THE STATE

OF NAFFAA

Report of the National Chair

Greg B. Macabenta

• Voted Nat’l Chair in Sept. 2008 at 8th EC in Seattle, with Rozita Lee as Nat’l Vice-Chair,

•*NaFFAA had serious problems:• Perceived as single issue org. (Vets Equity)• Regions had doubts about role; waiting for marching orders from national leadership• No funds, sponsorships and member dues nil• Office rent and salaries unpaid• 8th EC had a deficit and payables• The Recession had set in

Our detractors said NaFFAA was terminal.

Even NaFFAA’s loyal supporters felt that NaFFAA had one foot in the grave.

Our challenge was to keep NaFFAA alive and nurse it back to health.

The NaFFAA National Team

GREG B. MACABENTA ROZITA V. LEE FLORIAN PURGANANNational Chair National Vice-Chair National Youth Chair

The NaFFAA National Team

GREG B. MACABENTA ROZITA V. LEENational Chair National Vice-Chair

The NaFFAA National Team

LUDY CORRALES REUBEN SEGURITAN LULY ESCLAMADO JERRY CLARITONat’L Treasurer General Counsel Nat’l Director for Nat’l Director for Development Legislative Affairs

JON MELEGRITO BING BRANIGIN LORNA DIETZ BEN DE GUZMANNat’l Director for Nat’l Media Nat’l Online NCAPA Communications Coordinator Coordinator Representative

The NaFFAA National Team

BART TUBALINAL RODEL RODIS LULY ESCLAMADO JERRY CLARITONat’L Treasurer General Counsel Nat’l Director for Nat’l Director for Development Legislative Affairs

JON MELEGRITO BING BRANIGIN LORNA DIETZ BEN DE GUZMANNat’l Director for Nat’l Media Nat’l Online NCAPA Communications Coordinator Coordinator Representative

Strategic Planning Conference held in Washington DC in Nov. 2008, attended by almost 70 leaders. Direction of NaFFAA charted.

• NaFFAA redefined as COALITION of autonomous organizations and advocacy groups – not a monolithic umbrella organization

•In line with spirit of the NaFFAA Constitution

•By-Laws need to be amended to allow entry of national and regional FilAm organizations (FANHS, FWN, etc.); current ByLaws discourage this.

•In interim, establish alliances with FilAm organizations and other advocacy groups.

•Address wider range of issues, not single issue

•Shift burden of activism and advocacy to the regions

•National officers to motivate, integrate, coordinate and assist

•Regional champions assigned to specific causes/issues

•Change fund sharing to 80-20 instead of 50-50 to motivate regions

•Revived alliance with Greenlining Coalition; Appointed NaFFAA Reg 8 Chair Jose Pecho and 9th EC Chair Ben Menor to represent NaFFAA.

•Activated alliance with NCAPA and other advocacy groups; appointed Ben de Guzman (NAFVE Exec Director) as NaFFAA rep in Washington DC

•Strengthened ties with White House and Capitol Hill; joined meetings with Obama transition team

•Raised $16,000 initially to cover payables.

•Paid off office back rental.

•Partially paid auditor

•Moved office to cheaper and then to RENT-FREE location in Washington DC area.

• NaFFAA office is at National Philippine Multicultural Center in Oxon Hill, MD,

courtesy of Hon. David Valderrama, NaFFAA charter member and former member,

Maryland House of Delegates

•Discontinued services of Exec Director and Admin Asst.; Nat’l Chair assumed functions.

•Raised funds from regions to cover back wages. Loida Nicolas-Lewis offered $5,000 Challenge Grant

•Negotiated and paid off back wages of Admin Asst; Exec Dir waived balance of back wages

•Raised funds from regions to cover 8th EC payables.

•Reg 3 biggest contributor.

•Gen. Counsel Reuben Seguritan negotiated reduction.

•Nat’l Chair visited all regions early in term to talk to leaders, resolve local conflicts, attend NaFFAA events.

•Nat’l Vice-Chair made several trips to Washington DC to represent NaFFAA and work on issues.

•All expenses paid from personal funds – not from NaFFAA.

.

• NaFFAA operated with no overhead.

