What’s Inside
Gloria V. Williams Secretary, Finance, Funding & Development Directorate Treasurer, NaFFAA Region V
FilVets …………………………. 2 Tribute to Immigrants... .3 Region 3 West..…………….3 Ambassador Cuisia.………4 NaFFAA MO …….……………5 AE Scholarship ..……………5 AE Scholarship Form.…… 6 12th NEC……………………... 7 Region 1 ……………………… 7 Membership Form ……… 8
In 1999, Gloria Williams became connected with NaFFAA when she became one of Region V’s delegate to the NaFFAA Empowerment Conference in Washington D.C. Since then, she became active in the organization by taking various capacities to help the federation. Gloria is an accountant before her retirement 3 years ago. She was also a community leader and volunteer for over three decades. She has served in various positions in the Filipino American Community of Colorado, with various roles such as fundraising and staging cultural events. As the Co-chair of the Aurora Asian/Pacific Community Partnership in Colorado, she was instrumental in the expansion of valuable programs such as the Aurora Asian/Pacific Film Festival and the education awards. As president of the Asian Roundtable of Colorado for three years, Gloria has led the Annual Asian Heritage Month celebration, and promoted political candidates’ fora and other advocacies relative to the Asian communities in Denver, Colorado. As a member of the board of directors for the Asian Pacific Development Center for three years, she has been involved in promoting initiatives that benefit the underserved diverse Asian communities in the areas of mental health, health screenings, domestic violence and other health services such as interpreters for translation services and the resource center for the refugees. Gloria received the prestigious Minuro Yasui Community Volunteer Award on May 27, 2004, where Mayor John Hickenlooper declared the day as "Gloria Williams Day in Denver Colorado." Gloria has helped shaped the face of the Asian Pacific American community in Denver with a deep passion for her heritage. In May, 30, 2015, Gloria was honored as the 2015 Asian American Hero of Colorado by the Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network, and the Asian Avenue magazine for outstanding leadership, service and heroism. She also received the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival's 2015 Honorary Chair "with deep appreciation for her leadership in the Filipino Community and wider AAPI communities.” Gloria is currently serving as president of the Bayanihan Society of Queen of Peace. Within NaFFAA, Gloria was instrumental in organizing the charter membership of Region V in 1999, in its organizational phase, with the encouragement of Jon Melegrito. Gloria believes that NaFFAA’s strength is in its teamwork, in giving joy and pride to every Filipino American, and in its capacity as an agent of change and advocacy for causes that truly impact our community here and in the Philippines. In her dreams, she thinks that NaFFAA will continue to achieve major milestones in empowering the Filipino American community. For her message to fellow Filipino Americans, Gloria encourages everyone to work together and make a difference in the lives of other kababayans here in the US, and back home in the Philippines. She says, “We have to get our youth get involved in our community by providing opportunities to volunteer, and increase their awareness of the issues confronting our community, instilling political awareness and groom them for elected public office. For this, we need mentors to encourage them. Let our young Filipinos know that we are behind them and will support them. NaFFAA is very strong in its advocacy for our young professionals. Let us also strengthen our family values, bring up the spirit of core family closeness, remembering where we came from, our beautiful culture and our respect for elders. I would like to see NaFFAA address the issues of loneliness and depression, physical and mental abuse among our elderly immigrant parents, men and women alike. I am also calling for other regions who already have programs for the elderly to share their knowledge with other regions. And last, but not least, I would like NaFFAA to get involved on the issue of human trafficking, as we all know, this is an extremely sad situation. Let's all get involved!”
