Plans are underway for a national celebration that coincides with the presentation of the Congressional Gold Medal (CGM) to Filipino World War II veterans by the Speaker of the House sometime in October or November this year. At the awarding ceremony, slated to be held in Capitol Hill, surviving Filipino and American veterans or their closest surviving relatives will receive bronze replicas of the CGM. The CGM is one of the highest civilian awards given by the U.S. Congress as its highest expression of national appreciation for the distinguished service of 260,000 Filipino soldiers and guerrillas.
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FilVetRep Executive Reports Around the Regions Announcements New Membership Form
“Securing the Congressional Gold Medal is the last thing we wanted to do to honor our veterans,” said Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba (Ret), chairman of the Filipino Veterans Recognition & Education Project. “We will ensure that our national celebration of this historic achievement is one that treats our veterans with the utmost dignity and respect.” FilVetREP is coordinating with the office of the House Speaker to firm up a date for the official presentation. The Speaker himself will personally present the awards. Congressional sponsors, veterans advocates, community leaders and other dignitaries are expected to attend. “We recognize that not all the recipients of the medal are able to come to Washington due to their age and health reasons,” Taguba said. “We will consider holding award ceremonies in the West Coast, Midwest and the South for veterans who are not able FilVetREP Chairman Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba makes a presentation to to travel very far.”
the Coinage Citizens Advisory Committee, which reviews proposed de-
Filipino veterans residing in the Philippines will also have signs for the Congressional Gold Medal. (Photo by Jon Melegrito) an opportunity to receive their medals in Manila. This is being handled by the Philippine Veterans Administration (PVAO).
Congressional Gold Medal Presentation to FilVets slated for October Donations Urgently Needed. In the meantime, FilVetREP is calling on the Filipino American community to step up and make a generous donation. “We need funds to purchase the bronze replicas so our veterans don’t have to pay for them,” Taguba said. “So far, with the funds raised, we can only purchase at least 500 medals out of the 20,000 we had planned to award. Congress did not appropriate money for bronze replicas. It’s up to us as a community to ensure that our living veterans receive their medals before they pass away.” To donate, please go to www.filvetrep.org. The website also includes a national registry with detailed instructions for veterans and their families to apply for a medal. FilVetREP is working closely with the U.S. Mint and the offices of Sen. Mazie Hirono and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, sponsors of the CGM legislation, to facilitate completion of the medal’s minting and production of at least 500 bronze replicas by September. “In this connection, it is essential that veterans and their families register as soon as possible to make sure they are included in the awarding ceremony,” Taguba adds. 1
CGM Design Approved. On June 22, the 11-member Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC), a federal agency tasked with reviewing design proposals relating to congressional gold medals, approved the recommendations of the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetREP). The U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, who has the final say, is expected to concur and give the U.S. Mint the official go ahead to have the medal minted this summer. The minting process, which typically takes about three months, basically involves translating a 14-page bill (Public Law 114-265) into a graphic design engraved on a 2 ½ inch medal minted in gold. Like all Congressional Gold Medals, the FilVet CGM will be permanently housed in the Smithsonian. The U.S. Mint will then produce bronze replicas, made from the same mold. FilVetREP has been raising funds to initially purchase at least 500 replicas to be awarded to living Filipino and American vetThe FilVetREP team and officers of the U.S. Mint’s Office of Design erans who served. The closest surviving relative of deceased veterans Management pose for a group picture shortly after the CCAC ap- will receive the award on their behalf. proved the CGM designs. (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Mint.)