• Operating expenses absorbed by Nat’l Chair

• Operational and management functions handled by Nat’l Chair and Nat’l Vice-Chair

• Recession worsened. Fund sources dried up. NaFFAA had to dig in and go into SURVIVAL MODE

.• Advocacy continued despite financial and logistical

difficulties.

• FilVets struggle partially won with $198 mil benefits package. Charge led by NAFVE with NaFFAA leaders Rozita Lee, Jon Melegrito, Nony Abrajano, Ernie Ramos, Jerry Clarito , Bing Branigin, Eric Lachica and Ben de Guzman

•

.• FilVote campaign launched nationally with

media support

• .Immigration advocacy pursued; rally in Washington DC

• Foreclosure prevention workshops held, led by Reg 8

• NaFFAA represented in meetings of Obama Transition Team. Active endorsement of FilAms for key positions.

• Nat’l Vice-Chair Rozita Lee appointed to White House Advisory Committee on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, along with FilAm Hector Vargas.

• Much needs to be done. We still lack CLOUT.

.

• Focus on Philippine presidential elections:

• Voter education in cooperation with Ad Foundation of the Phils.

• Planned Presidential Debate, initiated by Region 1, FALDEF and Aquila Legis

• Intensified Dual Citizenship and Overseas Absentee Voting campaign

• US Pinoys for Good Governance led by NaFFAA leaders

 

•The regions responded positively.•NaFFAA Spirit demonstrated.

.• Visibility of NaFFAA kept high in national

media and on the Internet

• NaFFAA on White House email loop

• NaFFAA assistance sought on State Sec Hillary Clinton’s visit to Manila

• Attacks of vicious detractors neutralized with media counter-attack and Vote of Confidence of entire leadership

.

• NaFFAA condemnation of Floyd Mayweather for racial slur vs. Manny Pacquiao and Filipinos carried in USA Today, ESPN and international media

Regions were featured in Filipinas Magazine

.

• Media & Communications Team did superb job:• Jon Melegrito, Nat’l Communications Director• Bing Branigin, Nat’l Media Coordinator• Lorna Dietz, Nat’l Online Coordinator

THIS IS THE STATE OFNAFFAA TODAY

We have a federation that is operating on empty and in

Survival Mode.

But NaFFAA is alive and still actively pursuing its Mission

.

• The situation is NOT IDEAL.

• Full-time Exec Director and staff needed for NaFFAA to operate optimally.

• But this is the best option under present circumstances.

• Hopefully, the new leadership will find better options until the Recession is over.

.

• Where we have been remiss is in forging a partnership with the Youth.

• The theme of this conference is designed to address that need.

• We ask the incoming leadership to follow through on what we are trying to do today.

DIGEST OF REGIONAL REPORTS

The activities of the regions represent the sum total of the importance of

NaFFAA in our community’s struggle for empowerment.

REGION 1 – Eastern RegionConnecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey,

New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island & VermontRegional Chair – Roger Alama

Regional Vice-Chair – Lito Pernia

•

REGION 1 – Eastern RegionConnecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey,

New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island & VermontRegional Chair – Roger Alama

Regional Vice-Chair – Lito Pernia

KEY INITIATIVES• FILIPINO AMERICAN LEGAL DEFENSE & EDUCATION FUND (FALDEF) – JT Mallonga, Chair

- Aid to Sentosa Nurses-Assistance to Dr. Pedro and Salve Servando

- FILVETS – Lobbying for Veterans Equity

- SELF-RELIANCE & ENTREPRENEURIAL PROGRAM

- PHILIPPINE PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE

•

REGION 1 – Eastern Region

KEY INITIATIVES

•*FILVOTE – House-to-house voter registration

REGION 2 – Capitol RegionDelaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia

Regional Chair – Gicelle Fundales (on leave)Acting Chair (Regional Vice-Chair) – Bert Dayao

KEY INITIATIVES•CAPITOL HILL LOBBYING

•FILVETS – Led lobbying efforts for Vets Equity and approval of $198 mil benefits package•Health Care Bill – Met with Congressmen to lobby approval•Comprehensive Immigration Reform – Led lobbyng efforts

• OBAMA TRANSITION TEAM – •Led NaFFAA efforts for FilAms to be appointed to key positions; Nat’l Vice-Chair Rozita Lee and Hector Vargas appointed to WHACAAPI

REGION 2 – Capitol Region

KEY INITIATIVES•FREE-RENT NAFFAA OFFICE – Negotiated and handled physical transfer to rent-free quarters in Oxon Hill

•NCAPA – Represented NaFFAA in alliances with other minority groups (NCAPA, etc.)

