Filipino WWII Veterans Update

by Lillian Galedo

What an incredible year! Even in the midst of catastrophic economic worries, there is a sense of hope and a belief that we will change this country. We need to harness this energy for change to achieve full equity for our Filipino WWII veterans, support  low-wage Filipino workers in these harsh economic times, and grow the leadership of our youth. While FAA has survived 4 recessions in our 35-year history, this one is projected to be the worst since the Great Depression. Each time we have faced financial uncertainty, your support has helped us through. Once again we ask for your generous contributions to help us stay the course and continue our projects.

To contribute now, please click here. To make a contribution by mail, please see below.

Both nationally and locally, a number of key issues needed the voice of the Filipino community and FAA played a significant role in making that happen. This was an important and exciting election year. By October, there were over: 21,000 Philippine-born registered voters in Alameda County, 13,500 in Contra Costa County, and over 228,000 state-wide! Record numbers of Filipinos turned out on election day. Through new technology and grassroots efforts, FAA bolstered the civic engagement of the Filipino community in the East Bay.

Over 70 volunteers helped FAA Get Out the Vote (GOTV) in the February, June and November elections. Many volunteered for more than one election. Volunteers were bi-lingual and ranged in age from students to senior citizens. We concentrated on mobilizing voters in Oakland and Union City to pass violence prevention initiatives that our youth development programs helped put on the ballots. Both local measures passed–OO in Oakland and UU in Union City! How often do young people experience political victories so early in their lives?

The national Justice for Filipino WWII veterans campaign that we co-chair moved the farthest in Congress than it has ever gone since the bill was first proposed 15 years ago. It passed in the Senate, but did not make it to the House floor as the economic meltdown overshadowed all legislation. The National Alliance for Filipino Veterans Equity (NAFVE), which we helped found to push the push the Veterans Equity Bill through the 110th Congress is poised to work with the 11th Congress that now includes a greater number of supportive legislators. We hope to finally win full equity in the friendlier political climate of 2009.

The economic crisis is hurting many of the low-wage workers that FAA works with. Over 300 workers were laid-off at the Oakland International Airport in 2008. We are working with the Employment Development Department and the Oakland Private Industry Council to help them find other work and get the support services that they are eligible for. Home care workers are losing hours as patients struggle with their finances and State subsidized care faces massive budget cuts. It’s imperative these caregivers not only keep their jobs, but have safe working conditions as well.

While the economic future looks grim, both nationally and state-wide, we are not deterred. Our veterans and their advocates will continue fighting for equal status, our workers need to stay employed and our youth need opportunities to develop leadership skills. FAA is committed to making all of these happen in 2009.

Thank you for your generous support and Happy Holidays. Maraming Salamat Po!

Lillian Galedo, Executive Director
Trina Villanueva, Board President

PS SAVE THE DATE! On April 16, 2009, FAA’s annual event will feature a concert of Filipina Jazz singers–the first of its kind! Please join us at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center for this exciting evening.