Typhoon Pablo Survivors Deserve Relief, Not Repression

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 06, 2012

Contact: Terrence Valen, NAFCON President
415.333.6267, info@nafconusa.org

Typhoon Pablo Survivors Deserve Relief, Not Repression

Filipinos Demands Justice in response to recent killing of Cristina Morales Jose

The National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON) demands for immediate investigation and subsequent prosecution of those responsible for the murder of Cristina Morales Jose, leader of a Typhoon Pablo survivors group Barug Katawhan, a councilor in her local town Baganga, and also a member of the progressive partylist Bayan Muna.

Jose was killed on March 4 in Davao Oriental, Philippines. According to human rights organization Karapatan in Southern Mindanao, she was killed by a motorcycle riding assassin as she was on her way home from a Barangay Council session.

According to Jose’s text message to fellow Barug Katawhan leaders, military and other local state forces threatened residents who joined the barricade that they will not be rationed food. The typhoon survivors were subjected to threat and intimidation by members of the Philippine Army. Before she was killed, Jose intended to travel to Davao City to file a complaint about the blacklisting of those who joined the protest and barricade of typhoon survivors.

“The Philippine government and its military is again the prime suspect in the gross violation of human rights. Typhoon Pablo survivors deserve compassion and support as they rebuild their livelihood not repression,” states NAFCON Midwest Coordinator Nerissa Allegretti, who visited Pablo-stricken communities early this year. “The demands of Barug Katawhan are legitimate. They have the right to food, shelter, and humanitarian aid. We condemn the repression of the typhoon survivors as they fight for these basic rights.”

In January, Jose was among those who exposed the food blockade and militarization of relief efforts by members of the Philippine Army in her town. In February, she joined more than 4,000 typhoon survivors in a 3-day barricade of the regional office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and demanded the release of 10,000 sacks of rice that was earlier promised to typhoon survivors. DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman threatened to press legal charges against leaders of various organizations involved in the barricade.

Since Typhoon Pablo hit Mindanao in December last year, NAFCON has coordinated relief in the United States to support our fellow sisters and brothers in Pablo-ravaged areas, raising relief donations and educating our local communities.

“We are not only disgusted by the Philippine government’s ineptness in preparing for these disasters and failure to distribute much-needed relief goods to affected communities. We are equally outraged that this spate of extra-judicial killings has intensified and directed not only towards the typhoon survivors but also progressive Party List members who exposed the government’s criminal neglect of its own people,” declares NAFCON President Terrence Valen.

“The hard-earned money we send back home must not be used for human rights violations, especially against those who are merely defending their basic right to land and life. We call on the Philippine government to immediately provide much-needed relief to typhoon survivors, pull out the military forces from the affected communities and stop large-scale mining by foreign and large corporations which aggravates the effects of environmental disasters,” ends Valen.###

Di Ka Nag-iisa Kasama by Kasama Mo

Filipinos unite for workers and Immigrants Rights in May Day

For Immediate Release

May 7, 2013.

Reference: Anne Beryl Corotan, NAFCON Campaigns Coordinator

 

Filipinos unite for workers and Immigrants Rights in May Day

New York- Filipinos marched alongside workers, youth, women, LGBTQ and migrants shutting down the busy streets of New York  under the banner of Bayan USA and the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON), demanding Legalization for all and Family Reunification now on the annual May day rally.

 

May day, May 1st also known as the International Worker’s day is an annual celebration of worker’s rights and achievements of workers’ struggles. May day in the United States has also been a day to assert the rights of migrants. Flags and banners waved, demands were chanted as thousands marched collectively from Union square to Wall Street.

 

The million workers march in the 2006 New York May day rally was initiated and organized by organizations like Bayan USA, NAFCON and the May 1st Coalition. The massive number of organizers and participants are migrant workers which helped revive and reclaimed May day in New York City.  “Since 2006 the May 1st Coalition who has organized the million workers march in New York City stood for Legalization for All. The struggle for migrant’s rights is one and the same as the struggle for worker’s rights and this year, we continue to struggle for no less than Legalization for all and an end to deportations,” states Teresa Gutierrez of the May 1st Coalition and the International Migrant’s Alliance.

 

The Filipino Contingent also held a public educational discussion at Union square with youth, students and other May day participants on the history of the workers’ struggles in the Philippines, Philippine American history and a situationer on the Justice for the Grand Isle Shipyard Filipino Workers campaign.

 

“Slavery, trafficking, deportations are just a few of the everyday concerns of migrants all over the United States. Thousands of workers such as that of the Grand Isle Shipyard Filipino Workers who are survivors of human trafficking and are forced to work under slave-like conditions in order to provide support to their families in the Philippines, “ states Michelle Saulon, Northeast Regional coordinator of NAFCON. “Landless, joblessness and severe poverty in countries like the Philippines, provide no choice for its nationals but to leave their homeland and suffer the uncertainties in a foreign nation. Here in the United States, migrant workers especially those who are undocumented live in fear of deportation and criminalization. It is important that we educate the public about the realities of our lives as migrant workers and uphold our dignities as human beings.”

 

 

Jonna Baldres, National deputy secretary general of NAFCON spoke at the main program of the rally at Union Square New York and said “Migration has been deliberately designed by the United States to oppress the workers and immigrants all for the sake of profit. Without the workers and immigrants this country would not exist. Today and even beyond, we demand an end to anti worker and anti immigrant policies and practices, we demand genuine comprehensive immigration reform. We only want the best for our families to live with dignity, today let us march together for Legalization for all, stop the deportations, family reunification now.”

 

The Philippine Flag waved high alongside banners and flags of various grassroots and migrant organizations with one unity and that is to uphold the rights and welfare of workers and migrants. NAFCON and various organizations are currently building the “Filipinos for Immigration Reform”, a group of concerned individuals and organizations who will push through a genuine immigration reform, affirming NAFCON’s principles and demands on a just comprehensive immigration reform.

 

“May day and beyond, it is important to be part not only of the campaign for genuine immigration reform but for our struggle to uphold the dignity and justice for all migrants and workers around the world. It is through collective action that we can achieve victory and we claim our victory as we assert our rights on the streets,” ended Saulon.###

 

Filipinos across the U.S. Say Senate Immigration Bill Falls Short

For Immediate Release
April 22, 2013

 

Filipinos across the U.S. Say Senate Immigration Bill Falls Short

Throughout the Country Filipinos Gear Up for Week of Advocacy and Action Starting May 1st to Tell Congress Prioritize Protecting Workers and Keeping Families Together Not Big Business and Profits

In the wake of the “Gang of Eight” release of the U.S. Senate Comprehensive Immigration Reform bill, Filipinos throughout the country respond to the proposed legislation.

Bernadette Herrera, a representative of Migrante Northern California and Vice-President of the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON) says, “The bill ignores the reality for many Filipino families, where siblings go abroad to earn money to support their siblings. If this bill were to become law, many Filipino families would never be able to be together.

The Senate current proposal eliminates the sibling category (18 months after the bill becomes law), which means U.S. citizens could no longer petition their siblings in the Philippines and other countries to immigrate to the U.S.

“In a lot of Filipino families, older siblings are the main wage earners and they take care of the rest of their siblings and cousins. Many send money back home to support their younger brothers and sisters and then petition to bring them to the U.S. so they can be together. This bill would deny them the chance to unite their family,” continues Herrera.

Even though the bill allows siblings to apply for a “merit based visa,” many Filipinos along with Herrera are concerned in situations such as if the sibling were disabled or not skilled in a category that allows them to be eligible for this visa.

Another concern with the Senate proposal is related to the December 31st, 2011 deadline to be eligible for a pathway to legalization. All current and future undocumented that arrive after the deadline will not be eligible.

Anne Beryl Corotan, a NAFCON campaigns coordinator in New York highlighted human trafficking as one example why the current senate bills falls short.

“There are workers who are still being recruited from the Philippines, promised decent jobs, brought to the U.S., and then forced to work in slave like conditions by threat of deportation. Based on this 2011 deadline, recent and future victims will continue to be left in the shadows without the options afforded by the proposed law,” says Corotan.

The proposed legislation entitled “Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013” restructures the U.S. immigration policy more toward meeting the labor demands of big businesses in America along with plans to increase border enforcement, deal with the large visa backlog, and provide a path to legalization for the over eleven million undocumented in the U.S.

NAFCON who has been waging several campaigns protecting and advancing the rights and welfare of immigrants in the U.S. has just released its own proposal entitled “Our Principles and Demands for Genuine Comprehensive Immigration Reform,” that prioritizes protecting workers and keeping families together not big businesses and their profits.

Terrence Valen, NAFCON President, explains, “Our demands for genuine immigration reform are linked to our struggle for a world where all people can thrive, families are NOT separated by the urgent need for survival, and our homelands have the conditions in which all people can live a decent and humane life.”

Ultimately, NAFCON encourages the public to look beyond the current frame of the CIR debate and consider how U.S. economic relations with countries such as the Philippines play into contributing to the poverty that pushes so many to flee to the U.S. in search of opportunity.

As a part of its effort to influence the debate, NAFCON, with its 30 member organizations nationwide, is organizing a week of advocacy and action starting May 1st International Workers Day taking place in New York, New Jersey, Los Angeles, Chicago, Oakland, San Jose, Daly City, and San Francisco.

The week of action includes rallies and marches on May 1st, educational forums, release of art work and a newsletter launching a new cartoon strip series focused on the a fictional caregiver named Andrea Bonifacio.

In addition, the alliance will also lobby Senators Schumer (NY), Durbin (IL), Feinsten (CA) and others to utilize NAFCON’s Principles and Demands as a guide informing their decisions regarding CIR.

