Yuko Tomita of the International Organization for Migration discusses disaster relief initiatives | Photo via NaFFAA
NEW YORK – In a historical twist, the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) held its annual Leadership Summit from January 30 to February 1, 2024, at the Manila Hotel, Philippines — a first since its founding in 1997. National chair Brendan Flores and national president Mariela Fletcher led a delegation of 30 NaFFAA regional and state officers from the US, which fostered a vibrant exchange of ideas and collaboration among Filipino American leaders during the three-day event.
Before the summit, Senate President Jose Miguel Zubiri and Deputy Minority Leader Senator Riza Hontiveros personally commended NaFFAA’s board of governors for their contribution.
Host Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna warmly welcomed NaFFAA delegates and their guests with an inspiring message during the summit’s first day. She emphasized the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines and urged NaFFAA leaders to serve as bridges for Filipino Americans to reconnect with their roots.
Fletcher underscored the importance of leveraging Filipino heritage as a source of strength and unity. “Our connection with the Philippines is not just a matter of heritage; it’s a source of strength,” she said. Meanwhile, Flores expressed his gratitude for NaFFAA to have reached a global stage.
Source of strength and unity
Former Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Cuisia Jr. encouraged NaFFAA leaders to empower the future generation of the Filipino American community as he highlighted the efforts of the Filipino Young Leadership Program (FYLPRO) in nurturing impactful leaders, which he and his wife established in 2012 in cooperation with the Ayala Foundation Inc. According to its mission, “it is a network of high-performing, next-generation leaders who advance the Philippines and the Filipino people through their advocacy and expertise in various industries.
Secretary Romulo Arugay, Chairman of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), Marlene Gonzales, an Immigration Attorney, Eric Lachica from US Medicare Philippines, Inc., Honorary Consul Donna Lavigne, and Noehl Bautista representing the Philippine Retirement Authority were resource speakers of “The Bonds That Cross The Oceans” session.
The speakers gave invaluable insights into the advantages and opportunities for Filipino Americans considering retirement in the Philippines. They also delved into various aspects, articulated compelling reasons why relocating to the Philippines offers significant benefits, and outlined the potential opportunities awaiting retirees in the homeland.
During a lunch session, Yuko Tomita of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) spearheaded a discussion on their collaboration with NaFFAA concerning disaster relief initiatives. With the Philippines being one of the most disaster-prone nations, the dialogue focused on sharing best practices and strategies to enhance aid delivery. NaFFAA presented its initiative, the Fil-Am Alerts program, which it developed to streamline coordination efforts and ensure efficient response to emergencies.
Social responsibilities of Filipinos abroad
Next came a discussion on the social responsibilities of Filipinos abroad. The panel included Dan Bercasio, Executive Director of the Community Development Foundation for Gawad Kalinga, Dr. Mary Ann Evangelista, a Medical Missions expert, and Rolando Victoria, Founder and President of ASKI Group.
Bercasio conveyed his gratitude to NAFFAA for their long-standing partnership, spanning over two decades. He emphasized the significance of their collaboration in community-building and poverty alleviation efforts, stressing the importance of addressing monetary poverty and the sense of being left behind. He commended the support from NAFFAA and its younger leaders, underscoring their vital role in advancing Gawad Kalinga’s mission.
The day’s session ended with a visit by NaFFAA delegates to Makati City Hall, where they were warmly received by Mayor Abby Binay’s staff, Vice Mayor Monique Lagdameo, and councilors. The Makati City Youth Orchestra, a group of students from various public schools in Makati, showcased a blend of classical music and Original Pilipino Music (OPM).
National Operations Officer Ryan Namata led NaFFAA’s strategic planning session during the second day of the summit. This session focused on devising effective strategies to involve and engage the younger generation within the organization actively. Utilizing NaFFAA’s data, collected over the years, it became evident that there is a pressing need to foster the next generation of leaders, especially from our youth.
“It will be hard for us, NaFFAA leaders, to engage the youth in NaFFAA if we can’t even invite them from our own homes to participate,” NaFFAA Trustee Art De Joya commented. “We have to start with our own families, training our youth to engage in our Filipino American community.”
This was followed by a presentation of Maica Teves, Executive Director of Spark Philippines, who shared her leadership journey of perseverance and determination in building her organization to empower women.
Destiny brought them back
Filipino Americans who established themselves in the Philippines for work and business also spoke before the delegates. Cultural worker Migz Anzures, technology expert Dexter Ligot Gordon, businessman Vladimir “VJ” Manuel, entrepreneurs Bryan McClelland and Morris Vincent F. Agudo shared their stories of how their sense of purpose that led back home and their involvement with NaFFAA and other Fil-Am community organizations.
“Destiny brought them back because the country needs them,” Fletcher said, underscoring Fil Ams’ invaluable contribution and potential in driving positive change and progress within their homeland.
The next panel of the day, “Filipino Mental Health Support to OFWs & Migrants,” featured Brian Poe Llamanzares, Ph.D., Yuri Marshall, and Phoebe Fructuoso. They shared personal experiences of overcoming abuse, mental health challenges, and other adversities, leaving many NaFFAA leaders visibly moved. Angeles Carandang, National Treasurer, emphasized the significance of understanding and addressing the struggles faced by youth. “It is important to hear the struggles of our youth; we want to connect with them and engage them in our great cause. We can only connect with them if we take the time to know their concerns,” she said.
Lyle del Mundo, founder and executive director of Filipinos Advancing Creative Education (FACE), spoke about bridging the gap between Filipino creatives in the United States and the Philippines. He urged NaFFAA leaders to prioritize nurturing and strengthening relationships within the Filipino American community.
He also stressed the importance of supporting local talents and OPM (Original Pilipino Music) artists, envisioning a future where Filipino talents are exported internationally, akin to the success of Korean artists. Del Mundo emphasized, “It starts with us supporting and promoting our Filipino talents from within our community to get them on an international stage.”
The day ended with an address from Assistant Secretary Jose Victor Chan Gonzaga of the Department of Foreign Affairs. In his remarks, he emphasized the collective strength derived from unity, highlighting the importance of collaboration in navigating through pandemics and global changes.
Summit’s final day – a tour of Clark International Airport
A tour of the Clark International Airport, hosted by Delfin Lorenzana, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) chairman, culminated in the NaFFAA Leadership Summit. The delegates were feated to a Kapampangan culture as they explored Clark and indulged in local cuisine.
–With Ricky Rillera
