150 FASGI Care Packages Distributed To Los Angeles Area Frontliners Through FYLPRO-Funded Project

For Immediate Release

Media Contact:

Leezel Tanglao

leezel.tanglao@fylpro.org

August 3, 2020

150 FASGI Care Packages Distributed To Los Angeles Area Frontliners Through FYLPRO-Funded Project 

Los Angeles – Filipino frontliners in the Los Angeles area received a bit of the bayanihan spirit through the form of care packages.

In furtherance of its COVID-19 response efforts, the Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO) provided financial support to the “BalikBAHAY” care package distribution project spearheaded by the Filipino American Service Group Inc. (FASGI) in Los Angeles on July 20-25, 2020. Each BaikBAHAY Box consisted of essential items targeted to help frontline workers and vulnerable community members weather the coronavirus pandemic. 

In June, FYLPRO awarded FASGI $2,100 to help fund 150 boxes. The FASGI project is one of two programs FYLPRO supported through its COVID-19 relief fund.

“The “BalikBAHAY” Box Project is a concept that was developed because we were thinking of helping the people who are most vulnerable and who have been there in the front lines but not paid any attention to,” said FASGI Executive Director Yey Coronel. “There are frontliners that were not given much attention to and they provide needed services for people. And so we decided to look for these people that were overlooked and we decided to work with people in the food industry, in the hospitality industry.”

More than 20 volunteers helped to assemble the boxes. Volunteers delivered the boxes to several Los Angeles area restaurants and bakeries including Big Boi and Titas of Manila. 

“During a time when the world is full of uncertainty, FASGI brought COVID-19 care packages to my awesome staff. It meant a lot to them to be recognized that they are here daily to prepare the food that is made in mind with safety first, along with love and comfort,” said Big Boi Chef Barb Batiste. “Thank you FASGI for including B Sweet and Big Boi in bringing light to our community.”

The BalikBahay box contained items suggested by a dietician to promote health and boost immunity, such as fresh lemons and ginger, dried noodles, mung beans, dried fruits, canned sardines and tuna, vinegar, no-sugar oolong tea, guyabano juice, stress balls and mental brochures, masks, gloves, alcohol spray bottles, a FASGI-drafted brochure on improving immune health, and COVID-19 paper pamphlet developed by Dr. Melanie Sabado-Liwag and her students. (Sabado-Liwag is also collaborating with UCLA on a community-based survey study to understand the Filipino community impacts of COVID-19. Participate in the study here.)

“Thank you so much FYLPRO for supporting this work. It really means a lot, not only to me but to all the Los Angeles Filipino members here. Hopefully the work that’s being done here can help inspire other communities to do similar kinds of acts of kindness for their own community,” said Program Manager Dr. Antonio Moya (FYLPRO alum 2019).

Incorporated in 1981, FASGI’s mission is to promote the cultural, social and economic advancement of the Los Angeles Filipino-American community through: mental health outreach and education, naturalization application assistance, immigration referral, culinary arts, arts incubation, business promotion, a World War II memorabilia museum, and other community and social services. For over three decades, FASGI has helped thousands of individuals through these vital programs and continues to work to strengthen the integration and empowerment of the Filipino-American people.

“FYLPRO is proud to partner with FASGI on this relief effort. It’s our hope that these care packages will let our kababayans in Los Angeles know that although our Fil-Am communities are spread throughout the US, we are thinking of them as they battle the pandemic — we appreciate their sacrifices and are here to help however we can.” said FYLPRO President Joshua Ang Price. “COVID-19 has created challenges for us all, but we must remember that we are in this situation together, and we will get through it together.”

Watch video here: 

About FYLPRO COVID19 Taskforce

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted all aspects of life around the world. In response to this ongoing crisis, FYLPRO formed the COVID-19 task force in April to tackle the needs of Filipinos both domestically and internationally. As part of the formation of this task force, a COVID-19 relief fund was created to support these efforts. 

FYLPRO is continuing to fundraise for the COVID-19 Relief Fund. You can donate here: https://fylpro.org/support/

The FYLPRO COVID-19 Task Force is looking to identify COVID-19 relief efforts in the US and the Philippines that FYLPRO may be able to partner with or support through its regional relief program. If you are aware of potential partner organizations or potential recipients for FYLPRO’s COVID-19 regional relief program, please complete the information request form.

Questions? Contact: covidresponse@fylpro.org

About Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO)

The Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization of high-performing, next-generation leaders that have a passion for advancing the Philippines and the Filipino people.

FYLPRO was established in 2012 by the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC in cooperation with the Ayala Foundation Inc. (AFI) to annually identify outstanding young professionals in the Filipino communities across the United States and provide the delegates with invaluable community, business, and government insights and access to distinguished network captains of industry and government.