NAFCON will be joined by several other Filipino alliances including Migrante International U.S. chapters, Gabriella-USA, and BAYAN-USA.

For more information on NAFCON, its Principles and Demands on Genuine Comprehensive Reform, and participating in its week of action go to www.nafconusa.org or contact Terrence Valen at 415.333.6267.###

Join NAFCON May 1st for International Workers Day

Join the NAFCON on May 1st to kick off our National Week of Action to advocate for:

Just and Dignified Immigration Reform NOW!

Prioritize Protecting Workers and Keeping Families Together NOT big-business and profits!

See below for actions and events  in major cities throughout the U.S.

Los Angeles, CA

Our Principles and Demands on Genuine Comprehensive Immigration Reform

To download a printable version of this document Click Here!

To endorse this document please Click Here.

Just and Dignified Immigration Reform Now!
Prioritize Protecting Workers and Keeping Families Together, Not Big Business and Profits!

Every day, countless individuals are forced to migrate to provide for themselves and their families due to political instability, extreme poverty, and lack of opportunity in their home countries. In the era of globalization, migration is not a choice but a means to survive. Im/migrants should not be labeled “illegal” and scape-goated for national security issues. Doing so demeans them and forces millions to endure dangerous jobs, work in slave- like conditions, and to live in fear of rampant raids and deportation.

Criminalizing migrants does not make us safer. It subjects countless workers to exploitation, abusive relationships, and prevents the reporting of crimes because of the fear of deportation. Spending billions of dollars on border militarization does not increase our security. It encourages violence and inhumane conditions in detention centers. These practices jeopardize our safety and the safety of our communities.

To truly make us safer and significantly improve our immigration system, we must address globalization and work to end the condition of “forced migration.” We must work to build a world where all people can thrive and support im/migrant homelands to have the conditions in which all people can live a decent life.

For us in the U.S., we must demand our government to end unfair trade agreements between the U.S. and developing nations like the Philippines. These agreements are designed to maximize profits for big businesses at the cost of building a sustainable and self-sufficient economy that creates opportunity and allows families to live together.

We must also not let our tax dollars support governments with high rates of corruption and human rights violations as is the case with the Philippines. This practice further degrades the possibility for people to build a decent life and maintain a true democracy.

Uphold the Dignity and Humanity of all Individuals.  Legalization For All!

Provide REAL pathways to legalization for all current undocumented migrants living and working in the US, free of restrictions based on country of origin, economic status, education, or length of residency.   The process should be accessible and not overly cost-prohibitive.  Culturally competent services should be provided in all languages to ensure an easy and accessible process.

Update the Registry Date in Sec 249 of the Immigration and Nationality Act to 2002, and impose a statue of limitations on being undocumented in the United States such that any person who has continuously lived in the U.S. for ten years be allowed to apply for permanent residency.

Bring U.S. immigration law in line with international human rights law by reforming asylum and refugee law to eliminate the one-year bar, add gender and sexual orientation as qualifying persecuted groups, strengthen protections for children, crime victims, and victims of human and labor trafficking.

End Deportations!  Stop Criminalizing & Il-legalizing Immigrants! Due Process & Equal Protections for All!

End Secure Communities and all policies and programs that force state and local law enforcement to engage in the enforcement of federal civil immigrations violations and require local agencies to detain immigrants for ICE and depriving them of due process under the law.

End mandatory detention of all migrants for immigration violations.

Repeal the sections of the 1996 law that imposed the three and ten years bars for unlawful presence and that redefined vast numbers of crimes as deportable offenses when committed by immigrants.

Filipinos in U.S. Release Immigration Rights Platform to Hold President Obama Accountable to True Comprehensive Immigration Reform

For Immediate Release
January 22, 2013

Filipinos in U.S. Release Immigration Rights Platform to Hold President Obama Accountable to True Comprehensive Immigration Reform

Migrants’ Platform Enumerates Demands for Genuine Change

The National Alliance for Filipino Concerns has released an 8-point immigration rights platform on January 22, 2013, the day following President Obama’s re-inauguration, as part of its Dignity and Justice for Im/migrants campaign. During both election campaigns, Obama promised to take on comprehensive immigration reform, but has yet to do so.

“This platform articulates the most urgent needs of Filipino immigrants in the U.S. and defines what must be included in Obama’s comprehensive immigration reform. Anything less is unacceptable,” said Terrence Valen, NAFCON President.

The 8-point platform includes:

• Passage of legislation and/or policy to reunite families immediately
• Provide legal status to victims of Human Trafficking and prosecute the perpetrators
• Stop deportation of and give legal and permanent status to CNMI migrant workers
• Stop deportations and scrap both E-Verify and Secure Communities
• Pass Dream Act with a community service component
• U.S. Ratification of ILO Convention concerning Decent Work for Domestic Workers
• Pass Caring for the Aging, Respecting and Educating our direct care workforce (CARE ACT)
• Dignified and just pathway for undocumented immigrants

The Pulse of the People as Basis for the Migrants’ Platform

This platform is based on NAFCON’s national survey called “Pulso ng Bayan” (Pulse of the People), a campaign launched in mid-2012 to investigate the conditions of Filipinos living in the U.S. Many Filipinos shared their migration stories including struggles of adjusting to being in a new country. Others shared the long process it took to migrate, exemplifying the backlog plaguing the U.S. immigration system, and several highlighted cases of human trafficking.

A recent incident of human trafficking occurred on November 16, 2012, in which three Filipino workers died in the Black Elk Energy oil platform explosion in Louisiana. They were part of over 100 Filipino workers at Black Elk, working under slavery conditions.

The workers and the victims’ families have filed a class action lawsuit against Grand Isle Shipyard (GIS), the company which hires and supplies Filipino workers to oil companies and platforms in the Gulf of Mexico. GIS is being sued for labor abuse and exploitation, unlawful deductions, isolation and violation of civil liberties, human trafficking, racism, discrimination and slavery.

“The Philippine embassy had known of the conditions the workers were experiencing since 2010, yet has failed to appropriately help them,” explained Valen.

Philippine Forum of New York, a member organization of NAFCON, has taken lead on the Justice for Grand Isle Shipyard Filipino Workers Campaign. For more information on the campaign, call 516.901.1832 or email at info@philippineforum.org.

NAFCON’s Commitment to Hold President Obama Accountable

Most significant to the issue of immigration during President Obama’s re-inauguration speech was his statement, “Our journey is not complete until we find a better way to welcome the striving, hopeful immigrants who still see America as a land of opportunity.”

Valen responded, “‘We the People’ need to make Obama’s actions speak louder than his words. ‘We the People’ need to push the president to pass true comprehensive immigration reform that meets the needs of the millions of immigrants who deserve dignity and justice.”

As a part of its Dignity and Justice campaign, NAFCON aims to gather signatures and sponsors from prominent individuals, legislators, and organizations throughout the United States to endorse the Migrants’ Platform as integral to any viable comprehensive immigration reform bill.

By highlighting the proposed platform and taking the lead on campaigns against labor export and human trafficking, NAFCON is committed to holding President Obama accountable to protecting and defending the rights and welfare of immigrants in the U.S. To endorse or for more information on NAFCON’s platform or the alliance email info@nafconusa.org or visit www.nafconusa.org.###

National Alliance for Filipino Concerns Celebrates the Triumphs and Struggles of Filipino Migrants on International Migrants Day

Press Release

December 18, 2012

National Alliance for Filipino Concerns Celebrates the Triumphs and Struggles of Filipino Migrants on International Migrants Day

As Filipinos in the United States prepare for the holidays, the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON) celebrates the triumphs and struggles of Filipino migrants on International Migrants Day by releasing over one hundred of their stories gathered nationwide. These are the stories of Filipino migrants who are among the 4,500 Filipinos who leave the Philippines every day to work abroad as Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), because of worsening poverty and lack of jobs in the Philippines.

They are caregivers, domestic workers, construction workers, hotel workers, teachers, and nurses, just to name a few. They remit their earnings back to their loved ones in the Philippines. Their diligence has resulted in 20 billion dollars in remittances to the Philippines every year.

In addition to separation from their families, they also have to endure various forms of exploitation in their jobs, such as physical, sexual, and verbal abuses, wage theft, and being forced to do tasks that are not part of the job description.

Despite facing such injustices, Filipino migrants continue to work hard and organize themselves to fight against these injustices. NAFCON has been an instrumental force in advancing and defending the rights and welfare of Filipinos in the United States. In mid-2012, NAFCON launched a national survey called “Pulso ng Bayan” (Pulse of the People), a campaign to investigate the conditions of Filipinos living in the U.S.

Many Filipinos who participated in the survey shared candidly their migration stories. Some shared the struggles of adjusting to being in a new country while others shared the long process it took to migrate, an example of the long backlog of the U.S. immigration system.

One participant shared, “It took 8 years for my dad to get me and my mom here in America. When I came here, I had to learn the language and it was very hard to fit in, but living here in America has given me so many opportunities that I wouldn’t have been able to have in the
Philippines.”