Washington, D.C. “We are extremely pleased to hear the good news coming from the White House, that Filipino World War II Veterans will soon be reunited with their families,” says JT Mallonga, National Chair of The National Federation of Filipino American Associations. “They have endured so much pain waiting for many years for this to happen. But with this latest executive action by the Obama administration, our ailing and aging heroes will no longer be separated from their loved ones.” The immigration relief announced today is part of a report issued by the Visa Modernization Task Force, an inter-agency group created in November as part of President Obama’s executive actions on immigration. The Department of Homeland Security will now work with the State Department to establish a program that allows eligible family members of the veterans to come to the U.S. under parole status on a case-by-case basis, rather than through the general family immigration process. As a White House official pointed out to The Huffington Post, “These are people who are eligible for an immigration visa by virtue of their U.S. citizen family member, who also happens to be a veteran who served in the World War II. But because the family immigration system is so backlogged, it can take decades for them to actually get a visa.” Mallonga also thanked Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC) for its advocacy of family reunification, calling on President Obama to grant parole for children of Filipino War World II veterans. Mee Moua, AAJC President and Executive Director, points out that “Even though the U.S. government promised Filipino World War II veterans U.S. citizenship in recognition of their service and contributions to America, it took more than 50 years before they actually received citizenship. Until now, the inhumanely long visa backlog has separated them from their children and denied them the opportunity to live together in the United States. We’re grateful the Obama Administration is taking action so our veterans can be reunited with their children and receive the love and care they need during their golden years. It’s long past time the United States made good on its promise and we hope USCIS will implement this as soon as possible.” “We appreciate as well the efforts of our US Representatives and Senators who have championed the cause of our veterans,” adds Mallonga. “They, like Sen. Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, have tried over the years to push for a bill on this issue, fighting to end the visa backlog for the sons and daughters of our veterans. We agree with her that today’s action of expediting reunification is long overdue and the right thing to do.” Marites “Bing” Branigin, Capitol Region Chair of NaFFAA, welcomed the news with mixed feelings. “My first reaction was happiness,” she says. “But I am also saddened remembering our veterans like Manong Emong Guillermo and Jack Tejada and community champions like Alex Esclamado, who walked the halls of Congress, fighting for recognition and family reunification. They are gone now but their legacy lives on.” As Capital Region Chair, Branigin works closely with AAJC and other immigrant rights and veterans advocacy groups in fighting for the veterans’ cause. As many as 26,000 Filipino World War II veterans became U.S. citizens, and an estimated 6,000 of them are still alive and living here, according to the White House.
Washington, D.C. “We are heartened by Carnegie Corporation’s July 4th tribute to immigrants and their vital contributions to this country,” says NaFFAA National Chairman JT Mallonga, in a statement praising the corporation’s “Great Immigrants: The Pride of America” initiative. This year, 39 naturalized citizens from more than 30 countries are being honored for helping strengthen American democracy and advancing U.S. society, culture and economy. Among the honorees are two Filipino Americans: Seton Hall University President Dr. A. Gabriel Esteban and U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba (Ret.) “Our founder, Andrew Carnegie, came to this country as the son of impoverished immigrants and grew up to become one of the greatest contributors to American industry and philanthropy,” said Carnegie Seton Hall University President A. Gabriel Esteban & Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba (Ret) Corporation President Vartan Gregorian. “His devotion to U.S. democracy stemmed from his conviction that the new infusion of talent that immigrants bring to our country keeps American society vibrant.” Every July 4 since 2006, Carnegie Corporation pays tribute to immigrants and their accomplishments. “It’s a great honor to the Filipino American community that two of our leaders have been recognized for their valuable contributions to this country,” adds Mallonga. “Their inspiring accomplishments are a source of pride for us, and we will strive to do the same through our civic engagement and advocacy efforts.”
Group photo taken at the closing of the R3 West Conference held at the Philippine Center in Minnesota, hosted by NaFFAA Minnesota led by Meg Layese, July 24-26, 2015. NaFFAA National Chair JT Mallonga and Vice Chair P. Emraida Kiram were in attendance. Region 3West is composed of five-member states: Illinois, Missouri, Minnesota, Nebraska and Wisconsin. Elected as Region Chair is Jelly Carandang. The state chairs elected were: Abbey Eusebio (Illinois), Meg Layese (Minnesota), Anecita Sancho-Alvizo (Missouri), Daryl Rose (Nebraska). Highlights of the conference will follow in the next issue of the NaFFAA newsletter.