For more information:

http://www.fylpro.org

# # #

Filipino Young Leaders Program Appoints Tiffany Batac as New Board Member 

 

For Immediate Release

 

Media Contact:

Leezel Tanglao

leezel.tanglao@fylpro.org

June 29, 2020

Filipino Young Leaders Program Appoints Tiffany Batac as New Board Member 

The Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO), a joint initiative with the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. and the Ayala Foundation, Inc., is pleased to announce the appointment of Tiffany Batac to its 2020–2021 Board of Directors. Batac will fill the vacant seat of immediate past FYLPRO president JR Calanoc who recently retired from the board to focus on his new project: a co-working space for Filipino-American startups and entrepreneurs. Calanoc will continue to be actively involved in the organization by serving on its various committees. 

Batac is Assistant Vice President and Principal Consultant at WSP, a globally recognized professional services firm, where she advises infrastructure clients as part of the Asset Management and Business Advisory group. Batac also serves on the FYLPRO COVID-19 Task Force. 

“FYLPRO has demonstrated organizational resilience and an ability to quickly adapt its programs and services during the COVID-19 pandemic.” Batac said, “It has been a privilege to be an active member of FYLPRO’s COVID-19 Task Force as we strive to expand relief to Filipino communities in the US and abroad. I look forward to further contributing to the organization’s continued growth by serving on FYLPRO’s Board of Directors. I’m confident that we will come out of this pandemic even stronger together – both as an organization and as a community.” 

Batac will assume her role immediately, finishing Calanoc’s term ending in December 2020. She joins the executive committee and board of directors elected in February and May 2020:

Executive Committee:

  • The Honorable Joshua Ang Price,’18, President (Little Rock, AR)
  • Louella Cabalona,’12, Vice President (Chicago, IL)
  • Major Charlynne McGinnis,‘18, Secretary (Honolulu, HI)
  • Melissa Palma, MD, ’18, Treasurer (Chicago, IL)

Board of Directors:

  • Sergio J. Alcubilla III, Esq., ‘19, (Honolulu, HI)
  • Darell Artates, Ex Officio (Washington, DC)
  • Jen Coliflores, Esq., ’15, (Boston, MA)
  • Krystle Canare, ’19, (Washington, DC)
  • Tony DelaRosa, ’18, (Miami, FL)
  • Joanna Duarte, Ex Officio (Manila, PH)
  • JP Ferrer,’14, (Chicago, IL)
  • Donny Feliciano Rojo, ’16, (San Francisco, CA)
  • Lakhi Siap, ’15, Immersion Program Co-Chair (Chicago, IL)
  • TJ Simba-Medel, ‘19, (Bryant, AR)
  • Brian Tajo, ‘18, (Washington, DC)
  • Leezel Tanglao, ’19, (New York City, NY)

“We are thrilled to have 2016 alumna Tiffany Batac join our Board of Directors,” said FYLPRO President Joshua Ang Price. “Tiffany has already contributed her skillset, passion, and knowledge as an invaluable part of our COVID-19 Task Force, and we are lucky to have her on our team as a full board member as we pivot our organizational goals to serve our Filipino and Fil-Am communities during the pandemic.”

About Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO)

The Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization of high-performing, next-generation leaders that have a passion for advancing the Philippines and the Filipino people.

FYLPRO was established in 2012 by the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC in cooperation with the Ayala Foundation Inc. (AFI) to annually identify outstanding young professionals in the Filipino communities across the United States and provide the delegates with invaluable community, business, and government insights and access to distinguished network captains of industry and government.

For more information:

http://www.fylpro.org

# # #

 

FYLPRO Launches Strategic Planning, Calls for Alumni and Partner Participation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Everett Icao

Email: StrategyTeam@fylpro.org

June 26, 2020 

FYLPRO Launches Strategic Planning, Calls for Alumni and Partner Participation 

(Washington, DC) Five years since the Filipino Young Leaders Program established its 501(c)3 non-profit status, the organization re-envisions its future and urges participation from alumni, partners, and community allies. 

With its signature Immersion Program to the Philippines canceled this year due to the pandemic, FYLPRO magnifies its efforts to better serve its growing alumni and the community in general by launching a three (3) day Strategic Planning Workshop on June 28, July 12, and July 26. 

“Because of changing times, it is the most opportune moment for us to reflect on how we can strengthen our organization to be more impactful and serve the communities we live in,” shared Louella Cabalona, Vice President of FYLPRO and Chair of the 2020 Strategic Planning Steering Committee. 

The workshop topics will cover board governance, philanthropic development, culture development, and relationship building. Attendees will help re-evaluate and refine the direction of FYLPRO, and reset strategies to best enable the organization to advance its mission. 

In addition to the alumni, FYLPRO partners from the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, Ayala Foundation, Inc. and other stakeholders are expected to attend. 

Cabalona said the workshops and the insights gathered from the entire process will serve as a road map for the organization’s priority initiatives in the next three to five years. 