Filipinos who migrate out of the Philippines are escaping worsening poverty and in search for better opportunities abroad. Yet despite finding jobs abroad and working very hard to send their earnings back to their families, many face exploitation and abuse. Another participant shared, “I do have 2 labor cases which I was awarded and won but until now I didn’t get a penny from it. I am working with an abusive employer now, with no holiday pay. The employer never treated us as an equal person because I am JUST AN ALIEN WORKER.”  More stories like these can be found on NAFCON’s website at http://nafconusa.org/d18/

Terry Valen, President of NAFCON and Director of Filipino Community Center (FCC) in San Francisco, sees these kinds of struggles daily, with many Filipino workers coming to the FCC seeking help with such cases. He comments, “Filipinos in the U.S., especially Filipino migrants, are among the most diligent workers in the country. As with every holiday season, with all the retail sales, tourists vacationing in hotels, and lonely elderly people with no one to celebrate the holidays with other than their caregivers, the work of Filipino migrants kicks into overtime. While earning more money from their hard work during the holidays, this time can be an especially lonely time for Filipino migrants who are supporting their loved ones back home in the Philippines.”

In addition to the release of migrants’ stories, NAFCON organizations throughout the country are also participating in several celebrations for International Migrants Day. 2012 marks a milestone in Filipino migrant worker organizing, as the first U.S. chapters of Migrante International will be founded in Southern and Northern California, both within days of International Migrants Day. Migrante International, which NAFCON is a member of, is an international organization of overseas Filipino workers defending the rights and welfare of Filipinos in the diaspora as well as building a better homeland so that Filipinos are not forced to seek jobs abroad.

In New York, NAFCON member organization Philippine Forum held a Philippine Lantern Festival, with the theme “Lighting the Way for Migrants’ Rights, Diversity and Solidarity.” Similar to lantern festivals in the Philippines, parols (Philippines Christmas lanterns) were used to highlight this theme.

In celebration of International Migrants Day and the coming holidays, NAFCON responds to the needs of Filipino migrants by urging the community to push for comprehensive immigration reform to address the harsh conditions of our community, as well as supporting Migrante Sectoral Partylist in the Philippines so that Filipino migrants can have a voice in Philippine government beyond just the billions of dollars they remit each year. Migrants should not be separated from their families, especially during the holidays, just to work abroad to support their families back home.

For more information on International Migrants’ Day or NAFCON, or to share your own story of migration, visit www.nafconusa.org or contact info@nafconusa.org or call 415.333.6267. ###

Filipino Alliance Amplifies Call for Support for Typhoon Survivors

For Immediate Release

December 18th, 2012

Filipino Alliance Amplifies Call for Support for Typhoon Survivors

In the spirit of Christmas and gift giving, the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON) encourages us to take a moment and consider the millions of children and families who will not have homes, food, and clothing due to the devastating effects of Typhoon Pablo. Let us continue to help by donating a few extra dollars.

The situation on the ground is devastating with entire communities completely wiped out and urgently needing assistance and support. The death toll has surpassed 1,000. Relief volunteers describe the landscape as similar to pictures of WWII, Vietnam after being bombed, or a land of toothpicks.

Relief efforts have already reached several-thousands throughout Mindanao but now more than ever so many need our support.  Donations will help improve the conditions of millions who survived the typhoon.

Thus, having already raised over $3000, NAFCON intensifies its call for donations and aims to raise at least $2,000 more before Christmas. We ask everyone to help us reach our goal and send love, warmth, and hope to typhoon survivors this holiday season.

Donations will be directed to BALSA Mindanao (Bulig alang sa Mindanao/Help for Mindanao) a broad Mindanao-wide network of church-based organizations, schools, disaster response NGOs, and others who NAFCON trusts to provide relief directly to those who are affected and need it most.

Donations can be made through our website at www.nafconusa.org or by sending checks to “Tulong Sa Bayan (TSB)” 519 S. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90013. TSB has been NAFCON’s established partner in coursing relief donations to the Philippines. On memo please write: NAFCON Bayanihan Relief and your city of residence. Donations of $250 or more will be tax deductible. Please include return address with donations.

For more information on regional collection centers, fundraising and relief activities in your area please contact NAFCON regional coordinators nearest you or go to our website.

Northeast: Anne Corotan  ne@nafconusa.org (516) 901 – 1832
Midwest: Lorena Buni       mw@nafconusa.org (224) 678 – 1897
Norcal: Ryan Leano            nc@nafconusa.org (626) 534 – 4971
Socal: Alex Montances       sc@nafconusa.org (253) 381 – 7444

###

NAFCON Releases over 100 Stories of Migrants in Celebration of International Migrants Day

For December 18th International Migrants Day NAFCON is releasing over 100 responses to the Pulso ng Ating mga Kababayan Survey. Below Filipinos from all over the U.S. share their thoughts and experiences regarding being an immigrant in this country. We encourage readers to share their own stories in the comment section below.

Themes of responses:

1. Family Migrant Stories
2. Stories of Migrant Struggles and Perseverance
3. Stories of Migrant Hardship Related to Work
4. Stories Related to Racism and Discrimination

Family Migrant Stories

1. I’ve lived in America my whole life but my family has made an effort to try to help the rest of our family in the Philippines as much as possible from petitioning relatives to come over, to sending money back.

2. Parents came to LA in 1989 for a better life and opportunities for their children. I was born in 1992 and am taking advantage of these opportunities to be successful in America.

3. My parents immigrated in the late 1980s when my dad enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Both my parents dropped out of law school to come to the US and support their children. I think that this particularly impacted my dad who constantly struggles with his service in the US military, to which he is religiously opposed. He has not been able to find satisfaction or fulfillment from his job with the navy and this stress took a toll on his ability to create a stable home environment for his family.

4. I arrived in the US when I was 10 years old to live with my father who was already here in the US. My father moved here when I was still young in order to find jobs and for more opportunity. I am grateful that I moved here and was able to reunite with my family and finish with a good education at a prestigious university. I am, however, conflicted with my decision to stay here as most of my family is back in the Philippines. I am torn as my parents get older and face the decision of staying here with their kids or moving back to retire to the Philippines where they are most comfortable.

5. My parents came here from the Philippines at around 1980s. They left so they could get a better life.

6. I am a child of immigrants & my grandmother is 72 years old & has been a caregiver since she moved here from Philippines since the early 1980s.

7. Reason: mother sought better job opportunities and a country in which she felt safe to raise her children (wanted to avoid political instability in the wake of Marcos’s martial law).

8. I arrived in the year 1995, when I was just 7 years old. My mom decided to make the move to reunite with my dad again. Also, we wanted to improve the quality of our lifestyle.

9. I arrived through the petition of my husband. It was tough times at first. I had to send my daughter and son back home in the Philippines for a few years while me and my husband were in the US because it was hard to raise a family, especially very young children, as new immigrants.

10. US born – both my parents were from Cebu. mother came as a nurse. father came through family petition. it was easier then. my cousins trying to come now are having a lot more problems.

11. Born in the U.S., but parents migrated to US in late 1970s as a nurse & engineer

12. Arrived in 1992, only 11 months old, just became a legal resident in 2011, our family was petitioned by my grandmother who passed away in 1993, our family came to the US to grant my grandfather’s wish of his children to become US citizens.

13. All of my uncles but one have moved from the Philippines, whether they are admitted to the US or have to go elsewhere. Feels like a roll of the dice

14. I came here when I was 8 years old. My dad came here after my mom got pregnant he came to the US for a better job opportunity that the Philippines did not have. It took 8 years for my dad to get me and my mom here at America. When I came here I had to learn the language and it was very hard to fit in, but living here in America has given me so many opportunities that I wouldn’t have been able to have in the Philippines.

15. I got her on the year 2007, I was 15 years old, me and my dad actually waited a year for our papers to be approved.

16. I came in 1993 as a 10 year old. my mother came in 1992 and my father has been here since I was 2 years old. coming to the us was not bad but family relations were very hard especially because I did not know my father well. we are all long better now.

17. My parents were both immigrants which made it a little difficult to get a higher education here and a higher paying job

18. Sad – 3 months Fresno California with brother and sister house-sitting.

19. My parents are non-resident workers. My dad came here on 1995, my mom, 1996. They are still contract workers after 17 and 16 years of service here. I think they deserve permanent residency since they’ve worked long and hard for it.

20. I am 23 years old. I do not like it here in the US because there is no time for family to spend together because all they do is work.

21. My mom arrived in her mid 20s in the 80s. She found it difficult to move up in her jobs because she is a Filipino woman.

22. I came in 1987 at the age of 13. My mom was single parent so it was tough for teenager. I was oldest of 4 children.

23. My grandmother wanted to create a better life for her 5 kids as a then-recent divorce, so she came to US on a temporary card and married a white citizen in order to be legalized and bring her kids over. It took many years.

24. I was born in the US to my mother (Filipino) and my father (South Asian). I want to radically reduce the disparity in economic opportunities across marginalized communities and privileged circles.

25. I came here because my daughter are here in the US. I came here as a tourist and then my daughters petitioned me to be a permanent resident last December 2011

26. Na ngayon wala pa ako maikukwento sapagkat 5 buwan (feb/12) sa lamang kami ng aking anak.

27. My sister became americanized when she came here when she was 5

28. I was born here. my parents both immigrated here as teenagers.

29. My mom came here in 1989 as the first in our family

 

Stories of Migrant Struggles and Perseverance

30. I was 18 yrs old when our family immigrated to the US in 1973. Marshal Law was declared in 1972 and our priority was to get out of the Country just in case the government closes travel. We had the opportunity to get out and find a better life. However, if the family had a choice, we probably would have stayed if the same opportunities in the US are available in the Philippines.

31. A class friend of mine was a TNT for over a decade and gain his citizenship through marriage. the whole fact that he had lived in fear & paranoia throughout the years is what I considered unjust

32. For those who contribute positively to the community, I gladly support legalization. for those who break the law (not just a case of being undocumented but do wrong like fraud, abuse etc) we must distance ourselves because these bad eggs make it hard for the good ones to be supported.