In the past two months, FilVetREP has been meeting with the U.S. Mint’s Office of Design Management in providing significant input and recommendations to the CCAC and the Commission on Fine Arts (CFA), another independent agency responsible for reviewing designs proposed for memorials, coins and medals. As Chairman of FilVetREP, Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba (Ret) was appointed official liason to the U.S. Mint by Sen. Mazie Hirono and U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, sponsors of the CGM bills. It will be recalled that Congress passed legislation in December awarding the Congressional Gold Medal (CGM) to Filipino World War II veterans, in recognition of their service to the United States. After it was signed by President Obama, the m easure became Public Law 114-265. The measure appropriated $30,000 for the minting of the gold coin. This process includes designing the coin itself and having both the CCAC and CFA review the designs. Designing the CGM. On January 17, FilVetREP held its initial meeting with the U.S. Mint ’s Office of Design Management. The team include FilVetREP executive officers Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba, Marie Blanco, Ben de Guzman, Jon Melegrito and Erick Soriano, legal counsel. At this meeting, the FilVetREP team presented possible themes, text, photos and graphics that would be useful to the assigned artists and illustrators. On February 15, FilVetREP met with the CCAC. The presentation included screening of the documentary, “Duty to Country,” and a discussion of all the artistic, political and historical themes and elements that would inform the design process. A kick-off meeting with the six artists assigned to the project was held on March 22. A month later, the artists completed 43 candidate designs based on the instructions provided by the CCAC. FilVetREP then reviewed each obverse (front) and reverse (back) designs for historical/technical accuracy and appropriateness. After three rounds of feedback and suggested modifications, the team narrowed down its selection to seven of the front and three of the back. On May 22, a meeting with the U.S. Mint led to the selection leaders and community supporters join Sen. Mazie Hirono of the top three designs, which were presented to the CFA on June FilVetREP (center) in a celebration photo shortly after the Senate approved the 15. The CFA agreed with FilVetREP’s design preferences. Congressional Gold Medal legislation on Nov. 30, 2016. (Photo courtesy of Sen. Hirono’s office.)
The CCAC made its final selection on June 21. The discussions were passionate and poignant, notably around the initial granting of full veteran benefits after the war only to have them taken away by the Rescission Act of 1946. One member suggested that the medal focus on the universal gesture of a salute instead of guns. Taguba, however, reminded the members that because of the painful and humilitating blow of the Rescission Act, many Filipino Veterans may not feel loyal to the U.S. Other members agreed and viewed the 2017 CGM Act as “possibly reinvigorating to these brave soldiers who, after feeling betrayed by the nation they served, regained the respect and appreciation that are long overdue.” The front of the approved medal displays the range and breath of the Filipino Veterans involvement in World War II. Depicted are a Filipino Scout, a Filipino Infantry regiment officer and a guerrilla soldier. All symbolize a fierce determination to fight and defend their country. The back features a laurel wreath to represent the final victory over the Japanese Imperial Forces. Featured inscriptions are the five locations of the four key campaigns (Bataan and Corregidor, Luzon, Leyte and Southern Mindanao) and the years “1941” (Invasion), “1945” (Liberation) and “1946” (Recission) and “2017” (Recognition). Each star from the Filipino flag represents one of the country's three main island groups—Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. 2
EXECUTIVE REPORTS Jerome Tirso, OCA 2017 Intern Placed at NaFFAA Jerome is currently an undergraduate student at the University of Virginia double majoring in Economics and Spanish with a minor in Foreign Affairs. He is heavily involved in the APA community at the University. He has served on the executive board of the Organization of Young Filipino Americans (OYFA) for the past two years as the Recording Secretary and Treasurer, and is now the current Vice President of the Organization. Through these positions, he has been a representative for OYFA in the Asian Leaders Council. In addition, he has involved himself in other parts of the University by working at the University’s Office of Health Promotion and interning at the LGBTQ Center. Jerome is a first-generation Filipino American from Fairfax, Virginia. In his spare time, he enjoys fashion and photography. He enjoys travel, but would especially love to go back to Spain after studying abroad in Valencia during the summer of 2016. Jerome can be reached at jerome.tirso@naffaa.org and 703-402-3503 (cell).