The Strategic Planning Steering Committee members are: 

  • Anthony Guevarra (Houston, TX) 
  • Maj. Char McGinnis (Honolulu, HI) 
  • Dondi Quintans, MPA (New York, NY) 
  • Donny Rojo (San Francisco, CA) 
  • Everett Icao (Chicago, IL) 
  • Hon. Joshua Ang Price (Little Rock, AR) 
  • Kit Furukawa (Maui, HI) 
  • Krystle Canare (Washington, DC) 
  • Lakhi Siap (Chicago, IL) 
  • Lauren Lalicon (Spotswood, NJ) 
  • Louella Rose Cabalona (Chicago, IL) 
  • Melissa Palma, MD (Chicago, IL) 
  • Ryyn Schumacher (San Francisco, CA) 
  • Steven Raga, MPP, MPA (New York, NY) 
  • TJ Simba Medel (Little Rock, AR) 

If you would like to participate in the workshops, please send an email to strategy@fylpro.org to register. The workshops will be conducted entirely on Zoom with participants on various time zones. 

ABOUT THE FILIPINO YOUNG LEADERS PROGRAM

The Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization of high-performing, next-generation leaders that have a passion for advancing the Philippines and the Filipino people. Established in 2012 by the Philippine Embassy in the United States in cooperation with the Ayala Foundation Inc. (AFI), FYLPRO annually identifies outstanding young professionals in the Filipino communities across the United States and provides them invaluable community, business, and government insights and access to a distinguished network of captains of industry and government. 

For more information about FYLPRO, visit fylpro.org

Follow FYLPRO on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Filipino Young Leaders Program Awards COVID-19 Relief Grants to FASGI and Kawayan Collective 

For Immediate Release

Media Contact:

Leezel Tanglao

leezel.tanglao@fylpro.org

June 25, 2020

Filipino Young Leaders Program Awards COVID-19 Relief Grants to FASGI and Kawayan Collective 

The Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO) announces that its COVID-19 relief fund has extended financial support to efforts based in the United States and in the Philippines to provide basic goods to patients afflicted by coronavirus.

The Filipino American Service Group Inc. (FASGI)  “BalikBAHAY” Box project features a care package containing essential items that can be most helpful to essential workers and vulnerable community members. FYLPRO has awarded FASGI $2,100 to fund 175 boxes for essential workers and vulnerable community members.

We’re so thankful to FYLPRO for its generous contribution to FASGI and the BalikBAHAY Boxes Project during this COVID-19 Pandemic.  These care packages for the vulnerable of our LA Filipinx American community will not only sustain our recipients with nutritious food, protective masks and hand sanitizer, but will also provide crucial information to stop the spread of coronavirus, dispelling myths that harm our community,” said Program Manager Dr. Antonio Moya (FYLPRO alum 2019).

Kawayan Collective which is based in Negros, Philippines has launched an effort to provide bamboo beds to COVID-19 patients around the Philippines.  FYLPRO has awarded $2,000 to fund the making of 30+ beds.

“After processing through the stages of grief during the COVID-19 pandemic, our team has arrived at this prompt: How can we help our community with bamboo? We were inspired by front-liners and everybody else pitching in to help. Whether by donating meals, making face shields, or spreading correct information, there is a lot of work to be done. When we saw these huge overflow isolation centers, we thought of all the imported and processed materials that were needed for these essential facilities,” said Kawayan Collective Co-Founder Ray Villanueva (FYLPRO alum 2017). “We immediately thought bamboo beds would be a much better choice because bamboo is much more sustainable and locally available.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted all aspects of life around the world. In response to this ongoing crisis, FYLPRO formed the COVID-19 task force in April to tackle the needs of Filipinos both domestically and internationally. As part of the formation of this task force, a COVID-19 relief fund was created to support these efforts. 

“As our annual immersion trip and Alumni Summit in Washington, DC were canceled due to the coronavirus, we thought ‘what can we do to help our kababayans who are struggling during the pandemic?’ The COVID-19 Task Force was born from our desire to provide assistance to our Filipino and Fil-Am communities,” said FYLPRO President Joshua Ang Price. 

Chair of the COVID-19 Task Force Committee and FYLPRO Board Member Leezel Tanglao added, “Our community is on the frontlines of this crisis. It is vital that we support our kababayans in every way possible — from providing financial, mental and technical support.”

FYLPRO is continuing to fundraise for the COVID-19 Relief Fund. You can donate here: https://fylpro.org/support/

The FYLPRO COVID-19 Task Force is looking to identify COVID-19 relief efforts in the US and the Philippines that FYLPRO may be able to partner with or support through its regional relief program. If you are aware of potential partner organizations or potential recipients for FYLPRO’s COVID-19 regional relief program, please complete the information request form.

Questions? Contact: covidresponse@fylpro.org

About Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO)

The Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization of high-performing, next-generation leaders that have a passion for advancing the Philippines and the Filipino people.

FYLPRO was established in 2012 by the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC in cooperation with the Ayala Foundation Inc. (AFI) to annually identify outstanding young professionals in the Filipino communities across the United States and provide the delegates with invaluable community, business, and government insights and access to distinguished network captains of industry and government.