33. I was born in the Philippines, but I left when I was 1 year old. Coming to the US has led me to become very ignorant of Filipino issues, especially since my family settled in Charlotte NC where few Filipinos are lower class/ undocumented. For the most part, I consider my family to be very fortunate and unaware of issues surrounding the difficulties of long petitions and scares of deportation.

34. Arrived in US with an H2B Visa. 40 years old. petitioned as a caregiver, denied by immigration due to low salary.

35. My family came to the US from the PI in 1970s to escape Martial Law and ensure a better future for their children.

36. I arrived in 2002 I was only 13 years old. We lived in Vallejo and also struggled to find housing and employment for my parents

37. My father came in the mid 70s separated from my brother and mother who later came in the 80s. dealing with family separation & everyday immigrant life in America its proven a tough daily struggle for my family.

38. I arrived in 2004. it was very different from what i was used to in the Philippines

39. I came to the US in 2002. i was 9 years old then. My experience was in a way, a struggle. The graft between Filipino American and Filipino immigrants was present in my generation.

40. I left the Philippines when I was just 3, lived in California till I was 7, but went back home to live. I came back to the US in 1991, I have been here since. My experience was difficult to say the least. I felt a loss … and it was difficult to fit in. My experiences back home have left a hurt that took me years to get over … but the positive side, is that I appreciated all that I learned, my heritage, and the difficulties that my countrymen face each day.

41. I arrived in 2006 when I was 14 years old. I attended high school as one of the few 20-30 Filipinos in a school of 1500 kids (predominantly Hispanic). The Filipino club existed but didn’t have as many members and it was hard to find other Filipino friends who are migrants like me.

42. My family is currently separated. My father and sister are still in the Philippines due to the slow processing of visas while my mother and brother are here with me.

43. I arrived in the US Nov. 29, 2009, having no problem arriving in the US, processing no hustle. but all the worst happen and i notice when i arrived. i was victimize by the trafficked offenders

44. I arrived in 2004 when i was 19, had to come to reunite with family

45. I arrived in the US about 7 years ago on a tourist visa which 2 later changed to a student visa. i was homesick, felt disconnected & isolated from friends and family

46. I came to this country at the age of 3. we crossed over from Canada. My Mom & I were petitioned by my dad to come to the US, but the wait was too long, so he moved to Canada and he bought us there and we stayed for a few months then we went to the US and were TNT for 3 years until our US petition family came through.

47. I came here 6-7 years ago. I was around 9 or 10. My experience was challenging but I adjusted.

48. 20 it is hard to adjust. Adjust everything.

49. When my dad came to the US in 94, a lot of pressure was on him. All alone with two kids back at home, a place to rent, food to eat etc. The first few months weren’t really clicking actually. Dad spent the day at hospitals and moonlighted at nursing homes. Despite all the difficulties the yoke on his shoulders, everything became stable after a few months. I am so thankful and blessed for that. My dad’s a hero.

50. Living a life in here is not that easy either, but you got to have more opportunities here than in Philippines.

51. My uncle moved here from the Philippines. The process took a long time for him to be able to live here and his starting job is not enough to support his family.

52. Feb 13 1999 when I arrived at 63 years old. It’s hard to stay especially because there’s difficulty in language and job search

53. Arrived may 6 2011. Had difficulty because my son who’s a special child was denied visa because he aged out

54. I have been here in CNMI, a US Territory, for 17 years. I entered here legally, documented and at present still in legal status. I and the rest of the 10K Filipino migrant workers here ay pinagdadamutan to qualify as permanent resident because of the Non-Resident Workers Act of 1983 in CNMI and the recent Transitional Workers Program. For most of us, who have been here more than decade, we are still being considered temporary guest workers. We have been the backbone of the CNMI economy and the needed workforce to economic recovery.

55. I work here in cnmi since 2004 only however me and most of our foreign contract workers here really help in building the community of cnmi fro the longest time others had stayed here and work most half of their life. We are seeking for fair treatment from US government to apply the same requirements for a foreign worker to apply for same visa and status being implemented on US mainland and other territories …

56. I came to CNMI 1984 and end my employment with case that my employer run away with out paying my six month salary, but then I change my employer 1985 and work as Asst. General manager and change again 1995 up to present. i came to Saipan when i was 29 yrs of age. They count me as cheap labor or second choice. Every time they will re-new my contract I have to pray to God that I need to continue to have my job, or else my family will supper poverty in the Philippines. My Son and daughter that was born here they have US passport wondering if we will be back to Philippines they will be having the same faith of my poverty and hardship of life.

57. I WAS ONLY 19 YEARS OLD WHEN I ARRIVED HERE IN CNMI (1997). AND NOW I’M 35 YEARS OLD ALREADY. I HAVE 2 SONS AND BOTH OF THEM BORN HERE (11 AND 4 YEARS OLD).I LOVE THIS PLACE AND I CONSIDER THIS AS MY HOME BUT UNFORTUNATELY BECAUSE OF NON IMPROVED STATUS FOR US FOREIGN WORKERS HERE, EVEN THOUGH I WORKED HERE LEGALLY FOR 15 YEARS STRAIGHT I’M WORRYING THAT I MIGHT LOST MY JOB AND BE SEND BACK TO PHILIPPINES IF I EVER I LOST MY JOB. THE ECONOMY NOW IS REALLY BAD HERE AND A LOT OF PEOPLE DOESN’T HAVE JOB. MY EMPLOYER RENEWED MY PERMIT YEARLY IS BECAUSE I aM A HARDWORKING, DEDICATED AND TRUSTWORTHY EMPLOYEE. I’M SURE THEY LIKE MY WORK AND PERFORMANCE THAT’S WHY I’M STILL WITH THEM, BUT EVERY YEAR I DO WORRIED IF MY EMPLOYER WILL RENEW MY PERMIT OR NOT. WHICH IS I’M SUPPOSED NOT IF I DO HAVE A IMPROVED STATUS RATHER THAN OF BEING A CONTRACT OR FOREIGN WORKERS UP TO NOW. IF GOD’S WILL AND I WILL HAVE AN IMPROVED STATUS I’LL STILL WANT TO LIVE HERE AND MY FAMILY.

58. I am Blessed to be born Filipino and the same time Blessed to be a U.S Citizen.

59. I HAVE REALISED THAT WE ARE NOT TAKEN AS HUMANS AND OUR RIGHTS ARE BEING VIOLATED.

60. Arrived in 1984, when i was 24. Entry application process was not pleasant, but once I got here, it was good.

61. Arrived in US in 1987, I am 52 years old. I really worked hard to get my US medical license and training due to the low quota for foreign medical graduates.

62. Arrived 1987 age 11 Displace / no self identity

63. I came to Saipan, CNMI when I was 23, way back in 1996, work and live here for 16 years, I now have a husband who is also a Filipino who works here since 1995 and we have an 11 year old daughter. After working, living and having a family in a place we called home for the past 16 years we are still Guest here, our employment contracts are being renewed every year no insurance or retirement benefits, we are still Guest workers, no voice on government issues no representations for we don’t get to vote. Even after the Immigration here were Federalized by the US government since 2009, we were left without a permanent residency status. I hope this survey will help all of the Long Term Foreign Workers in the CNMI to get permanent residency status once and for all. Thank you.

64. Saipan is the same as the US MAINLAND Improved all immigration status to all legal workers here in the CNMI (saipan)

65. I come to saipan 1997 i was 23 years old. i am long term contract worker in saipan US with US child and we have no voice and right to voice out our rights. we are abused by local people in many area and employer

66. I arrive here in 2000 and until now I am here working as alien worker, what we need now is legalization of our stay …. as the federal takes over locals wants to get rid of all of us, alien workers … I do have 2 labor cases which i was awarded and won but until now I didn’t get any penny from it. I am working with an abusive employer now, no holiday pay … The employer never treated as an equal person because I am JUST AN ALIEN WORKER ….

67. I am living and working here in the CNMI legally for 18 years now, I pay taxes, I manage to send remittances to my family in the Philippines and pay my monthly dues here, the economic situation now is unbearable due to the high cost of living. I worry for the future of my family for I don’t have savings and retirement benefits, our employment contract does not include retirement benefits and the Government here do not have programs to cover such benefits for contract workers. I hope that the US Government will see our situation and give all of US Permanent Residency.

68. I arrived last year August 3, 2011, I am 30 years old, I am trying to get a job but its really hard.

69. I arrive in I do not remember. I was a couple months. Went through the same problems in the Philippines.

70. I arrived since year 2000. I am 23 years old. my experience coming to the U.S. is so hard.

71. Arrived in the US at 10 years old in 2000. US is one tough county to live in.

72. I came to the US in 1984 when i was 16 years old. came by myself with no problem what so ever. I went to school. There was a lot of jobs in those time. Easy to get in not like to a company not like right now.

73. Arrive in US — 1998. I worked hard and had a good education to enable me to come and had the opportunities to work in US.

74. In 1992, I came to the US as a tourist. I met the love of my life in 1993. Then got married and became a US citizen.

75. Arrived 1997, I was 11 yrs old. It was cold because it was Christmas time. Everything was bigger portion such as food.

76. 1991 came in as H1 Visa under petition by Victor Valley Hosp. Took and passed licensure exam my kids and my husband are citizens. A lot of hardships but life is good.

 

Stories of Migrant Hardship Related to Work

77. I arrived in 2004, at 14. I felt much alienation, necessity to assimilate, I felt displaced. At the same time, I learned to build a home in the places I’ve migrated. There was much struggle, but with the help of family and a community, I was able to find my place. I would like to help others find their place and understand their situation as migrant workers.

