Director in 2015. Throughout his tenure, Jason organized the first-ever White House Celebration of Filipino American History Month, managed the White House Summit on AAPIs, and led the Initiative’s national AAPI community engagement. Jason Tengco National Executive Director
Throughout his career, Jason has participated in fellowships with the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies in the office of Congressman Mike Honda, New Leaders Council, Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, Center for Progressive Leadership, and Public Policy and International Affairs Program. In 2014, Jason was selected as one of ten delegates to the Philippine Embassy’s Filipino American Youth Leadership Program (FYLPro), a week-long immersion in the Philippines. Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Jason graduated from UCLA with Honors with a B.A. in Political Science. At UCLA, Jason was heavily involved with Samahang Pilipino and received the Outstanding Pinoy Leadership Award. “Jason is an incredibly well balanced leader with a can do attitude and a dedication to public service. He has come highly recommended by many. I am ecstatic to have him as a part of the executive board and look forward to partnering with him. I know that Kelly and Jason will be extremely effective within their own roles as well as in their partnership together,” added Brendan Flores, current National Chair of NaFFAA. NaFFAA Co-Founder and Former National Chair Loida Nicolas Lewis in her statement, “Congratulations, Brendan, for your brilliant appointment of Jason Tengco! You could not have found a more suitable, capable, dependable, efficient and sensitive wide-ranging servant leader than Jason as NaFFAA's National Executive Director. Everybody should rejoice at such a coup! Bravo, Jason. And Welcome. I look forward to an exciting NaFFAA 2017-2018. And beyond!”
NaFFAA Leadership Appointment Announcements NaFFAA Region 10 Riverside County Chair
NaFFAA Region 10 San Diego County Chair
Joe Santos is an owner and agent of a State Farm Agency, located in San Diego, CA. He is dedicated to helping families and businesses manage the risks of everyday life and realize their financial dreams. Joe is also the President of Behavioral Education Programs, Inc., a non-profit organization committed in serving children and adults with disabilities. He is an honor’s graduate of The Bernard Baruch College of the City University of New York, with a bachelor’s degree in Business Finance and worked as an Accountant.
Cynthia “CK” Suero-Gabler is a grassroots organizer and activist for the San Diego FilAm community. She serves as a Commissioner on the City of San Diego’s Equal Opportunity Commission, representing the API community. Additionally, she served on the Board of Directors for COPAO, the Council of Philippine American Organizations in 2016. Cynthia was elected to the Skyline-Paradise Hills Planning Group and serves as a member of the API Democratic Club of San Diego County. She is a lifetime member of BAPAC-SD, the Black American Political Association of California-San Diego, of which she is actively engaged in bridging the black and brown communities.
In 2009 he worked for a residential care facility for children with disabilities as a caregiver and worked his way up as the current president and owner in San Diego. His passion and dedication in helping people, coupled with his background in business and finance led to his venture as an agent and agency owner for State Farm, a company that served him well as a customer. Today, Joe is the only Filipino bilingual State Farm Agent in all of San Diego County. Proudly serving its multicultural residents and strong Filipino Community using the same passion, care, and know-how as he did as a college graduate, humble caregiver, and successful business owner.
Cynthia is one of five Fil-Ams who recently graduated from the RISE San Diego Urban Leadership Fellows Program; a collaboration with USD’s Leadership Institute. She most recently advocated for a senior center to be built at Bay Terrace Park by mobilizing a diverse group of community support and together with the support of Councilmember President Myrtle Cole, took a group of senior citizens to fight at City Hall and succeeded; securing $500K in the Mayor’s revised 2017 budget for the design of a Senior Center to be built at Bay Terrace Park. Additionally, Cynthia succeeded in placing the senior center project back on the City of San Diego's active Capital Improvement Project List, a project that lay dormant for 26 years. On December 6, 2016 she and the Bay Terrace Seniors returned to City Council and secured 2-year CDBG Funding for another $500K in 2018 and $2.6M for 2019, for a grand total of $3.6M for the Bay Terrace Senior Center.
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Tidbits NaFFAA Region 10
Conference March 26, 2017 San Diego, CA Inquire: myrnatfreyes@gmail.com
“Connect, Collaborate, Celebrate”
US Ambassador to the Philippines Amb. Sung Kim with members of the community including NaFFAA National officers. Photo taken during the Envoy's taking at the Benjamin Franklin Room, State Department, Washington, DC., November, 2016.
A day after the successful passing of #HR2737 - Congressional Gold Medal Award of Filipino Veterans in WW II. Breakfast meeting with NaFFA National Chair Brendan G Flores, National Operations Officer Kelly Ilagan, Herb Delute & Judy Patacsil of FANHS San Diego, AARP’s Joe Garbanzos, APALA’s Gregory A. Cendana and Major General Tony Taguba (December 1, 2016 San Diego, CA). 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.
Save the Date: July 28-30, 2017 Region 3East Conference
Ryan Tejero
Editor-In-Chief ryantejero@yahoo.com
Bing Branigin Kelly Ilagan Jason Tengco Christopher Rivera
Hilton Polaris OHIO
We are inviting Speakers and Sponsors Inquire: armin@sayson.net
Please forward event announcements and news articles in your community for January issue by the 25th. Submission must be in word format and pictures are in jpeg formats. Thank you to all December contributors !
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c/o Brad Baldia 1625 Washington Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19146
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