For more information:

http://www.fylpro.org

# # #

FYLPRO Donates Funds to Ayala Foundation Inc’s COVID-19 Project Pananagutan

 

For Immediate Release

Media Contact:

Leezel Tanglao

leezel.tanglao@fylpro.org

June 25, 2020

Filipino Young Leaders Program Donates Funds to Project Pananagutan to Provide Personal Protective Equipment and Food Aid to Families Affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Board of Directors of the Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO) announces that FYLPRO will present a donation to Project Pananagutan in support of its COVID-19 relief efforts. As in many parts of the world, the coronavirus pandemic has impacted vulnerable communities in the Philippines. In response to this crisis, employees of the Ayala group of companies, which number over 64,000 strong, created “Project Pananagutan” as an internal fundraising initiative. FYLPRO’s gift of $1,500 will go towards the ongoing campaign to provide protective personal equipment for medical front-liners and food packs for families in Metro Manila and the province of Cavite.  

“The Ayala Foundation, Inc. has been a strong and steadfast partner of FYLPRO since the formation of our organization in 2012. Once we learned about their launch of Project Pananagutan to help our Filipino front-liners, our alumni immediately wanted to be involved,” said FYLPRO President Joshua Ang Price. “We are proud to support AFI’s efforts through this inspiring relief program that provides critical materials to Filipino communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Each package for medical front-liners include:

  • Head and shoe covers
  • N95 or surgical mask
  • Gown shoe covers
  • Sanitizable, reusable face shields
  • Rubber gloves
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Hand sanitizer

Food packs and vouchers for limited income families will provide:

  • Rice
  • Canned goods, consisting of sardines, tuna, corned beef
  • Pancit Canton
  • 3-in-1 coffee
  • Loaf of Bread
  • Burgers or ready to eat sandwiches

For the latest developments on Ayala’s relief efforts, follow the hashtag #ProjectPananagutan on social media. 

The FYLPRO COVID-19 Task Force is looking to identify other opportunities for collaboration both in the United States and the Philippines. If you are aware of potential partner organizations or prospective beneficiaries for FYLPRO’s COVID-19 regional relief program, please complete our information request form. Donations to the FYLPRO COVID-19 Relief Fund are also being accepted at fylpro.org/support.

Questions? Contact: covidresponse@fylpro.org 

About Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO)

The Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization of high-performing, next-generation leaders that have a passion for advancing the Philippines and the Filipino people.

FYLPRO was established in 2012 by the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC in cooperation with the Ayala Foundation Inc. (AFI) to annually identify outstanding young professionals in the Filipino communities across the United States and provide the delegates with invaluable community, business, and government insights and access to distinguished network captains of industry and government.

For more information:

http://www.fylpro.org

# # #

 

It’s time to talk to your parents, titos and titas about internalized racism

Originally published in Filam Courier, June 16, 2020 issue, by Kit Zulueta (Batch 1 – 2012)

 

You may have heard these phrases: “Those thugs mean trouble.” “Hold on to your purse.” “Marry a white guy so you have better-looking children.” “I’m worried about inviting your Black friends.” “Ganyan talaga silang mga itim…”

 

With all things considered in our Filipino history of oppression and colonial mentality, won’t you agree that most Filipino families have anti-black sentiments? We don’t just bleach our skins with whitening products, the papaya soap made our minds white, too. TV ads in the Philippines literally demonstrate how better your life will be with opportunities if you have fairer skin.

 

I think the time is now to make an effort and have difficult conversations in our homes to cultivate a culture of empathy. If our goal is to have racial equity and justice for our kids in the future, everyone in the family needs to be on the same page: we need to make conscious choices with our words and actions. Otherwise, the bad habits will just be passed on.

 

Before I proceed, it is important I set the framework for what’s to follow. I’m a 30-something millennial who is not a counselor nor an expert at the topic. I just want to share my experience and research as it might help you. Some of the points I’ll raise may not apply to you, and it’s important to note that Filipino families are not all the same.

 

IF YOU FIND COURAGE to speak up, I need to commend you because the path to get there is difficult and stressful. I know because I tried and it wasn’t received very well. I wasn’t surprised though, and I’m glad I did it.

 

I wouldn’t be writing this article if my experience was an isolated event. Reading so many similar comments online gave me hope. What I found validates this: a lot of Fil-Am youth chose to speak up because we love and care for our families.
You must come from a place of love and concern when you’re pointing out something they don’t see. If you are expecting to be labelled “disrespectful,” or if they come back with “kapal ng mukha mo, akala mo kung sino ka” (How dare you, who do you think you are) rhetoric, I may have some tips that will help manage your expectations because this will be an emotionally charged endeavor.

 

1. Proceed with caution and proper timing. Before you say anything, make sure you are in the right mind. We are coming from the heels of COVID-19 anxiety, highest rates of unemployment, too-many zoom meetings, and we don’t even know what day it is. If the timing, mental capacity and situation doesn’t align for you, I say revisit the family talk at another time.

 

2. Research and prepare. You may be gearing up for a debate, so get educated about the issue. Learn why using the hashtag #AllLivesMatter is not helpful in the #BlackLivesMatter movement. Find memes that have concise and impactful responses to usual points of confusion. If they are religious, prepare your Bible verses. If they love cooking, use food as examples. If they idolize certain basketball players, research if the athletes have made statements to support your position. If you find the right “language” to use, you may increase chances of getting their buy-in.