78. I know a number of Filipinos who came here on a tourist visa with the intention of staying here permanently to look for a job. They continue to live here extremely exploited by many of their compatriots. They do not complain because of fear that they be reported to immigration. They need education of their labor rights as well as get organized to support the legalization of the undocumented.

79. I arrived in Los Angeles with my 2 other siblings. We were to be reunited with our parents who have been working in Los Angeles for a year and a half. I was 12 years old at that time. It was very difficult for me to adjust–it took 2 years. Even when I was already reunited with my parents, I was still not able to see them a lot because they were working multiple jobs. Also, unlike in the Philippines, I did not have my other family relatives near me to help my siblings and I. It was the first time I experienced bullying in school, being called racist and derogatory names.

80. I migrated the US in 1971 as a documented legal resident under the US 3rd Preference Visa program for professionals. As such, I personally have not experienced any problems regarding my residence status here. However, I have known (and have been associated with) a great number of California-based Filipinos who were undocumented and have suffered living in the shadows of society, when all they wanted was to work and have a better life for themselves and/or their families. By & large, these people were law-abiding, peace-loving and tax-paying residents, and they deserve all the support we can give them.

81. I arrive in 2002 with my 2 children and I was 26 years old back then. Coming here, I was scared of what life here in the US would mean for me, but I have hopes for opportunity and better life condition compared to the Philippines. As the years gone by and 10 years later, I know now, what means to live in the US. Stressful, working 2-3 jobs, lack of jobs, high standard of living and being a single mother now, I am more scared. Although my hopes are intact but I know this can only happen if people work together so we can have better opportunities and greater life if both US and Philippine governments address and respond to the basic needs of the people for job, food, education, social services, housing and health.

82. My family on both sides came to the US from the Philippines using different means. One side, via US Navy, and the other through an engineer exchange program through Nigeria, to Italy, then finally the US. Both of my grandmothers were in the healthcare field, one a private care domestic worker taking care of private clients and another an RN in a convalescent hospital. One grandfather was a Lt. Commander in the US Navy and the other became a butcher until his retirement.

83. My mother attended vocational school to become and LVN while my father worked in a grocery store for 20 years before going back to school to get his AIT license and became an administrator at a sub-acute hospital.

84. Am a 49y/o Filipino, arrived US last 2003, decided to stay and work, i just lost my job last 23 April thru e-verify.

85. I migrated with my mother and brother (though my brother was already a US citizen because he was born in the US) from the Philippines to the US when I was 6-years-old. Originally, my mother had a work visa, but we became undocumented for two years when she could no longer afford to pay for it. We became permanent legal residents in 2007 after my mother married an American citizen.

86. Filipino domestic workers and trafficked workers are grossly exploited and oppressed by recruitment agencies in the Philippines and the US as well as stringent laws that limit the workers rights. We face such problems everyday. Their rights should be asserted not just through laws or legislations but also through parliament of the streets. But the workers should know about their rights and they should get organized in order to fight a hard battle.

87. My mom left abroad when I was 5 and my brother was 6 months. She was desperate to find a better future for her children. For nine years, she worked in Saudi Arabia and US until she was able to petition us. I was 13 when I came to the US and my brother was 9. The process of our kinship is still taking shape.

88. Came to the U.S. in 2004 and i was 37 y/o. i was fortunate to have had a working visa thus was able to go home to see my family. however, hearing the other stories of fellow Filipinos who were not as fortunate as i was, i was moved to be more involved in organizing fellow domestic workers

89. February 13, 1999 when I came, 63 years old, it was very hard to stay, especially because of the different language I had to speak at work.

90. My family and i were undocumented for 15 years. my parents worked jobs that no one wanted, like being a caregiver, working at burger king, janitor, and delivering pizza. my family are not criminals, and we deserve a livelihood too!

91. Right after I arrived in July 4, 2007. I started working as a caregiver. It was a tough job, like I had to assist a stroked client, from bed to wheelchair and back. We didn’t have a caregiver room, we had to sleep on the floor of the living room. There are a lot of undocumented workers only receiving minimum wage,

92. Having one of my uncles be forced back to the Philippines, because his job found out her was an undocumented worker

93. It’s hard finding opportunities for work. it seems like the priority goes to white people

94. I came here in the U.S. when I was 7 years old. I am 19 now and stil waiting for a pending petition. My mom is working under the table at an unnecessary par to help me out, and try to survive in this country with out papers

95. 1994 was the year our family immigrated to the US. i was 12 years old. it was hard for our family because parents worked a lot and did not have time for us. We were separated from our family in the PI

96. I arrived here Dec 12, 2007. I am 39 y/o. i experienced hardship when i came her in the US because i applied for waiter but our agency out me in dishwasher position.

97. My brother is currently here working as a front desk rep at a hotel. he is on a tourist visa & trying to stay & get citizenship. he is working to support his two children in the Philippines. he works hard & only makes $8/hr

98. I arrived year 2006 & so far still working with the same family

99. Arrived first time in 1999 with tourist visa (had multiple entry 10-year tourist visa). I was 15 when I first came, with my mom. Went back to Philippines to finish high school and college. But my mom went back to US in 2000 and stayed. I went back and forth 5 more times (6 months to 1 year each time) to accompany mom, until a community organization petitioned me under working visa in 2008.

100. The first 2 visits (1999 & 2002) were purely for vacation. In 2004, I just graduated from college so I tried looking for a job as graphic artist (finished Fine Arts in the Philippines) but had no luck so went back to Philippines after 6 months. The following trip in 2006, I was resolved to get a job even if not related to the course I finished. Worked at a Discount Store as cashier (under the table) and after 4 months, boss deducted from my salary, accused me of taking money and had me arrested and sent to jail for a night (got arrested not for accusation but for “trespassing” and “resisting arrest” because I demanded back for deducted salary). Boss sold store to a different owner 3 weeks after. Worked at another discount store after a month but had to resign to go back to Philippines.

101. Went back to US in the middle of 2007. Worked for a publication and resigned expecting I had to go back to Philippines by end of year. But extension was approved so had to look for another job. Worked as babysitter until my return to Philippines middle of 2008.

102. Went back to US again towards end of 2008. Community organization petitioned me as graphic artist under working visa.

103. People sometimes mistake me for Chinese

104. My parents were both immigrants and worked in the nursing field with special needs. They were only in their 20s when they made the trip

105. I arrive here in U.S. just this year (march 4, 2012) . I am 15 years old when I came here in U.S. As for now i am just exploring the place, because i will not be able to work considering my age .

106. Filipinos are hard working and motivated. As a minority in the us, my family has experienced the struggle of obtaining the American dream.

107. My family came to find jobs in America and have been working since to keep up the living situation as well as support family back home

108. Arrived 2007. worked with a Filipino employer, exploited, abused (unpaid work hours, humiliated, verbally abused)

109. Abuse – working for long hours but paid unpaid

110. I used to work as a Stewardess for an American carrier (TWA) based in Hong kong. Unfortunately, TWA closed the domicile in HKG and whoever wants to continue their employment with TWA, the company will sponsor them. Later on my working visa was converted to permanent resident. I consider myself one of the lucky ones. I continued flying for TWA and at the same time I was able to finish my Masters at the University of Kansas in 1974. During those times being an immigrant is not as bad as it is now.

111. Too .yes i have a dream to have good decent future and good wage too but till i am working still $5 dollar one hour !

112. I’ve seen many Filipinos work hard in bad conditions and not complain about it.

113. Parents immigrated here in late 1980s. Father (deceased): wanted as a postal worker (mail hander/ laborer) and a US navy man. mother: position in Mervyn’s and ended up as account payable payroll specialist (but unemployed at the moment)

114. Experience struggle as a caregiver, especially if your employer is mean. You just have to endure

115. 2003 was hard to find a job under qualified for the job you thought you can do it overqualified for the job they are willing to hire you.

Stories Related to Racism and Discrimination

116. Start from scratch and RACISM.

117. My father moved here from the island of Samar at 16 years old (1965), he was a domestic worker who took care of other people’s children. He survived by babysitting, working in the Alaskan fish canneries, going to school and working with his host family. Eventually his student visa expired and he joined the US Army. After 10 years of the US army, he realized he didn’t like the pressure and strict lifestyle, but above all disliked the racial discrimination. He got an honorable discharge. He went back to the Philippines on vacation and eventually met my mom, and they were married and he brought her to the US. After the Army he struggled to find a job and was laid off from a factory job at an airplane company, and became a janitor for the next two decades until he retired. he petitioned all of his brothers and sisters, and tried to help them get jobs in the US. but they were mostly restaurant workers and caregiver jobs. Today, he is retired and is trying to live the American dream with a house and family. but i cant help to notice that he feels bitter about the hardship he experienced and leaving his family for so many years. But he does feel accomplished and happy that he was able to help his immediate family.

118. I arrived U.S, in July 4th, 2007. I was 62 years old at that time. I started working as a caregiver in July 15, 2007. In 3 1/2 months of working they discriminated my age and paid me below the minimum wage. It was $60.00 for 12 hours. No bedroom for the caregivers. we slept on the floor of the living room.

119. Some discrimination and struggles

120. Since arriving here, I’ve noticed how differently people treat who are “new” & have the accent, vs folks who are of color but have been here a while or who were born here, vs white people. When I had just arrived I experienced more discrimination compared to now that I’ve somewhat assimilated. Still, even years after, I have still experienced discrimination (not as bad as when I was new, or maybe I just got used to it).

