Members of the United Philippine Amerasians (UPA) celebrate 4th of July 2014 at SM City Clark Mall Angeles City, Philippines
Members of the United Philippine Amerasians (UPA) celebrate 4th of July 2014
Members of the United Philippine Amerasians dancing and performing at SM City Clark Mall, Angeles City, Philippines
Mark Gilbore, member of the United Philippine Amerasians (UPA)
On July 4, 2014, the Bayanihan Foundation sponsored the United Philippine Amerasians (UPA) 4th of July celebration at SM City Clark Mall in Angeles City, Philippines. In 2012, the Bayanihan Foundation co-sponsored with WedPro, the formation of the United Philippine Amerasians (UPA), a group of young Filipino Amerasians that recognized their contributions to Filipino and American societies. The UPA hopes to increase the public’s awareness of Filipino Amerasian issues, challenges, ideals and successes. There are more than 50,000 Amerasians left behind; they are America’s forgotten children. Three years ago, the Bayanihan Foundation partnered with WeDpro and Buklod, nongovernmental organizations (NGO)s in the Philippines to support the Filipino Amerasian community leaders and the creation of the UPA. In 2014, I am proud to share that the Bayanihan Foundation continues to support these young Amerasian women and men in supporting their Fourth of July activities and celebration, as they are Americans as well. I have included below a personal excerpt from Ms. Tin Jackson, United Philippine Amerasians (UPA) Event Organizer. She shares her personal insights into organizing the 4th of July 2014 event:
Organizer Ms. Tin Jackson (standing far right) interviews presenters at 4th of July celebration 2014
“I started at United Philippine Amerasians (UPA) last July 2012. We formed the group together with my fellow Amerasians and with the support of WEDPRO and the Bayanihan Foundation. The group just celebrated its third anniversary this year. I’m glad that the members are still active; we even have new Amerasian members. It’s important that we are celebrate the Fourth of July, the US Independence Day. This is an opportunity to tell everyone that we are not just souvenir babies or G.I babies. We are also Americans. At the same time, we are productive citizens of the Philippines. We are moving forward.
I implore everyone that participated in our Fourth of July activity to join us in our advocacy that we as Filipino Amerasians should be recognized by the US government like all the Amerasians from other countries. The world should know who we really are. We should not be cast aside. Many of us feel lonely; many are searching for their American fathers. Thousands of other Filipino Amerasians visit our Facebook page and are curious on how to become part of the UPA group. Many Filipino Amerasians are inquiring on how to they could file an US citizenship or a visa to travel to the US. However, we all know that we Filipino Amerasians were cast aside and were not given that legal recognition like other Amerasians around the world.”