 

3. Dami mong alam! You know too much. You might hear this as a common tactic to shame your knowledge. The status quo is typically kids don’t have an opinion because speaking up and disagreeing are disrespectful. I say give them the credit for it. Our parents, titos and titas have worked hard to provide us education so we can “have a better life.” Now that we are educated and have different experiences of our own, we are simply sharing the blessing of knowledge with them.

 

4. You cannot change the world. This statement or a variation of it might come when the complexity of the issue is discussed. There’s systemic racism that involves many players in society – how can one possibly do something about all that? This is the same mentality that dismisses the power of ONE, which is why others don’t vote. They may acknowledge the importance of family in one’s upbringing and that’s your opening to explain your objective of changing certain things inside the home, instead of the world.

 

5. Looting is easier to understand. Don’t be surprised if the whole racial narrative is skipped and the focus of your discussion will revolve around the looting. If you support the Black Lives Matter movement, their assumption is that you support the looting. Set the record straight by condemning the act and acknowledge their fears because these are all valid. Use the opportunity to reassure them that you are on the same side – stealing is wrong.
Videos of police brutality in general have been shared excessively that we are now desensitized every time we see one. But looting images of young ladies smiling with armloads of bras from a Victoria Secret are strong new images that cause worry.
It is important to differentiate peaceful protesters and looters – these two are separate things. The root cause of the looting is racially charged police brutality. If they are concerned about the looting, the solution is to address the root cause.

 

6. But I’ve been discriminated against as a Filipino. The purpose of this argument is to seek empathy from you, and that’s alright. The unsaid portion of this sentence is “I’ve been discriminated against as a Filipino, so I’ll discriminate against Blacks.” There may be trauma from a past experience, so the fact they are openly sharing this with you is already an indication of openness that will bring you closer. Again, use the power of “listen” and acknowledge their experience. If you have a similar story, share away.

 

7. You cannot teach an old dog new tricks. There’s a sentiment shared among young Fil-Ams that the effort is “useless” and that we should just accept the fact that they will be stuck in their ways. I agree the effort is difficult but if we are trying to shape the moral compass of our kids, it will be more difficult to shield them from the previous generation’s influence. Plus, we want our children to have a relationship with their grandparents.

 

8. There’s power in shared experiences. Prejudices usually disappear with exposure and experience. It is important to remember that you will not change their minds over night. Maybe you will not change their minds at all. But the key is you have created a channel where you can now freely navigate and discuss unintended racist remarks when they come up.

 

Remember that while their generation is busy making a living for you and me, assimilating to the “white culture” may also be an act of survival to blend in. The act of speaking up will allow for much needed self-reflection that’s built on a foundation of honesty and love for each other.

 

If you find this effort exhausting, remember that our friends in the Black community have fatigue fighting for justice every day in their lives.
# # #

Filipino Young Leaders Program Raises $1,200 for COVID-19 Relief in the Philippines Through Kapwa Virtual 5K Run/Walk 

For Immediate Release

Media Contact: leezel.tanglao@fylpro.org

June 8, 2020

Filipino Young Leaders Program Raises $1,200 for COVID-19 Relief in the Philippines Through Kapwa Virtual 5K Run/Walk 

COVID-19 has impacted everyone on a global scale including our ability to support relief causes through traditional fundraisers such as a 5K run.

In response, Char McGinnis, a 2018 Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO) delegate and current FYLPRO secretary, quickly pivoted and adapted what was her legacy project to focus on helping front liners in rural areas in the Philippines.

In partnership with the American Chamber Foundation, Philippines Inc., the Kapwa Virtual 5K raised $1,200 over the course of 5 days from June 1-5, 2020. Participants ran or walked in their neighborhood, on their treadmill or in place while being mindful of social distancing. 

100% of proceeds went to acquiring testing and extracting kits, medical supplies, and services to vulnerable medical workers, assigned military/police personnel, and public servants in the regions where COVID-19 testing is very low. Supplies were initially distributed to the following hospitals and institutions: 

  • Lung Center of the Philippines
  • National Kidney and Transplant Institute
  • Philippine Genome Center
  • PNP Crime Laboratory
  • Makati Medical Center

Each hospital and institution received the following: 

  • 20 coveralls
  • 20 gallons of alcohol
  • 20 boxes of surgical facemasks
  • 20 boxes of gloves
  • 20 face shields

“Maraming salamat po to those who supported my FYLPRO legacy project, Kapwa 5K Run/Walk. My original project flexed to accommodate COVID-19 restrictions and shifted to focus on the dire need for PPE for front liners in the Philippines,” said McGinnis. “I’m proud to have partnered with the American Chamber Foundation on this effort as the American Chamber of Commerce Philippines has been, and continues to be, a great FYLPRO supporter.”

“We are thankful that Char McGinnis used her legacy project as a vehicle to help our kababayans battling the coronavirus pandemic,” said FYLPRO President Joshua Ang Price. “Her leadership on this project is a testament to her dedication to our organization, which is actively looking for collaborative projects and partnerships to support our Filipino communities through our COVID-19 Relief Fund.”

