Filipino American Organizations in community service
Filipino-Americans are known for the bayanihan spirit; it is a selfless give-and-take act to work together in a spirit of unity and cooperation with other members of the community to accomplish difficult tasks.
Protected the health care workers against COVID-19
The Filipino American Cancer Care (FACC), Inc donated more than 500 cloth face masks to six area hospitals (i.e., Johns Hopkins Hospital), provided delightful oatmeal and chocolate cookies, and home-baked Filipino pandesal bread to show gratitude and appreciation for the sacrifices of Filipino, Americans, Filipino Americans, and others during the current pandemic in the United States.
Likewise, the Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Chicago, Philippine Independence Week Committee, Circa Pintig, Philippine American Cultural Foundation, Lion’s Club Chicago Mabuhay, Black Mamba Chicago JCC Rainbow Foundation, Filipino-American National Historical Society, and National Federation of Filipino-American Associations (NaFFAA) delivered well-balanced and healthy meals to front liners to various hospitals in Greater Chicago.
In addition, the Philippine Medical Association in Chicago (PMAC) donated medical equipment and supplies to hospitals in the Philippines and provided care package to poor families. The International Society of Filipinos in Finance and Accounting (ISFFA) Chicago Chapter provided relief goods to drivers in Valenzuela.
Provided aid during the Taal Volcano Eruption
The Foundation for Philippine Progress (FPP), Filipino American Basketball Associations (FABA), Migrant Heritage Commission (MHC), Philippine American Foundation for Charities (PAFC), Philippine Humanitarian Coalition, Filipino Young Professionals of Washington DC, Philippine American Chamber of Commerce (PACCDC), and others worked closely and supported the Filipino people affected by the Taal Volcano eruption this year.
They facilitated the raising of funds to conduct medical mission, as well as purchase of the basic necessities of the victims such as food, clothing, N95 masks, medicines, drinking water, milk and feeding bottles for infants staying in the evacuation centers.
These organizations also provided long term assistance to the government and the Philippine Red Cross to help the victims of the earthquake rebuild their damaged homes and recover their lost livelihoods.
NaFFAA’s Alex Esclamado Memorial Award for Community Service
The National Federation of Filipino American Associates (NaFFAAs) promotes the welfare and well-being of the four million Filipinos and Filipino Americans throughout the United States.
It is a non-partisan, non-profit organization and the largest national affiliation of Filipino American institutions, umbrella organizations, and individuals in the US. It has 13 members within the continents of US, Alaska, Hawaii, and the Pacific Islands.
NaFFAA recognizes outstanding Filipino-American organizations that have rendered significant contributions to the Fil-Am community, and the Philippines through the Alex Esclamado Memorial Award for Community Service. In 2019, the winners were the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FiVetsREP), followed by the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS), and the Philippine American Cultural Foundation (PACF).
FiVetsREP; FANHS; PACF
FiVetsREP successfully promoting the welfare of World War II Filipino Veterans, FANHS for promoting Filipino history by initiating the annual observance of FilAm History Month in the United States, and the PACF for promoting Philippine arts, culture, and history. In addition, the Seafood City Group was lauded for creating virtual Filipino community centers across the United States.
The awards are for a youth category, and for those engaged in the areas of youth affairs, education, senior citizens, women, health, immigration & human rights, entrepreneurship, arts & culture, aid to the Philippines, and civic involvement. These awards are open to all Filipino and Fil-Am organizations in the US, including those that are non-members of the NaFFAA.
Filam Inc., Helping Hands volunteer group
The New York-based Filam group is an inspiration for positive change in the midst of the riots and pandemic. With the social crisis happening in the US and around the world, they call for equality by means of being kind to one another.