NaFFAA’s Partner in Empowerment & Advocacy: H.E. Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. Philippine Ambassador to the United States The Embassy of the Philippines in Washington, DC, under the leadership of Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr., is focused on creating and sustaining partnerships among various stakeholders both in the Philippines and the United States in order to advance the country’s national interest in the US. A typical day at the office for the Ambassador usually consists of meetings with US government officials, foreign diplomats, think tanks, and prospective investors to the Philippines. It also involves coordinating with the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila and Philippine Consulates General across the US and in other concurrent jurisdictions such as the Caribbean. Ambassador Cuisia leads the Embassy in raising the profile of the Philippines in the US, promoting Philippine culture and tourism, participating in events in the Filipino and diplomatic communities, and supporting programs for next-generation Filipino Americans.
Philippine Ambassador Cuisia in Action
From L: Addressing members of US Congress during the US-Philippines Friendship Caucus launch in June 2014; Posing for a selfie with Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA, left) and Rep. Scott Rigell (R-VAright) during the Caucus launch in June 2014; Ambassador Cuisia during the Embassy Open House on 2 May 2015; Participating in the annual Bataan Death March reenactment at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico on March 12, 2015.
Filipino diplomats are charged with the task of furthering Philippine advocacies overseas. In recent years, Ambassador Cuisia has actively reached out to the American and other foreign publics to promote our advocacy for the rule of law to prevail in the South China Sea. Another main advocacy of the Ambassador is youth engagement. In 2012, he and his wife, Mrs. Ma. Victoria J. Cuisia, launched the Filipino-American Youth Leadership Program (FYLPRO), an immersive program which prepares next-generation Fil-Am leaders to assume more productive roles in their respective communities and the Philippines’ growth story. The Ambassador was pivotal in the successful 2012 launch of the US-Philippines Society, a bilateral initiative that has furthered his mission of raising the profile of today’s Philippines and fostering a new, mature relationship between the Philippines and the United States. He guided the Society in promoting awareness among select American audiences of the many exciting developments shaping the 21st century Philippines, including President Aquino’s reform agenda, opportunities for increased trade and investment, and rich cultural traditions adapted to the modern era, as well as highlighting the struggles and contributions of Filipinos and the Fil-Am community. His role in sustaining donor support has been indispensable in putting the Society on the map in just three years as a credible and effective non-profit organization. Together with Mrs. Cuisia, and in cooperation with the Society’s leadership and members, he has delivered the “Best of the Philippines” to America -- from the Bayanihan Dance Troupe, the designs and creativity of Patis Tesoro and Kenneth Cobonpue, the Madrigal Singers, to Lea Salonga and the internationally recognized cast of the “After the Storm” Kennedy Center concert that raised nearly $400,000 for Typhoon Haiyan recovery. Ambassador Cuisia has intensified efforts to reach out to the over 3.5 million Filipinos and Filipino-Americans living in the US through various consular services. This year, 26 Consular Outreach Missions are scheduled in states within the Embassy’s jurisdiction, allowing Filipinos to conveniently access consular services and information on US immigration programs such as the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). The Embassy has also entered into alliances with US labor agencies to safeguard the welfare of Filipino workers. To further encourage overseas voting, the Embassy is currently implementing the iRehistro online application system that enables Filipinos and dual citizens to register online and vote in the 2016 Philippine presidential elections. Ambassador Cuisia takes pride in the Embassy’s partnerships with the Filipino-American community. He looks forward to more collaborative undertakings with Fil-Ams in the pursuit of sustainable, resilient and inclusive growth for the Philippines.
NaFFAA Missouri Hosts its First Consular Outreach in Boonville, MO; Partners with Philippine Consulate General Chicago
This historic consular outreach in Missouri is the very first of its kind. NaFFAA MO, in partnership with the Philippine Consulate General Chicago headed by Atty. Alvar Rosales and Deputy Consul General Romulo Victor M. Israel Jr., with five other officers led the services. A total of 35 Filipino Americans applied for dual citizenship. They were successfully sworn-in by Dep. Consul General Romulo Victor. The overwhelming success of the event was made possible by the unwavering support from MO NaFFAA volunteers, which include: Leonor Wright, Analiza Lochirco, Metchie Hood, Vinia Struemph, Linda Burke, Chona Morris, Ruby Ward, Espe Durham, Maria Hennniger, and Divina Durham. The outreach was held at the beautiful Isle of Capri Casino and Hotel in Boonville, MO on July 11, 2015. NaFFAA MO State Chair Anecita Sancho-Alvizo extends her gratitude to all who came, including her family for the support! She said “I am already looking forward for the next consular outreach here in Missouri, so we could continue to serve our Filipino American community with their consular needs.”