FYLPRO is continuing to fundraise for the COVID-19 Relief Fund. You can donate here: https://fylpro.org/support/

The FYLPRO COVID-19 Task Force is looking to identify COVID-19 relief efforts in the US and the Philippines that FYLPRO may be able to partner with or support through its regional relief program. If you are aware of potential partner organizations or potential recipients for FYLPRO’s COVID-19 regional relief program, please complete the information request form.

Questions? Contact: covidresponse@fylpro.org

About Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO)

The Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization of high-performing, next-generation leaders that have a passion for advancing the Philippines and the Filipino people.

FYLPRO was established in 2012 by the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC in cooperation with the Ayala Foundation Inc. (AFI) to annually identify outstanding young professionals in the Filipino communities across the United States and provide the delegates with invaluable community, business, and government insights and access to distinguished network captains of industry and government.

For more information:

http://www.fylpro.org

# # #

Filipino Young Leaders Program stands in solidarity with our Black communities

For Immediate Release:

Media Contact: Tony DelaRosa 

Email: info@fylpro.org

June 2, 2020 

Filipino Young Leaders Program stands in solidarity with our Black communities

In response to the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor, FYLPRO President Joshua Ang Price and the Board of Directors issue the following statement: 

We in the Filipinx/a/o community are grieving and stand in solidarity with the Black community for the countless who have lost their lives due to anti-Black violence, including: George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor, as well as Tony McDade, Eric Garner, Botham Jean, Charleena Lyles, Alton Sterling, Philando Castile, Tamir Rice, Trayvon Martin, and many more. This also does not account for the innumerable and unnamed Black lives lost due to broader systemic racism in our education, healthcare, criminal justice, and political systems. 

During COVID-19, we acknowledge that the current pandemic exacerbates the collective trauma the Black community has experienced. We urge our Filipinx/a/o American community, and other communities of color, to honor Isang Bagsak. Isang Bagsak in Tagalog means “one fall”, and was a unity-building ritual used by Larry Itliong and the United Farm Workers during the 1965 Delano Grape Strike to honor the cross-coalitional work between Filipino and Mexican American farm workers. 

We need this same solidarity today; it requires us to see the Black community as pamilya (family). They have stood up for us before and during the anti-Asian violence due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and we must stand up with them now. With history’s eyes on our community, we must lean into Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of “we’re not free, unless we’re all free.” 

Abbreviated list of ways to put Isang Bagsak into action in support of the Black community: 

About Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO)

The Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization of high-performing, next-generation leaders that have a passion for advancing the Philippines and the Filipino people.

For more information visit http://www.fylpro.org

FYLPRO Joins Second Annual AAPI Day Against Bullying and Hate

Media Contact:

Krystle Canare

krystle.canare@fylpro.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 18, 2020

FYLPRO Joins Second Annual AAPI Day Against Bullying and Hate

On May 18, 2020, cities, elected officials, influencers and community groups are commemorating the second annual Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Day Against Bullying and Hate, led by anti-bullying nonprofit Act To Change. The Filipino Young Leaders Program is committed to ending bullying and hate in the AAPI community and is proud to join this movement.

“FYLPRO is devoted to standing alongside our fellow AAPI organizations to work towards ending racism and xenophobia directed at Asian Americans, especially during these turbulent times,” said FYLPRO President Joshua Ang Price. “We hope that this special day dedicated to combating bullying and hate will serve as a reminder that Asian Americans are important members of American society — we are your friends, coworkers, and neighbors — and we contribute much to our local communities as well as nationally through our talents and culture. To anyone who has been affected by bullying: Please stand strong, never forget your value, and be boldly proud of who you are.” 

AAPI Day Against Bullying and Hate is part of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and marks the birthday of Vincent Chin. In 1982, Chin was falsely blamed for the layoffs in the auto industry, and brutally murdered in a hate crime. His murder fueled a national Asian American movement, one that must continue today, in light of the rising xenophobia and hate crimes surrounding COVID-19.

Sadly, our society continues to ostracize people who are of AAPI descent. Every day, kids of all ages suffer from being bullied online and in schools across the country. In the AAPI community, this problem is often compounded by cultural, religious, and linguistic barriers that can keep these youth from seeking and receiving help. And certain AAPI groups – including South Asian, Muslim, Sikh, Micronesian, LGBT, immigrant, and limited English proficient youth – are more likely to be the targets of bullying.

According to AAPI Data, 46% of Filipino Americans identified bullying in schools as a “very serious” problem.  And according to statistics compiled by the federal government’s AAPI Bullying Prevention Task Force, bullied students were 5 to 6 times more likely to miss school than those who were not bullied.

We believe it’s crucial that we continue to advance conversations about bullying and hate in the AAPI community, especially as it is exacerbated by COVID-19. People of Asian descent are being blamed for the virus and targeted in verbal and physical attacks. There have been over 1,900 cases of anti-Asian discrimination reported since the beginning of the pandemic. We publicly denounce all bullying and hate against the AAPI community, and stand in solidarity with Act To Change to encourage the public to foster dialogue, share resources, and end bullying and hate.