121. I came to the US in the middle of 2009 and I was 16. I was thankful that I got reunited with my family especially with my mom after being separated in 7 years. I had a difficult time adjusting at first. While I was going to school, I experienced discrimination during my first semester. I wanted to go back to the Philippines so badly because I felt alienated. During my 2nd year, second semester in college, I decided to stop school and work as a caregiver and help contribute to the family financially. At the summer of 2011 I went to an exposure and learned the stories of other migrants.

122. Arrived in 1957 – not much problem of discrimination at that time. came here ate age 24 years old. Held good & high position in nursing.

(Uprising Radio Interview) Analyzing Typhoon Bopha’s Effects in the Philippines

A newly formed group in Los Angeles, Panaghiusa: Movement for Human Rights, Peace and Justice in Mindanao campaign and network focuses on bringing awareness to human rights violations in the Philippines, especially in the aftermath of Pablo. On Monday, the group met at Senator Barbara Boxer’s office to brief her on what they called “a human rights crisis” in Mindanao.

On December 12, 2012, Uprising host Sonali Kolhatkar interviewed Alex Montances, the Southern California regional coordinator for the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON), and Kuusela Hilo, a representative of PANAGHIUSA, movement for human rights, peace and justice in Mindanao.

Watch a video of the interview here:

Interview and Video courtesy of uprisingradio.org

NAFCON Ramps Up Relief Efforts to Support Typhoon Victims

Press Release
December 06, 2012

NAFCON Ramps Up Relief Efforts to Support Typhoon Victims

Community support is again needed to assist flood victims in the Philippines following Typhoon Pablo, (international name: Bopha) which ravaged the southern region of Mindanao over the last few days currently leaving over 714 dead and over 5 million affected.

Anne Beryl Corotan, a National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON) organizer in New York, shared the situation of her family in Mindanao, “At this time, we have relatives in New Bataan evacuated but all are left homeless. Some of our tenants and nephews are still missing. Andap, a town of the Mandayan tribe was wiped out. Our family is furious because at a regular day, Compostella valley is highly militarized. But four days haved passed and the people are still seeking reinforcement of relief from the federal and local government. Each day more people have no food and water, homeless, sick – an inexcusable neglect in a state of calamity.”

NAFCON, with member organizations throughout the U.S. is again stepping up its Bayanihan Relief for Flood Victims in the Philippines. NAFCON’s relief efforts, as a part of its overall mission to protect the rights and welfare of Filipinos in the U.S. and around the world, has been consistent in delivering timely monetary relief to victims of Ondoy, Sendong, and now Pablo.

NAFCON Vice President Joy de Guzman was in Mindanao in August and saw how vital the support of people’s organizations is to effectively assist typhoon victims. She commented, “It is only because of people’s organizations that affected victims of Sendong are able to get relief and settle in evacuation centers because the Aquino government is not really doing anything. Our evacuation and relief work is still needed from Sendong. What more now that Typhoon Bopha ravaged the whole Mindanao and some parts of Visayas. Let’s step up our effort to raise donations for typhoon victims!”

NAFCON is collecting exclusively monetary relief (not material goods) and ensures that your donations go quickly and directly to the communities of the Philippines who are adversely affected by the typhoon. Donations will be coursed through BALSA Mindanao, a network of churches, schools,
disaster response. and other organizations that NAFCON is working with for its relief effort..

Donations can be made through PayPal at http://tinyurl.com/nafconrelief3 or by sending checks to “Tulong Sa Bayan (TSB)” 519 S. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90013. TSB has been NAFCON’s established partner in coursing relief donations to the Philippines. On memo please write: NAFCON Bayanihan Relief and your city of residence. Donations of $250 or more will be tax deductible. Please include return address with donations.
For more information on regional collection centers, fundraising and relief activities in your area please contact NAFCON regional coordinators nearest you or go to our website.

Northeast: Michelle Saulon ne@nafconusa.org (347) 867 – 1550
Midwest: Lorena Buni mw@nafconusa.org (224) 678 – 1897
Norcal: Ryan Leano nc@nafconusa.org (626) 534 – 4971
Socal: Alex Montances sc@nafconusa.org (253) 381 – 7444
###

Prayers and Justice Needed for Family Massacred by Philippine Military

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 31^st, 2012

Prayers and Justice Needed for Family Massacred by Philippine Military

The National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON) urges community to act on behalf of the Capion Family

Last October 18th, 27-year old Juvy Capion, her two sons Jhon (8) and Jordan (13), and her unborn child were killed at home by the Philippine Army’s 27th IB in Mindanao.

The family was killed amidst an on-going conflict between foreign-owned Sagittarius Mines Inc (SMI) and members of the B’laan tribe who are fighting to protect the people from displacement and defend their land against environmental destruction. Juvy, along with her husband Daguil (who survived), were active in efforts to oppose SMI’s development aggression through large-scale mining.

The Philippine Army claims the family was killed in an encounter while soldiers were trying to capture Daguel Capion, however, family members as well as neighbors reported the husband was not home. It was also reported that Juvy was heard pleading with the soldiers to stop firing because she was already shot and she feared for the lives of her children. The soldiers continued to fire until the three, including Juvy’s unborn child, were dead.

“We ask the community to pray for the Capion family and work together to achieve justice. This massacre is not an isolated incident as it is connected to numerous human rights violations taking place to deter courageous parents and people like Juvy and Daguel from fighting against foreign corporations like SMI who threaten the future of their children,” said Terrence Valen President of NAFCON.

The murder of the Capion family took place one day after the first death anniversary of Father “Pops” Tentorio. Father Pops was an Italian priest who wholeheartedly defended indigenous communities in Mindanao against environmental destruction. Yet after one year, no case has been filed in court to prosecute the perpetrators of his murder.

In lieu of the lack of action around Father Pop’s murder, the recent massacre of the Capion family, and other numerous similar cases, NAFCON calls on Filipinos in the U.S. and around the world to contact their local consulates demanding true justice for victims of human rights violations including the Capion family and an end to the destructive mining in Mindanao that has resulted to this wave of killings at the hands of the Philippine military. (Contact information for all consulates in the U.S. is listed below.)

“No matter where the line is drawn, it is clear that the killing of women, children, and unborn babies by government soldiers crosses any standard of decency or basic humanity. Our community must act to prevent such grave violations of basic human rights,” said Valen.

On Earth Day in April 2013, NAFCON plans to launch its campaign against environmental destruction caused by irresponsible mining. For several years NAFCON has gathered over a hundred thousand dollars to support victims of typhoons in the Philippines whose suffering is greatly increased by actions of foreign mining corporations.

“We realize that no matter how much money our communities raise for typhoon relief, the problem will only get worse if we let corporations like SMI continue to do business as usual,” closed Valen.###

Philippine Consulate General in Agana, Guam Tel # 671-646-4620/30

Consular Jurisdiction: Caroline Islands, Guam, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau, Wake Islands

Philippine Consulate General in Chicago Tel #  312-332-6458 to 59

Consular Jurisdiction: Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Wisconsin

Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu Tel # 808-595-6316 to 19

Consular Jurisdiction: Hawaii, American Samoa, French Polynesia

Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles Tel # 213-639-0980  to 85

Consular Jurisdiction: Arizona, Texas, Southern Nevada (Nye, Las Vegas, Clark, Lincoln), New Mexico, Southern California (Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, Orange, San Diego, Imperial, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Kern)

Philippine Consulate General in New York Tel # 212-764-1330

Consular Jurisdiction: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont

Philippine Consulate General in Saipan Tel # 670-234-1848

Consular Jurisdiction: Island of Saipan, The Northern Islands, Tinian, Rota

Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco Tel # 415-433-6666 to 68

Consular Jurisdiction: Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Northern Nevada (Carson, Churchill, Douglas    Elko, Esmeralda, Eureka, Humboldt, Lander, Lyon, Mineral, Pershing, Storie, Washoe, White Pine, Reno), Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Northern California (San Jose, Oakland, Fresno, Palo Alto, Sacramento, Stocton, Napa, Union City, San Mateo, Vallejo, Pittsburg)

Trafficked Survivor Granted T-visa, Removal Proceedings Terminated

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
17 October 2012

Reference:
Zarah Vinola, National Alliance for FIlipino Concerns (NAFCON) U.S. North East
Publicity Committee Head, ne@nafconusa.org

Trafficked Survivor Granted T-visa, Removal Proceedings Terminated:
Another Victory in the Struggle of Filipino Migrants in the U.S.

NEW YORK — Jacqueline Aguirre, one of the trafficked workers who came out into the open in 2009, has been granted her T-visa (T-Nonimmigrant Classification) by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Department of Homeland Security.

The T-visa granted to Aguirre is valid for a period of 4 years, starting September 21, 2012 to September 20, 2016. She is now authorized to work in the United States within the validity period. In relation to this, Aguirre’s removal proceedings had also been terminated by the immigration judge on October 11, 2012.

“I am so happy. This is a proof that victories can be achieved if we fight for it. I spoke up against the injustice done to me, so other people heard and helped me through this ordeal. I know I did not do anything wrong and that gave me the strength and confidence to speak out and fight for my rights,” Aguirre said.

The National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON), with its member organizations in the North East, has helped in introducing Aguirre’s case to the community as part of its Stop Trafficking Our People (STOP) Campaign in December 2010, along with the case of Leticia Moratal, who has also been granted the T-visa early this year.

“We admire the courage of trafficked survivors, such as Ms. Aguirre’s, to stand up for their rights. Ms. Aguirre’s experience is one of the inspirations for many of our other kababayans who have been trafficked to the United States and an eye-opener for the community that these kinds of abuses also happen even in the land of milk and honey,” said Michelle Saulon, NAFCON North East Coordinator.