REGION 3 – Midwest RegionIllinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin

Regional Chair – Ed NavarraRegional Vice-Chair – Princess Emraida Kiram

 

REGION 3 – Midwest RegionIllinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin

Regional Chair – Ed NavarraRegional Vice-Chair – Princess Emraida Kiram

KEY INITIATIVES•FILVOTE – Ed Navarro co-chair of national FilVote campaign

•FILVETS & CIR – Jerry Clarito, Nat’l Director for Legislative Affairs active in NAFVE and in lobbying for Comprehensive Immigration Reform

 

REGION 3 – Midwest Region

KEY INITIATIVES•AID TO THE PHILIPPINES – Gawad Kalinga, Books for the Barrios, first responders to calamities

•First 2nd Gen FilAm in US Congress – Rep. Steve Austria

•FILAM HISTORY MONTH – Major activities in region commemorating October as FilAm History Month

 

REGION 4 – Southern RegionAlabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi,

North & South Carolina and Tennessee Regional Chair – Marilyn Doromal

Regional Vice-Chair – Gloria Vergara

REGION 4 – Southern RegionAlabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi,

North & South Carolina and Tennessee Regional Chair – Marilyn Doromal

Regional Vice-Chair – Gloria Vergara

KEY INITIATIVES*FILVETS – Was among the prime movers in lobbying with Dr. Ernie Ramos

•POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE – Hosted organizational meeting of separate PAC (Filipino American Public Affairs Coalition with the late Dr. Ernie Ramos as Chair)

REGION 4 – Southern Region

KEY INITIATIVES*HOSTED AMERICAN COUNCIL FOR YOUNG POLITICAL LEGISLATORS (ACYPL) – Funded by US Department of Justice. Four young Philippine political leaders welcomed; discussed how they can help new Admin of Pres. Noynoy Aquino  

*PINOY FIESTA –Welcome FilAm soldiers from Fort Benning and Middle East war fronts

-* LANGUAGE IMMERSION - Program for children 8-14 yrs old

REGION 4 – Southern Region

Regional Chair Emeritus – Dr. Ernie Ramos (Deceased)

REGION 5 – Central RegionColorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska,

North & South Dakota, Wyoming Regional Chair – Donna LaVigne

Regional Vice-Chair – Dr. Erlinda Rojas-SantosRegional Youth Chair – Francis Macalalag

REGION 5 – Central RegionColorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska,

North & South Dakota, Wyoming Regional Chair – Donna LaVigne

Regional Vice-Chair – Dr. Erlinda Rojas-SantosRegional Youth Chair – Francis Macalalag

KEY INITIATIVES•CULTURAL PROGRAM – Concert of Young Symphonic Ensemble conducted by Michael Dadap. Dubbed event Fiestiva Asiana and involved Asian community. So successful, it will become an annual “Filipiniana” event.

•FUND-RAISING FOR PHILIPPINE RELIEF - Funds raised went to Philippine calamity victims. Donated $6,000 for typhoon Ondoy victims thru Red Cross.

REGION 5 – Central Region

KEY INITIATIVES* GAWAD KALINGA - Funds raised built GK Colorado Village in the Philippines: 30 individual homes that shelter 30 formerly homeless families, victims of 2005 mudslide in Luzon. •ANNUAL CONSULAR OUTREACH – Hosted Phil Consulate; over 500 Dual Citizens took oath.

•* PROJECT CURE – Fil-Am Community of Colorado with Rotary Club and Province of Aklan; $600,000 worth of medical equipment and supplies donated to Aklan Provincial Hospital.