Filipinos@Microsoft Celebrate Philippine Independence Day with NaFFAA On June 15th, the Filipinos@Microsoft team invited NaFFAA Executive Director Jason Tengco, National Secretary Mariela Fletcher, and Head of Leadership Development Leezel Ramos to the Microsoft Campus in Redmond, Washington for their 119th Philippine Independence Day Celebration. Headed by Microsoft employees Ivan Macalintal and Arnaldo Inocentes, the event also featured a special appearance by Mark Bautista, the actor who plays Ferdinand Marcos in the Seattle production of the hit musical, "Here Lies Love." During the celebration, NaFFAA also had the opportunity to talk about their current projects with the Microsoft team, highlighting the 20th Anniversary Gala and efforts around leadership development, civic engagement, and advocacy. Together, they shared ideas on how they could partner up in the future. After much discussion, both parties are excited to have celebrated Philippine Independence Day and hope to find new avenues for collaboration.
NaFFAA Holds Its First Successful Federation Forum In its continuing efforts to build the capacity of Filipino American organizations and to better serve their communities, NaFFAA held its pioneering “Federation Forum,” which is a leadership development summit that highlighted tools and best practices around policy advocacy, strategic partnerships, fundraising and other areas of organizational development. This event was held on May 13-15, 2017, as one of the events to commemorate the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month The Federation Forum kicked off with the delegates meeting at the OCA National Center. There were various discussion panels and strategic planning sessions that were aimed at better understanding on how to build organizational capacity through strategic partnerships and fundraising best practices. This was followed on the second day by the delegates participating in a Congressional Roundtable at the Capitol to discuss current issues facing the community, and how to best engage with Members of Congress and staff. Delegates also participated in a Federal Agency Roundtable at the OCA National Center. In closing, delegates discussed a set of next steps on how their organizations can move forward together, including how to collectively leverage resources to build capacity and serve effectively the Filipino American community. Participants in the inaugural Federation Forum included the following community leaders, representing various organizations: Brad Baldia, Vice President of Governmental Affairs, Federation of Philippine American Chambers of Commerce (FPACC); Allan Bergano, Founding Member, Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS); Edwina Bergano, Founding Member, Filipino American Community Action Group (FilAm CAG); Sonny Busa, Region Coordinator, Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetREP); Gage Javier, Southeast Regional Governor, National Filipino American Lawyers Association (NFALA); Maria Cruz Lee, Board Member, Pilipino American Unity for Progress (UniPro); Vicky Navarro, Director, Office of International Affairs, Philippine Nurses Association of America(PNAA); Victoria Sanchez, Chairperson, Filipino Intercollegiate Networking Dialogue, Inc. (FIND); Christal Ann Simanski, President, Filipino Young Professionals (FYP); and Kit Zulueta, President, Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO).
NaFFAA Launches EPYC Ambassadors Program The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) is excited to launch its Empowering Pilipino Youth through Collaboration (EPYC) Ambassadors Program! The EPYC Ambassadors Program is an opportunity for young Filipino American leaders to interact with and strengthen other Filipino American communities within their region. Applications are now live and will be open until Sunday, July 9 at 11:59pm. The program is open to individuals that are between the ages of 18 and 34 at the time of application, and currently enrolled in a degree-seeking program OR have graduated from a degree-seeking program no more than 2-3 years before the time of application. For further information concerning the program, eligibility requirements, and the application process, please visit the following link or email epyc@naffaa.org. 3
Around the Regions Region 1 Participates in Philippine Independence Day Parade in New York City Region 1 Chair Aida Rivera was proud to host National Chair Brendan Flores and Executive Director Jason Tengco in participating in the 2017 Philippine Independence Day Parade in New York City. Joining them were Region Vice Chair Frank Celoza, NY Chair and National Trustee Steven Raga, Massachusetts Chair Lidy Chan, Maryland Chair Andrew Esmele, National Membership Director Chris Rivera, among other NaFFAA members and supporters. This year’s parade was led by Consul General of the Philippines in New York, Tess Dizon DeVega, along with Filipino celebrity, Martin Nievera and YouTube sensation Mikey Bustos (who was riding on the float in front of us). Filipino beauty queens Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, Miss World 2013 Megan Young, and Miss International 2016 ylie Verzosa also joined the parade." "Veterans of Foreign Wars Pvt. Tomas Claudio Post 1063, in conjunction with several local Filipino organizations, kicked off Philippine Independence Day celebrations aboard the U.S.S. Olympia docked at Penn's Landing, Philadelphia. The Olympia, known as the 'Queen of the Pacific,' was the Flagship of Commodore George Dewey in the SpanishAmerican War, and in its current state, is a National Historic Landmark. Philippine Consul General in New York Tess Dizon DeVega delivered the keynote address, and among special guests was former US Consul General Sonny Busa, of the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVet REP). Region 1 Chair and President of the Philippine Folk Arts Society (PFAS), Aida Rivera, was presented special recognition award on behalf of her organization. One of the highlights of the event was when PFAS’s Rondalla performed a special military song medley to entertain the guests. Also in attendance was Chris Rivera, National Membership Director. The event was the first in a series of events organized by the Filipino Executive Council of Greater Philadelphia in celebration of Philippine Independence Day."