The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) is inviting qualified applicants to the Alex Esclamado Scholarship Program for Human Services. To be eligible, applicants must:
Be Filipino or Filipino of descent residing anywhere in the United States Currently registered in second year in college pursuing a Bachelor’s degree program in Human Services field* Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 Scale in the first year of college Submit one (1) Letter of Recommendation from an authorized officer of a community service organization (or church or civic organization) who can attest to the applicant's on-going involvement Submit an essay on select topics. Award Amount: One time Scholarship - $1,000 There are 3 Scholarship Grants Available for the School Year 2015-2016 Deadline for Submission: Friday, October 2, 2015 HOW TO APPLY: Qualified applicants may download and complete the Scholarship Application Form from naffaa.org on on the next page . Please check the requirements. Completed Scholarship Application Form must be forwarded to Brendan Flores, Chair of Alex Esclamado Scholarship Grant Program at brendan.q.flores@wellsfargo.com no later than Friday, October 2, 2015. Any application sent later than this date or incomplete application will disqualify the applicant from the selection process. Only qualified applicants, with complete application shall be notified with results by email on Friday, October
2015 ALEX ESCLAMADO SCHOLARSHIP GRANT PROGRAM Award Amount: One time Scholarship - $1,000 There are 3 Scholarship Grants Available for the School Year 2015-2016 Deadline for Submission: Friday, October 2, 2015 HOW TO APPLY: Qualified applicants may complete the Scholarship Application Form, with the following required copies of: Proof of US residency (Valid ID issued by state or federal agency) Proof of school registration indicating that the applicant is registered in the second year of a degree program in Human Services field Proof of completion of the First Year Level in college indicating the required GPA criteria Signed Letter of Recommendation in an official letterhead of the community organization Signed Essay in any of the following topics: a) Alex Esclamado's vision was to encourage the active participation of Filipinos in America in this country's political and economic life. Why is civic engagement, such as voting in elections or running for public office, important for the Filipino American community? b) Do you agree with the observation that Filipino Americans are "invisible" in the American mainstream? Explain why you agree, or disagree and provide your thoughts on how best to enhance our presence in this country. c) How would you strengthen the Filipino American community? Completed Scholarship Application Form must be forwarded to Brendan Flores, Chair of Alex Esclamado Scholarship Grant Program at brendan.q.flores@wellsfargo.com no later than Friday, October 2, 2015. Any application sent later than this date or incomplete application will disqualify the applicant from the selection process. Only qualified applicants, with complete application shall be notified with results by email on Friday, October 30, 2015. The decision of the Scholarship Committee is final. *Human Services field may include degree program in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, etc.
Scholarship Application Form Please print the following information: Name:__________________________________________________________________________________ Address:________________________________________________________________________________ Phone No:_________________________
Email Address:________________________________________
Date of Birth:_______________________
Social Security Number: ________________________________
Name of School Currently Attending:__________________________________________________________ Address:________________________________________________________________________________ Course:_________________________________________________________________________________ Signature of the Applicant:________________________________________Date Completed:_____________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
For Official Use Only
Date Received:_____________________ Signature:______________________________________________ Please check all required attachments: ( ) Proof of US residency (Valid ID issued by state or federal agency) ( ) Proof of school registration indicating that the applicant is enrolled in the second year of a degree program in Human Services field ( ) Proof of completion of the First Year Level in college indicating the required GPA criteria ( ) Signed Letter of Recommendation in an official letterhead of the community organization ( ) Signed Essay Comments: _______________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________
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
Eduardo “Ed” Navarra ejn0115@aol.com
ryantejero@yahoo.com
Jon Melegrito
Bing Branigin
jdmelegrito@gmail.com
MCBranigin@aol.com
Please forward event announcements and news articles in your community for August issue by the 25th. Submission must be in word format and pictures are in jpeg or jpg formats. Thank you to all July contributors! Ple