14 October 2013 – Celebrations for Filipino-American Heritage Month (FAHM) kick off in New York with three simultaneous events co-sponsored by the Philippine Consulate General at the Philippine Center on October 01.
Ms Victoria Abad Kerblat’s book entitled, “Javid Sawen nu Vatan!” (How Beautiful is Batanes!), a collection of her watercolor paintings depicting scenes from the idyllic province, was launched at the Gallery Lobby. Consul General Mario L. De Leon spoke to the audience of his appreciation for the works of the artist, as well as her efforts in preserving and promoting the arts and culture of her hometown. The paintings are part of Ms. Abad’s campaign to protect and conserve the traditional Ivatan houses, some of which date back to 16th and 17th centuries.
At the Kalayaan Hall, the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) held the FANHS Awards Night honoring outstanding members of the Filipino community in their respective fields. The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Mr. Luis Francia, a professor and writer of history noted in the United States for his published works including History of the Philippines: From Indios Bravos to Filipinos, used in American universities on Asian history studies.
Ms. Menchu Sanchez, the New York University Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit nurse who emerged as a hero during Hurricane Sandy when her quick thinking helped save their infant patients in critical care, was conferred the Bayani Award.
Contribution to Excellence Award was given to Mr Larry Tantay, a community healthcare worker and HIV/AIDS prevention advocate. Outstanding Artist awards were given to singer and actress Liz Casasola and comedian Air Tabigue, while Filipino Intercollegiate Networking Dialogue President Mr Marc Densing was named the Outstanding Youth Awardee.
Consul General De Leon congratulated the honorees and formally marked the opening of the community celebrations for Filipino-American Heritage Month. He underscored the invaluable presence of the Filipinos in the American society as upheld by the recognition from the New York government through a Proclamation by Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The Consul General assured FANHS and the community of the Consulate’s commitment in promoting and furthering the Filipinos’ interests, including preserving, advocating and making sure that the Filipino history and heritage is kept alive throughout generations to come.
In his address, FANHS Co-President Dr. Kevin Nadal related how the first few Filipino immigrants to the United States (US) settled some 426 years ago. He mentioned how the year’s FANHM theme "Hands That Built America: Filipino Americans in the Labor Movement" was inspired by Filipino Labor Leader Larry Itliong's 100th birthday on 25 October. Mr. Itliong started the Delano Grape Strike in September 1965 that led to the formation of the United Farm Workers.
Coincidentally, that evening, a dialogue to discuss pressing labor concerns of Filipino workers’ conditions in the US was held at the Philippine Center Boardroom. The meeting was attended by Consulate officials led by Consul General De Leon, Philippine Overseas Employement Administration Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Administrator Carmelita Dizon, Institute for Labor Studies Executive Director Mary Grace Riguer, NAFFAA President Merit Salud, and representatives from Filipino American Legal Defense and Education Fund, AKBAYAN, Gabriela, National Federation for Filipino Concerns, and the Florida 15. END