Region 2 Intensifies Collaboration to Raise Funds for the Congressional Gold Medal Philippine Embassy, FilVetRep Executives, and NaFFAA Region 2, working together for the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal (CGM) fund-raising efforts to provide each medal for all the 260,000 Filipino and American veterans during the World War II in the Philippines. The first CGM Awarding ceremony could be this fall for the first 1,000 recipients. (1st row-L-R) Marie Blanco, FilVetRep Executive Board, Fred Cabalsi, Veterans Office, Philippine Embassy, Bing Cardenas Branigin, FilVetRep Executive Board, Rita Cacas, historian Rey Cabacar, 89 years old Filipino American Veteran of WW ll, Marie Vallejo, Head researcher, Digitalization of WW ll documents/archives, Jon Melegrito, FilVetRep Executive Board, Darell Artates, Public Diplomacy, Philippine Embassy, and Mitzi Pickard, NaFFAA Region 2. (2nd row-L-R) Eric A. Macalma, Chair NaFFAA Capital Region 2, Gem Dauz, Fil Vet Rep Executive Board, Patrick Cuasoto, Charge’ d’Affaires, Philippine Embassy, Sonny Izon, Fil Vet Rep, Executive Board, and Eric Lorenzana, Veterans Affairs Office, Philippine Embassy. This week, our Executive Committee member Ben de Guzman got to publicly thank Senator Mazie K. Hirono for her role in passing the Congressional Gold Medal for Filipino WWII veterans in front of hundreds of interns just new to Washington. On hand as well were Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Chair Representative Judy Chu, Representative Grace Meng, and U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal. Thanks and Mahalo! ( Photo Credits: Bing Cardenas Branigin and Ben de Guzman) 4
Region 3East Presents Its 2nd Empowerment Conference Hilton Columbus/Polaris in Columbus, OH July 28-30, 2017 Website: http://conference.naffaa-r3east.org Facebook: NaFFAA Region 3 East Empowerment Conference
R/Gen. Tony Taguba Washington DC
PCG Generoso D.G. Colonge Chicago, Illinois
Mayor Ron Falconi Brunskwick, OH
Paul Beck Columbus, OH
Jung Kim Columbus, OH
Chris Borja Dublin, OH
Kimberly Carter, PhD Columbus, OH
Amy Schossler Upper Arlington, OH
Jennifer Sconyers, PhD Columbus, OH
Shyam Rajadhyaksha Columbus, OH
Angelo Campos
Imelda C. Emenaker, EdD Columbus, OH
Roel Campos Des Moines, IA
Christine Chen Washington, DC
Emmet Apolinario Columbus, OH
Krista Cavalieri, CFP Columbus, OH
Cindy Flores Chicago, IL
Sen Charleta B. Tavares Columbus, OH
Hon. Tony Paat Columbus, OH
Cora Munoz, PhD Columbus, OH
Willie Dechavez Sterling Heights, MI
James Paat Dublin, OH
Joy Kouns-Lewis, PhD Columbus, OH
Elizabeth Piocos Cincinnati, OH
Krizzia Yanga Columbus, OH
NaFFAA Region 3-East (R3E) invites you to its 2017 R3E Empowerment Conference (EC)! Attendees of this event will be community leaders and guests coming mainly from the five R3E member states, which include Indiana, Iowa, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio. NaFFAA Ohio will host this three-day event, which will focus on the theme, “Redefining the Future: Leadership – Mentoring – Partnership,” at the Hilton Columbus/Polaris in Columbus, Ohio, on July 28-30, 2017. The 2017 R3E EC will provide an opportunity for NaFFAA to develop strategies to address the many concerns within the Filipino American community. We will conduct multiple workshops to focus on best practices in community leadership, engaging the community to achieve heightened awareness on issues, involving the youth through culture and education, and reaching out to other organizations for support in building a stronger Filipino American community. More specifically, we will include workshops discussing immigration reform, health care and aging, voter participation, business development, and youth inclusion, to name a few. 5
