Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

WASHINGTON, DC—More than a hundred Filipino-American community leaders from across the United States gathered November 18, Tuesday, to celebrate the new administration and to unite and empower the Filipino-American community.

Organized by Mabuhay Alliance and Falcon (Filipino American Leadership Council), the gathering brought together key personalities in the community who have been pushing for the discussion of Fil-Am issues on a more national level.

"People say that the Fil-Am community is divided and not organized. That is not true. In fact, that is the opposite. We can be well-organized as a community and I believe we can gain more if we continue uniting for our common goals," said Faith Bautista, president and executive director of Mabuhay Alliance, a non-profit organization based in San Diego.

Mabuhay Alliance and Falcon have been working with Greenlining Institute to make sure that the community’s voices are heard. Together, they barnstormed the nation’s capital and held dialogues with top executives and legislators.

"What we have now is the power of united advocacy. We need to work together as a united community, and we will continue to work with other minority communities. I am confident that we will finally reach this elusive goal of empowerment," newly-elected NaFFAA national chair Greg Macabenta said in his short speech.

Robert Gnaizda, general counsel of Greenlining, agrees.

"It is time to make it happen," Gnaizda said, "I have worked with the Fil-Am community since I met Larry Itliong in the fields of Salinas in 1966. It is now time for the community to reach the dream that the founder of NaFFAA had, a dream he shared with me."

Gnaizda, acknowledged by the leaders in the event as "the godfather of the Fil-Am community" believes that the timing is just right.

"This is a great beginning and it is best to begin it here in Washington, DC when there is a change in government. Change is in the air, and we are looking forward to the great years ahead," Gnaizda added.

The Greenlining Institute, a Berkeley, Calif.-based multiethnic, nonprofit, public policy and advocacy organization helped start the foreclosure freeze movement and for the past months, they have helped distressed homeowners facing foreclosure.

Ambassador Willy Gaa, California Assemblymember Ted Lieu, Deputy Comptroller Barry Wides of the Administrator of National Banks, AFCV’s Eric Lachica, NAFVE’s Ben de Guzman, Manila-US Times publisher Johnny Pecayo, and Washington DC’s Fil-Am community leaders were among those present at the reception held at the Capital Hilton.

( www.asianjournal.com )

( Published November 21, 2008, Asian Journal New York p. A1 )