Aguirre’s Case: An Ugly Truth to Filipino Migrants’ Situation in the U.S.

Based from the lawsuit pending in the Eastern District Court of New York, Aguirre worked as a staff accountant in Best Care Agency owned by Dorothy de Castro and Perlita Jordan in Floral Park, New York starting in 2001. The agency promised to sponsor her as an H-1B worker and to pay her initially at the rate of $19 per hour for a regular 40-hour work week.

After her H-1B petition was approved, Aguirre was not paid the prevailing wage rate or the offered wage. Her compensation was cut in half. The agency then represented to her that she would receive the prevailing wage rate once she received her green card, which they likewise promised they would initiate. She was told that if she did not agree to receive the less pay, they would discontinue their H-1B sponsorship and she would become unlawfully present and could be deported. Not wanting to be deported, Aguirre begrudingly accepted the agency’s conditions, and hoped that her green card sponsorship would be approved soon, as her employers kept on reminding her they had the financial capability to sponsor her immigrant petition.

Even while her green card application was pending, Aguirre demanded that she be paid the prevailing wage rate. Her employers told her to wait for her green card approval. In April 2009, the USCIS denied Best Care Agency’s immigrant petition in Aguirre’s behalf as Best Care failed to submit sufficient evidence to convince the USCIS it had the financial capability to pay Aguirre the offered wage. Best Care had fraudulently represented to Aguirre it had the financial capability so that it could continue to have her work for less pay. As a result of Best Care’s financial incapability, Aguirre’s adjustment or green card application was likewise denied, and she was put in removal proceedings.

“Aside from applying for T-visa, we also filed a federal complaint against Aguirre’s former employers for violating the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA), forced labor, involuntary servitude, fraudulent inducement and negligent misrepresentation. We are seeking compensatory damages by way of overdue wage adjustments worth at least $300,000, plus moral damages related to the abuse of Aguirre by her employers, as well as the suffering she had to undergo for having been put in removal proceedings” says Atty. Felix Vinluan, the immigration and civil rights lawyer, whose Foundation for Immigration and Employment Rights Advocacy handled Aguirre’s case.

Atty. Vinluan has also taken on other cases in court against human and labor trafficking of Filipinos in the U.S. East Coast.

“This has been a roller-coaster ride for Ms. Aguirre and the fight is not over yet, so she would need all the community support that she can get. There are also many more like Ms. Aguirre out there who need to be empowered to speak against these kinds of injustices and let them know that they have rights as im/migrants, documented or undocumented alike,” continued Saulon.

Trafficked Survivors with Community Rise Up!

“Acquiring the T-visa is just one of the many victories of the community that we will achieve in our campaign against labor and human trafficking. We have a lot more victories to look forward to. We will continuously fight and hold actions — whether be it in the streets or through cultural activities and educational discussions — against the Philippine government’s continuous implementation of the Labor Export Policy (LEP),” said Jonna Baldres, NAFCON Deputy General Secretary.

NAFCON believes that the LEP, a policy which sends our kababayans away from the homeland to work abroad, makes the Filipino migrants prone to abuses by employers. The migrant sector has also been a powerful force for decades and has become a main source of the country’s wealth through remittances. NAFCON believes, however, that keeping the migrants under the system of forced migration is still not the solution to the country’s economic problems.

“We must continue to demand for the Philippine government to create jobs in the motherland and address the basic needs and issues of the people — such as national industrialization and genuine agrarian reform — for the people to not leave and seek work abroad. Our kababayans do not deserve to undergo these abuses under the unjust system of forced migration,” Baldres continued.

Aguirre, along with other trafficked survivors, have joined actions, spoke in forums, and tirelessly called for a STOP to Human and Labor Trafficking, making the issue more widely known to the Filipino community not only in the United States but also in the Philippines, and also generating more consciousness and awareness on how to fight against it.

NAFCON and its member organizations nationwide have also helped in rallying the community to garner support for the cases of Elma Manliguez, Leticia Moratal, Sentosa 27++, Florida 15, Arizona 34, Adman 11 and many more who have been trafficked into the U.S. as early as year 2000.

“The collective efforts of Ms. Aguirre, other trafficked survivors and the community — from the church members to community grassroots organizations who support her fight — will never go to waste. Every step is a victory towards achieving justice and a better Philippines for all migrants and all our loved ones back home,” Baldres ended.

For those interested to take part in the Stop Trafficking Our People (STOP) Campaign, or get updated on recent and upcoming activities organized by the STOP Task Force, please email Michelle Saulon at ne@nafconusa.org or Yves Nibungco at yvesnibungco@gmail.com. ###

Additional pictures with captions:

Jacqueline Aguirre, trafficked survivor, with immigration and labor lawyer
Atty. Felix Vinluan, upon receiving her T-visa and the good news of the
termination of her removal proceedings on Oct 11, 2012

Jacqueline Aguirre, trafficked survivor, holding the “STOP Trafficking Our People” sign,
with community organizations at the May 1st Coalition March for Workers’ and Immigrants’ Rights
on International Workers’ Day, May 2011

Jacqueline Aguirre, trafficked survivor, with the National Alliance
for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON) calling to Stop Trafficking Our People (STOP)
at the Philippine Independence Day Celebration in Manhattan, June 2011

Jacqueline Aguirre, trafficked survivor, with member organizations of the National Alliance
for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON) calling to Stop Trafficking Our People (STOP) and Justice for
Overseas Filipino Workers at the Philippine Independence Day Celebration in Manhattan, June 2011

Jacqueline Aguirre, trafficked survivor, speaking at a Stop Trafficking Our People (STOP) Campaign Forum attended by members of the Filipino and non-Filipino communities in New York University organized by the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON), June 2012

Jacqueline Aguirre, trafficked survivor, at the frontline of the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns
(NAFCON) contingent calling to Stop Trafficking Our People (STOP) at the Philippine Independence
Day Celebration in Manhattan, June 2012
–
The National Alliance for Filipino Concerns [NAFCON] is a national multi-issue alliance of Filipino organizations and individuals in the United States serving to protect the rights and welfare of Filipinos by fighting for social, economic, and racial justice and equality. It was launched in San Jose California in 2003. At present, NAFCON members encompass over 23 cities in the United States. For more information on NAFCON, please visit: http://nafconusa.org

Remembering Loved Italian Priest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 17, 2012

Remembering Loved Italian Priest

NAFCON reaffirms support for Family and love ones of Fr. Pops on first year anniversary of his murder

One year after the murder of Fr. Tentorio no case has been filed in court and justice continues to slip away. Fr. Tentorio, or Fr. Pops as many knew him, was a very well-known and loved Italian priest who was shot ten times and killed in Southern Philippines on Oct 17^th, 2011.

“The National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON) sends its love and support to the family and all those who Fr. Pops touched with his dedication to human rights and his community. We are committed in working with all of them in the long fought campaign for justice,” said Jun Cruz NAFCON Public Information Officer.

Similar to the time of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (GMA), perpetrators of human rights violations run rampant under Philippine President Aquino’s watch due to their highly probable ties to the government. It is widely believed that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) or its para-military forces, killed Fr. Tentorio as part of Aquino’s own counter insurgency plan Oplan Bayanihan (OB). This plan is purportedly trying to set itself apart from the gross disregard for human rights of GMA’s Oplan Bantay Laya (OBL).

“There are many indicators of Aquino’s failure to improve the human rights situation in the Philippines including his administrations inability to bring former general Jovito Palparan to trial,” commented Cruz.

Palparan, tagged as the “butcher” is charged with abductions and tortures of University of the Philippines (UP) Students Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeno in additions to scores of other heinous acts.

“It is imperative that Filipinos in the U.S. speak up regarding Aquino’s lack of action around Fr. Pop’s murder so it does not add to the long list of unresolved human rights violations that our tax dollars support including the kidnapping of Sherlyn and Karen, Jonas Burgos, as well as the case of Filipina American Melissa Roxas, all which are left neglected by the Philippine government and are far from reaching any resolution,” said Cruz.

Cruz’s comment refers to the over 30 million dollars of foreign military financing which the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is slated to receive from the U.S. tax payer this year via the American government.

The most recent incident concerning the degraded human rights situation under Aquino occurred this October 3^rd where Gilbert Paborada, 47, chairman of Pangalasag (Indigenous Shield) a peoples group opposed to a palm oil plantation was shot dead by suspected state agents in Cagayan de Oro City.###

***Translation:

Your dream, my dream, Is your struggle, my struggle:
That’s why you and I are one. Together with building the power of God.
Your dream, my dream, your struggle is my struggle.

 

Community Celebrates Victory for Florida 15 Trafficked Workers, But Still A Very Long Way To Go

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

20 September 2012

Reference: Zarah Vinola, Publicity Head, National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON), U.S. North East, ne@nafconusa.org

Community Celebrates Victory for Florida 15 Trafficked Workers, But Still A Very Long Way To Go

NEW YORK — 11 months after the first meeting of the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON) with the Philippine Consulate of New York in October 2011 to present the cases of labor trafficking among migrant workers in the United States, the 15 victims of labor trafficking from Florida, also known as the Florida 15, finally received an initial subsistence fund amounting to $333.33 per victim. This, according to NAFCON, is a small and initial victory in the long pursuit for justice for the workers.

“It is through community support and consistent community pressure that we push the government to answer for its obligations to its distressed nationals,” states Michelle Saulon, the North East Regional Coordinator for NAFCON. According to Ms. Saulon, NAFCON and its member organizations will continue to follow up with the Philippine government for legal assistance and subsistence funds and the immediate prosecution of the traffickers.