Region 4 Promotes NAFFAA at the Philippine Independence Day Event in Florida The Filipino American Association of Volusia County held its annual Philippine Independence Day Celebration on June 10, 2017. The family oriented affair was attended by 200 people some coming from Orlando, Tampa, Palm Coast and Jacksonville. FAAVCO members showcased their talents in performing cultural and hip hop dances to the delight of the guests. Dancing, Karaoke, Games and Music were also featured.
FAAVCO President, Dr. Lydia Calimarea delivered the welcome address and former President, Melviona Thomson welcomed the guest speaker NaFFAA National Chairman Brendan Flores. Brendan shared to the audience his 12-year long journey in NaFFAA that started from being a student volunteer up to the time he was elected as the organization’s National Chair. He pointed out his three pronged approach of Leadership Development, Civic Engagement and National Advocacy in empowering the Fil-Am community. He emphasized that NaFFAA is NOT an organization that competes in the values and goals of any local organization, but rather, an organization that elevates the local issues and concerns at the national level. In addressing our issues, one voice in unison could make a difference for the Filipinos and Filipino Americans. He challenged the audience by ending his speech, “How could you make these gatherings meaningful for the Filipino Americans?” The National Chair was well received and gained compliments in his remarks on achieving unity and one voice in the Filipino American community.
Region 5 Announces Consular Services & 2017 Filipiniana Gala
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Region 7 Hosts FilVetREP Update Forum in Seattle NaFFAA Region 7, in cooperation with Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetREP) and the International Drop-In Center (IDIC) organized a community gathering, “Conversations with the Veterans & Widows” on June 7, 2017 in Seattle, WA. This event was supported by the Filipino War Veterans of Washington (FWVW and the Filipino Widows of Washington (FAWOW). In attendance were aging veterans, widows and families of departed veterans. Veteran’s advocate Ben De Guzman from FilVetREP talked about initiatives to honor aging WWII veterans, widows and their families. He shared the most recent fundraising efforts of FilVetREP in May that raised close to $40,000, and identified future plans and projects of FilVetREP. The Q&A portion after his talk centered on the Congressional Medal for the veterans. Other highlights of this event included a discussion on Family Reunification or the Immigration Parole and review of sample designs of the Congressional Medal. This event, empowering as it was, has raised the community’s awareness programs that benefit Filipino veterans and their families who are residing in the United States.
Region 10 Promotes FilAmVote and FilVet REP At the Mabuhay Festival
Region 11’s Member Organization Reports its Successful 2017 Medical-Surgical-Dental Mission in the Philippines
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Michigan Fil-Am Group fundraise for Fil-Vet Congressional Medal Project
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
Bing Branigin Kelly Ilagan Jason Tengco Christopher Rivera Please forward event announcements and news articles in your community for July issue by the 25th. Submission must be in word format and pictures are in jpeg formats. Thank you to all June contributors !
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