 

REGION 6 – Southwest RegionArkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas Regional

Chair – Norma Benzon (Deceased)Interim Regional Chair – Gus Mercado

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REGION 6 – Southwest RegionArkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas Regional

Chair – Norma Benzon (Deceased)Interim Regional Chair – Gus Mercado

KEY INITIATIVES•ENTREPENEURSHIP – In line with goal of economic empowerment, DataLogix Texas, Inc., fastest-growng wireless firm in US. Gus Mercado, Pres & CEO. Cited as “minority-owned company creating jobs in Silicon Valley while other companies are retrenching.”

•TRADE MISSION TO PHILIPPINES - Just came from successful trade mission, closed millions in new business deals.

REGION 6 – Southwest Region

KEY INITIATIVES•TEXAS 10 RECALLED – Region 6 hit national and international news when Gus Mercado took up the case of 10 Filipino airline workers jailed by INS. Entire NaFFAA network contributed to legal defense.

•FOUNDERS AWARD – Region 6 given Founders Award at empowerment conference in Hawaii for aid to Katrina victims thru Filipino Disaster Relief of Texas (FDRT).

REGION 6 – Southwest RegionArkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas

Regional Chair – Norma Benzon (Deceased)

REGION 7 – Pacific Northwest RegionAlaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington Regional Chair – Tess Atayde

Regional Vice-Chair – Mariela Fletcher

REGION 7 – Pacific Northwest RegionAlaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington Regional Chair – Tess Atayde

Regional Vice-Chair – Mariela Fletcher

KEY INITIATIVES•HOST OF 8TH EC - Region 7 hosted the 8th National Empowerment Conference in Seattle.

•DISTINCTION – Seattle in Region 7 is the only city in the US with a Rizal Bridge leading to a Rizal Park adorned with a Rizal Bust. All initiated by the FilAm community, most of whom are NaFFAA leaders.

REGION 8 – Northern California RegionSan Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley

Regional Chair – Jose PechoRegional Vice-Chair – Lorna Dietz

Regional Youth Chair – Jenab-I Pareja

REGION 8 – Northern California RegionSan Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley

Regional Chair – Jose PechoRegional Vice-Chair – Lorna Dietz

Regional Youth Chair – Jenab-I Pareja

KEY INITIATIVES•CRADLE OF NaFFAA – Home region of NaFFAA founders, Alex Esclamado and Rodel Rodis (NaFFAA General Counsel); outgoing National Chair Greg Macabenta; National Online Coordinator Lorna Dietz; NaFFAA Greenlining Representatives, Jose Pecho and Ben Menor.

REGION 8 – Northern California Region

KEY INITIATIVES•HOST OF 9TH EC - Region 8 is the host of this conference. Ben Menor, Santa Clara Count Chair, is Chairman of Organizing Committee.

•NAFFAA REPRESENTED IN GREENLINING COALITION (ORIGINAL BENEFACTOR OF NaFFAA) – Jose Pecho and Ben Menor represent NaFFAA in this coalition of minority advocacy organizations.

REGION 8 – Northern California Region

KEY INITIATIVES•FORECLOSURE PREVENTION WORKSHOPS – In the face of mortgage meltdown, conducted workshops in cooperation with Mabuhay Alliance and Greenlining Coalition

•MASS ACTION VS. SAN FRANCISCO – Protest over discimination vs. FilAm non-profit service entity in terms of financial subsidy and absence of Filipino art and FilAm trustee in Asian Art Museum. Successful.

REGION 8 – Northern California Region

KEY INITIATIVES•FILVETS - Among the earliest and most active proponents of veterans equity; lobbied and succeeded in winning citizenship for Filipino WW II•TYPHOON ONDOY FUND DRIVE – Staged major fund-raiser with Dancing with the Stars champion Cheryl Burke as host.

REGION 9 – Los Angeles RegionGreater Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo and Kern Counties North

Regional Chair – Susan Maquindang DilkesRegional Vice-Chair – Cha Carrera

Regional Youth Chair – Berwyn Salazar

REGION 9 – Los Angeles RegionGreater Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo and Kern Counties North

Regional Chair – Susan Maquindang DilkesRegional Vice-Chair – Cha Carrera

Regional Youth Chair – Berwyn Salazar

KEY INITIATIVES•FILVOTE – One of the earliest and most active in FilAm voter registration; conducted study on significance of FilAm vote in mainstream elections. •FILVETS – Among the the most active in lobbying for FilVets Equity, led by Susan Maquindang Dilkes and FASGI

REGION 9 – Los Angeles Region

•LA HAS LARGEST CONCENTRATION OF FILIPINOS IN ONE METRO AREA – Yet NaFFAA has not been able to establish a solid presence in it. Pioneers like Soc Inonog and Susan Maquindang Dilkes have kept the fire burning, but they need support.