For more information: http://www.fylpro.org 

Follow FYLPRO on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

About the Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO)

The Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization of high-performing, next-generation leaders that have a passion for advancing the Philippines and the Filipino people.

FYLPRO was established in 2012 by the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC in cooperation with the Ayala Foundation Inc. (AFI) to annually identify outstanding young professionals in the Filipino communities across the United States and provide the delegates with invaluable community, business, and government insights and access to distinguished network captains of industry and government.

 

[Dear Class of 2020] The One Question That Changed My Life

Originally posted on Medium on May 7, 2020 by Leezel Tanglao (Batch 8 – 2019)


I’m used to dealing with the unpredictable and spaces of uncertainty.

My 16-year career in journalism has taken me around the world but most of all, it’s taken me on a journey into the human condition.

All of us are on an incredible transformative path made from our choices and decisions.

More than ever, it’s important to embrace the known and unknown.

Both serve a purpose in our evolution and growth.

In this age of COVID19, the graduation ceremonies may be canceled but graduating into the world is not.

There will many challenges ahead but you are not alone.

In honor of the class of 2020, hoping these words will help you on your journey.

This is a transcript of the commencement address I delivered to 2017 the Asian and Pacific Islander American studies majors class at the College of William & Mary on May 13, 2017.

Just about everything in life begins with a question.

“What’s your name?”

“Where are you from?”

No, really “Where are you REALLY from?”

But there was one question that changed my life.

“How come you don’t know Tagalog?”

That’s what my college classmate asked me….actually, it’s what she called me out on.

We were both undergrads at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles in the early 2000s.

She was born in the U.S. and fluent in Vietnamese.

She would talk to her parents in Vietnamese, supported Vietnamese businesses and followed all the latest Vietnamese trends.

She was proud to be Vietnamese, and not afraid to show it.

“How come you don’t know Tagalog?”

It was the first time I really had to think about that question.

I said, “I don’t know.”

But I did know.

Even though I understood Tagalog which is one of the national languages of the Philippines (and technically my family speaks the Philippine language Kapampangan), I didn’t want to speak it.

Because I was ashamed to be Filipino.

At that time, my perception of Filipinos wasn’t great.

With the exception of a few close Filipino and Asian American friends, I felt judged by my own community because I didn’t fit into the typical Filipino American stereotype.

My parents were divorced.

Most people I went to school with came from two-parent households.

My mom wasn’t a nurse, doctor or lawyer.

She was an assembly line worker.

It was a class thing.

I could feel the awkward and judge-y stares.

I was an only child…whereas other Filipino Americans had large families.

‘How could my parents just have one kid? Aren’t you lonely?’

Or the other response was, “You must be spoiled.”

Actually, money was tight and I was raised by a single mother who supported me and helped my aunts and uncles.

We couldn’t always afford a lot of the trends all my classmates had.

When everyone else had Air Jordans, I had generic athletic sneakers.

“How come you don’t know Tagalog?”

Logistically, I didn’t need it to communicate with my family.

My mom spoke to me in Kapampangan and I always replied back in English.

You guys have done that right?

My estranged father encouraged me to speak English because he was afraid I would pick up an accent.

But my mother was adamant that she speak to me in Kapampangan and never wanting me abandoning my mother tongue.

It’s who we are, she said.

I never lost it but I didn’t have an appreciation for it until now.

It was only when I got to college and was confronted by the question my roommate posed to me, that I had an opportunity to learn more about who I was.

And in the summer of 2002, The Filipino American National Historical Society or (FANHS, which by the way has a Virginia Beach chapter) was having its bi-annual conference in Los Angeles, right on the campus of LMU.

During that conference, I learned about Filipino Americans in sports, media — they were trailblazers in so many fields.

I had no idea about Vickie Manalo Draves, the first woman to win two gold medals in diving in the same Olympics and the first Asian American to win an Olympic medal.

Nor did I know about the prolific writings of Carlos Bulosan, who wrote: “America is in the Heart.”

At that conference, I met many other Filipino Americans who have since become my mentors and friends — as they also shared similar experiences growing up.

I uncovered so many stories that I had no idea about my culture — things that don’t get taught in school.

It showed me that my shame in my culture was misguided over the actions of a small group of people.

I realized there were actually accomplished Filipino Americans who did care more about the greater good than whether you had the latest Nike shoes or if you drove a luxury car.

FANHS led me to AAJA — Asian American Journalists Association — which concurrently cultivated my path to becoming a professional journalist — someone who tells stories for a living.

What did it mean to be Filipino American?

What did it mean to be Asian American?

What did it mean to be a journalist?

What did it mean to be an Asian American journalist?

It opened the floodgates to communities and support networks I didn’t know existed.

It was like, wow, there were people who looked like me and had similar upbringings who were successful storytellers.

And that, you can do what you love and get paid for it, probably not as much as other professions, but you don’t become a journalist for the money.

When the fall term started again, I began taking Asian American studies classes and attended Asian Am related events and never looked back after that.