Florida 15 Trafficked Workers

Florida 15 or F15 is a group of Filipino workers who were recruited between 2008 to 2009 by the Philippine-based San Villa Ship Management Co. owned by Jojo Villanueva to work at different country clubs and hotels in Florida as waiters, cooks, and housekeepers. They were required to pay up to $2500-7000 each for placement fees and when they started working, were given only $6 per hour as opposed to the payrate of $16-17 per hour, and without overtime pay. Many of them were also paid only once a month and paychecks were issued very late.

Aside from the late payment, the agency also failed to renew their H2-B visas without notifying the workers which led to the overstay status of the workers without proper documentation despite the workers’ consistent follow-up. The loss of immigration status also resulted to some being arrested by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agency and are pending deportation.

“The ‘Florida 15’ is only one group among the thousands of trafficked victims who are in need of immediate assistance, support and protection for their rights and welfare,” Saulon continued.

The F15 workers are also fighting for their right to obtain T-visas.

Fight Against Labor Export Policy and Human Trafficking

NAFCON acknowledges the institutional and structural problems that breed human and labor trafficking.

“As long as there is no genuine land reform and national industrialization in our homeland, landlessness and joblessness will persist. Coupled with the Labor Export Policy (LEP) implemented by the Philippine government, these policies and practices will continue to cause thousands of Filipinos to migrate overseas, suffer exploitation and become vulnerable to trafficking. We have a whole system of migrant workers’ exploitation ahead of us that needs to be fought against,” states Jonna Baldres, national deputy general secretary of NAFCON.

NAFCON has attended and still continue to deal with cases of human and labor trafficking. Examples that NAFCON handled and supported are the Sentosa 27++ nurses, Arizona 34, South Carolina 12, Adman 11, Teachers from Los Angeles, Maryland and countless individuals, such as Elma Manliguez, Leticia Moratal and Jacqueline Aguirre, who suffered unfair labor laws and regulations, slavery, inhumane working conditions and discrimination from their employers. They were once victims and are now fighting survivors advocating and empowering others to come out and fight for their rights and welfare.

As for F15 workers, they have this to say on their almost 2 years of struggle, “Let F15 be an inspiration for other Human Trafficking victims out there, that never hesitate nor hide in the shadows. Be brave and stand up for your rights as there are still people out there who are willing to take your hand and say we are here to help!”

Stop Trafficking Our People (STOP)

Aside from the demands of the Florida 15 workers, NAFCON, with its overall Stop Trafficking Our People (STOP) Campaign, also brings to attention the responsibility of the Philippine government to check and investigate as to why employment agencies such as San Villa Management Co. were allowed to exist and operate in such manner, and why these kinds of agencies are unchecked by the government’s own Philippine Overseas and Employment Agency (POEA) allowing workers to leave the country and be employed by such.

On September 24, the Florida 15, with the support of NAFCON, allied organizations and concerned individuals are calling on the community to pack the court room and mobilize and show support for their case. The action will take place at 225 Cadman Plaza East, Brooklyn at the Eastern District court of New York to be followed by a press conference. This action is part of NAFCON’s STOP Campaign and the Dignity and Justice for Immigrants Campaign, a campaign that is pro-migrant, pro-people and pro-Filipino.

The STOP Campaign is currently coordinated by the STOP Task Force. For more information or to volunteer for the STOP Task Force, please contact Michelle at michelle.saulon@gmail.com or Yves Nibungco at yvesnibungco@gmail.com. ###

Filipinos, Peace-Loving People in the U.S. Call for Repeal of Cybercrime Prevention Act

For Immediate Release

October 5, 2012

Filipinos, Peace-Loving People in the U.S. Call for Repeal of Cybercrime Prevention Act

The National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON) urges Filipinos and all those concerned with the rights and welfare of our families, loved ones and friends in the Philippines to demand the immediate repeal of the Philippine’s Cybercrime Prevention Act.

The law recently signed by President Aquino aims to combat online pornography, hacking, identity theft and spamming, but in essence, it is an overly broad, sweeping attack on free speech and people’s privacy, with extreme penalties of up to twelve years of imprisonment.

“The government is supposed to protect the rights of its people but it is very clear that the Cybercrime Prevention Act does exactly the opposite by allowing for the prosecution of casual internet users, including the millions of Filipino users of Facebook not just in the Philippines but throughout the world. This ill-conceived act clearly violates the right to freedom of speech” says Terrence Valen, President of NAFCON.

Currently the Supreme Court of the Philippines is reviewing several petitions against the law but has failed to issue a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) on the controversial bill, allowing it to take effect on October 3rd.

“Filipinos and peace-loving people in the U.S. can definitely make a difference by making their opposition to this law loud and clear. There is already a huge uproar regarding the injustice of this law, and with increased efforts to oppose it, we can add a powerful overseas contribution to its repeal,” said Valen. ###

U.S. Filipinos Lend their Hands and Support for Dreamers

For Immediate Release

August 31^st, 2012

U.S. Filipinos Lend their Hands and Support for Dreamers

NAFCON provides education and resources for public concerning Deferred Action Policy

As thousands of undocumented Filipino youth continue to turn up at registration sites in various cities across the nation to apply for President Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON) continues to provide education and resources for the community regarding the new policy including its benefits and risks to undocumented immigrants.

Since the new policy was announced in June, member organizations of NAFCON in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York City have held community forums and participated in drives to make the public more aware of this program.

“DACA is neither a path to citizenship nor a way to legal residency. We must help our fellow Filipinos make the most informed decision by educating them about the consequences of this policy,” said Robyn Rodriguez, Professor at U.C. Davis and a member of NAFCON.

NAFCON urges individuals who think they may qualify for deferred action to talk to credible and trustworthy lawyers and organizations when inquiring about DACA. NAFCON member organizations have been working with local groups and institutions to make sure Filipino immigrant youth receive accurate information and do not fall victims to money-making schemes of unscrupulous lawyers.

To better inform the public, NAFCON announces the release of the “Deferred Action Primer” for those considering the new program. The primer, which is available at http://tinyurl.com/deferredactionprimer, includes NAFCON’s analysis and critiques of the Deferred Action Policy as well as trusted groups working on the ground who can offer support for the undocumented.

“We believe the high turnout of undocumented immigrants at registration sites confirms the urgent need for a genuine Comprehensive Immigration Reform, something that Obama promised four years ago but he has yet to fulfill.   NAFCON remains committed to organizing for Legalization for All undocumented immigrants and End to Backlog of Family Reunification,” said Terrence Valen NAFCON president.

As NAFCON welcomes this delay in deportation, the alliance is aware that we owe this partial success to undocumented youth and students who have campaigned tirelessly to defend the rights and welfare of immigrant communities.  For NAFCON there is no better way to honor their hard work and determination, but to continue organizing and mobilizing the public to recognize the dignity and respect the rights of all immigrants. ###

U.S. Filipinos Organize Nationwide to Help Flood Victims

Press Release

August 09, 2012

Contact: Jun Cruz NAFCON Public Info Officer

info@nafconusa.org / 650 580 7382

U.S. Filipinos Organize Nation Wide to Help Flood Victims

NAFCON re-activates Bayanihan Relief Project that has raised nearly 100 thousand for previous calamities of Ondoy and Sendong

Over the last week extremely-heavy rainfall battered Manila and the northern Philippines wreaking havoc on the Philippine capital and surrounding areas much like Typhoon Ondoy in 2009. The death toll from the flooding has already risen to 51. More than 1.2 million people are affected, including 850,000 who have been displaced from their homes. Although the current rains are expected to recede, many more storms and typhoons are still expected to worsen the situation.
The National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON), with member organizations throughout the U.S. calls on our families and friends to once again lend our love, prayers and monetary support to flood-affected communities by activating its Bayanihan Relief for Flood Victims in the Philippines.

NAFCON is collecting exclusively monetary relief (not material goods) and ensures that your donations go quickly and directly to the communities of the Philippines who are adversely affected by the typhoon identified as Saola. Donations will be coursed through Migrante International, our partner organization on the ground with a long and respected reputation of serving Filipino communities.

“Our kababayan back home can count on overseas Filipinos in the U.S. In response to Ondoy and Sendong, NAFCON along with other supporters has raised close to one hundred thousand and we will continue to support our families and friends in need.” said Terry Valen, NAFCON President.

NAFCON has established cash and check collections centers throughout the U.S and will take donations via Paypal at http://tinyurl.com/nafconrelief3.

For mailed checks please make payable to “Tulong Sa Bayan” and send to 519 S. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90013. On memo please write: NAFCON Bayanihan Relief and your city of residence. Donations of $250 or more will be tax deductible.  Please include return address with donations.

For more information on regional collection centers, fundraising and relief activities in your area please contact NAFCON regional coordinators nearest you or go to our website.

Northeast:    Anne Corotan          ne@nafconusa.org      (516) 901 – 1832

Midwest:       Lorena Buni             mw@nafconusa.org    (224) 678-1897

Norcal:           Ryan Leano              nc@nafconusa.org      (626) 534 – 4971

Socal:              Alex Montances       sc@nafconusa.org       (253) 381 – 7444

Local Monetary Drop/Send Sites All checks payable to “Tulong Sa Bayan”

Northeast: Philippine Forum: 40-21 69th St. Woodside, NY

Midwest: Good Shepherd Congregation: 4707 W. Pratt Ave Lincolnwood, Il 60712

Norcal: Filipino Community Center: 4681 Mission St. SF, Ca 94112

Socal: Tulong Sa Bayan 519 S. Spring St., LA, CA 90013

###