REGION 10 – San Diego RegionGreater San Diego, Riverside and Imperial Counties

Regional Chair – Aurora CudalRegional Vice-Chair – JoAnn Fields

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REGION 10 – San Diego RegionGreater San Diego, Riverside and Imperial Counties

Regional Chair – Aurora CudalRegional Vice-Chair – JoAnn Fields

KEY INITIATIVES* FILVETS – Home district of Rep. Bob Filner, principal sponsor of FilVets Equity Bill; Region actively lobbied and supported Rep. Filner through the years.

* GAWAD KALINGA – NaFFAA leaders helped organize fair for GK in San Diego and built houses for slum dwellers in the Philippines.

REGION 10 – San Diego Region

•SAN DIEGO became inactive with the relocation of Region Chair Al Villamora to Italy.Dr. Aurora Cudal, Region Chair Emeriti, has committed to nurse the region back to life.

* SAN DIEGO HAS ALMOST 200,000 FILIPINOS, NEXT TO LOS ANGELES IN SIZE OF FILAM POPULATION – The region needs special attention and support from NaFFAA national.

REGION 11 – Greater Nevada RegionArizona, Nevada and Utah)

Regional Chair – Nadia JuraniRegional Vice-Chair – Rex Velasquez

Regional Youth Chair – Brendan Flores

REGION 11 – Greater Nevada RegionArizona, Nevada and Utah)

Regional Chair – Nadia JuraniRegional Vice-Chair – Rex Velasquez

Regional Youth Chair – Brendan Flores

KEY INITIATIVES* LAS VEGAS - Home turf of national vice-chair Rozita Lee and Comelec Chair Martin Celemin

* FIL VOTE – National leader in FilVote effort, thru Gloria Caoile, national vice-chair emeriti, and Rozita Lee.  

REGION 11 – Greater Nevada Region

KEY INITIATIVES•SENATE ACTION ON FILAM HISTORY MONTH – Lobbied Sen. Harry Reid to file and get approval of Senate Resolution designating October as Filipino American History Month.

* FIL VOTE – National Vice-Chair Rozita Lee lobbied hard for Vets Equity, thru Senators John Ensign and Harry Reid.    

REGION 11 – Greater Nevada Region

KEY INITIATIVES•VITA PROGRAM – Launched annual VITA (Voluntary Income Tax Assistance) Program.

* REGIONAL EXPANSION – Activation of Arizona State Chapter with Philippine Public Health Foundation USA under Dr. Rinly Gecosala of Tucson, AZ.   

REGION 11 – Grreater Nevada Region

KEY INITIATIVES•ANNUAL FIESTA FILIPINO – Philippine Independence Day Fair.

•CENSUS 2010 - Leadership in Census participation by FilAm community. Rozita Lee represented NaFFAA national.

REGION 12 – Pacific Islands Region Hawaii, Guam and The Marianas

Regional Chair – Ron Menor Regional Vice Chair - Amy AgbayaniRegional Youth Chair – Rouel Velasco

REGION 12 – Pacific Islands Region Hawaii, Guam and The Marianas

Regional Chair – Ron Menor Regional Vice Chair - Amy AgbayaniRegional Youth Chair – Rouel Velasco

KEY INITIATIVES•FILVETS – Hawaii is home district of Senators Daniel Akaka and Daniel Inouye, principal sponsors of Vets Equity Bill in the Senate. Region 12 lobbied actively for their support.

•POLITICAL EMPOWERMENT - Hawaii has elected largest number of FilAms to State legislature and the first FilAm State Governor, Gov. Ben Cayetano

THA NK YOU FORTHE HONOR AND THE PRIVILEGE

OF SERVING YOUAS YOUR NATIONAL CHAIR.

I WISH THE INCOMING NATIONAL CHAIR, NATIONAL VICE-CHAIR

AND BOARD MEMBERS ALL THE BEST.