As a result, I declared a minor later that year — Asian Pacific American Studies and I vowed to tell these stories as a journalist — to give a voice to the voiceless.

A few years later, I would later go back to get a Masters in Asian American Studies at UCLA because the passion never went away — so much more to learn.

With all of this, it also led to another question, which the 2017 graduates here today will relate to.

Whenever someone found out I had a master’s in Asian American Studies — I got puzzled looks.

Graduates, you have the unique opportunity to answer the question that your parents and others have probably asked you at one point during the last four years.

“What will you do with “Asian American Studies?”

“Why not major in something “practical” like law, health?”

​What I would say to that is this: Asian American Studies is “practical.”

Whenever someone tries to use the Model Minority myth to prove a point, you know there’s more to that story.

Not all Asian Americans have the same economic status or educational backgrounds.

The numbers tell a different story.

There are Asian American subgroups who live in poverty but yet that’s not narrative that’s often presented.

This is where the holders of the established narratives want us to be silent.

But don’t be silent.

Be loud.

Own it.

While Asian Americans work in many prestigious fields, where is our representation in leadership and elected offices — where policies and decisions impact our lives?

That’s the beauty of Asian American Studies.

It’s can be used in combination with other areas like politics, law, health.

It all about that unique perspective and the value you bring.

And you’ve all already had a chance to experience that.

Julian Irate posed important questions to the William and Mary community about issues impacting our lives when he co-founded the video series, “The Real W & M” — to foster discussion.

“Why does Black History Month Matter? Why is inclusion in academia important?”

Pallavi Rahraju started a South Asian dance team to teach others about her culture.

When words are not enough, expressing your history and culture through movement and dance can be very powerful.

Felicia Wong and other students started a Filipino American health summit to shed light on issues that have carried a stigma in the community.

If you have the data, then the mission is to educate the community about these issues.

Matt Nguyen let the music speak to him as he created an EP to tell Asian American history and social justice.

He knows education is not limited to school — it’s the media you consume and going where the audience lives.

And graduates, you’re all just getting started.

All of your work is important.

Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

It’s not about quantity.

It’s about the quality of making those deep connections.

Too often our stories have been overlooked.

It’s time to flip that narrative on its head.

You define what is success and what is of value.

But the road will not always be easy.

In fact, it’s full of challenges.

But don’t be afraid to do something you’ve never done before.

Don’t settle.

I wasn’t satisfied as just a homepage editor at a national news organization when I moved to New York seven years ago.

I knew I could offer more.

I didn’t want to play it safe.

I took a risk, went to a startup, was laid off.

But then I hustled, reinvented myself and now I lead a global team of multiplatform editors at CNNMoney.

There’s nothing wrong with safe, but remember there’s nothing wrong with standing out either.

Graduates, I want to challenge you to be aware and be open to change and look for those signs — those pivotal moments, decisions.

Each of our lives is made of a series of these moments that help guide us during our journey.

For me, it was the day my classmate called me out on the lack of my Tagalog speaking skills.

For you, it was the moment you sat in that Asian American studies class or attended an Asian American event and suddenly, something inside you just clicked — where you felt excited and felt this passion burn that you couldn’t ignore.

It was then you realized that, you had a higher purpose and calling.

It was then you answered a question — a call to action.

And sometimes that’s not part of the plan you envisioned — that’s OK.

It’s the reason all of you fought hard for this…so this legacy is not lost — — To have these classes, experiences on this campus.

And digging deeper about the history behind those who came before us and how that has shaped who you are.

You know that Asian American Studies is not just purely an academic endeavor or just learning.

It’s a way of life.

It’s a lens that informs decisions, choices no matter what career you choose.

And don’t worry parents, everyone who has majored/minored in Asian American studies has gone to do amazing things — everything to becoming a public servant, acting and non-profit work.

Your kids will be OK.

The fact they chose this major speaks volumes about being self-aware.

I’m living proof of that.

Being grounded with this lens, it has allowed me to see and be conscious of the multiple narratives and that there is always a story to be told as a journalist.

With this foundation, I’ve been able to tell the stories about the Filipino grape pickers who sparked the Delano grape strike that evolved the Farmer workers’ movement — bringing into the fold figures like Cesar Chavez.

But what happened Larry Itiong, Philip Vera Cruz and Pete Velasco? Where are they in the narrative?

And numerous times I’ve been able to prevent potentially harmful and offensive content because I was aware of its impact on the community and its context — from an insensitive headline or graphic — these things matter and should be addressed.

Most importantly I have also been able to influence stories and including unheard voices — because I was in the room and let my voice be heard.

But this is just my story.

It’s now time for you to write your narrative and to give back.

Just like all the mentors you’ve met along the way up to this point, you didn’t do this alone.

In fact, you’ve never been alone.

You now know you have a rich history of people who have gone before you to look back on and be inspired by.

And they didn’t do it alone.

As you’ve seen in your work at the College William and Mary — — how tangible change can be.

The next time someone says, what will do you with “Asian American Studies major”?

You can answer that with conviction,

I

Create

Change

Join Me