In June 2008, the Philippines suffered heavy devastation caused by typhoon Frank. In a panic response to the dire situation back home, the Filipino American community in the Northeastern Region USA, with the Philippine Consulate General in New York at the helm, mobilized to raise funds for assistance to the Philippines. Here we saw the birth of the "Project Tulong", and this ad hoc entity was able to raise around $50,000. This was distributed directly to provinces that were hardest hit by the typhoon (e.g. Iloilo, Masbate, Aklan, Samar, etc..) It took some time for funds to be raised but still it was most appreciated by those who were struggling to survive the aftermath.

Learning from this situation, our Filipino community leaders suggested that the community should try to be proactive, instead of just being reactive. With Consul General Cecilia B. Rebong as adviser, this need led to the creation of the "Handang Tumulong" Disaster Relief Fund, a readiness project that hopes to be able to send immediate assistance to the Philippines in the event of future calamities visiting the Philippines again.

To kick-off the the Handang Tumulong project, a piano concert was held at the Philippine Center Kalayaan Hall on October 24, 2008. The very talented performer, who generously donated his time and talent "gratis et amore", was Concert Pianist Rudolf Pelaez Golez. As a start, the concert raised $1,900 net, for the Handang Tumulong Fund.

Another Fund Raiser is being planned for October 2009: Lakad-Tulong will pursue the creation of a seed fund and at the same time mobilize the community to be aware of and participate in the 2010 US Census.

What:

The Filipino American community in the northeastern region, in partnership with the Philippine Consulate General in New York will hold 2009 "Lakad Tulong" Walk-a-thon. This Filipino American Walk-a-thon is designed to support two major projects: 1) "Census 2010" - to create awareness and encourage Filipinos to be counted in the upcoming 2010 Census, and 2) "Handang Tumulong" Disaster Relief Fund - a readiness project for the victims of recurrent calamities in the Philippines.

Every 10 years, a census is conducted to count the general population. In the past Census counts, Filipinos were lumped together in the Asian/Pacific Islander category. Recognizing that we are a growing ethnic group, the Bureau of Census in 2010 will have a specific category, "Filipino" to define our own ethnic identity as Filipinos and Filipino-Americans.

Walkathon Route - From City Hall proceed on Montgomery Street. - left on Washington Street - right onto Columbus Drive - right onto Marin Boulevard. - left onto 9th Street - left on Manila Avenue - end at Grove Street in front of the City Hall. This route is approximately 3 miles.

How:

To participate, each walker will be assessed a tax-deductible registration fee of $25. Each walker is encouraged to get sponsors who will pledge and donate $10 per mile. In the event you or your organization can not join the walk-a-thon, any donation will be much appreciated. All donations and registration fees will be made payable to FAAFL, Inc, and mailed to P.O. Box 1362 Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 on or before October 5, 2009. After October 5, bring registration and pledge donation checks to the registration table on October 11, 2009 at 8:00 A.M. (Note: In memo portion of check, please write "Handang Tumulong Fund").

Where:

Jersey City, City Hall
280 Grove Street
Jersey City, NJ 07302

10/11/2009 from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM