Philippines and ASEAN Countries Getting Ready to Promote Massive Migration of Skilled Immigrants

Posted on February 15, 2017 by Dale Asis

On January 20, 2017, Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 45th US President and overnight the United States changed its outlook to be more inward looking and having a more nationalistic stance. President Trump touted during his campaign to build a wall between US and Mexico. He recently enacted executive action limiting travel from certain countries but was overturned by the courts. He wanted to put America First.

Association of Southeast Asian (ASEAN) member countries (photo courtesy of International Business Review)

Association of Southeast Asian (ASEAN) member countries (photo courtesy of International Business Review)

Firing Up Regional Brain Network of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Reprt February 2017

Firing Up Regional Brain Network of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Report February 2017

However, on the other side of the world the Philippines and nine other Southeast Asian nations that comprised the Association of The Association of Southeast Asian Nations[7] (ASEAN) have a totally different outlook. The Philippines and ASEAN countries are opening up their borders, not building walls. They are promoting skilled migration, not enacting travel bans. They are promoting a slogan of unity “one identity, one community,” not “me first.”

The Philippines and all the ASEAN countries recently relaxed travel restrictions between them. Now they are poised to see a massive expansion of both the demand for and supply of skilled migrants that are willing and able to move.

ASEAN member states have recently signed to ease the intra-regional mobility of skilled professionals in the tourism and six regulated occupations (accounting, architecture, dentistry, engineering, medicine and nursing). Close to 15 million ASEAN workers are employed in these professions could be affected, accounting for about 5 percent of total regional employment.

“The convergence of these mega-trends represents unique opportunities for human-capital development and brain circulation, as this report explores and which promotes intergovernmental cooperation and facilitates economic integration among its members,” said Migration Policy Institute (MPI) Senior Policy Analyst Jeanne Batalova, the lead author of the report.

The report covered that whether ASEAN can enter the age of brain circulation is far from certain and that many challenges remain including ongoing brain drain to the US and other developed countries. However, I think that the Philippines and ASEAN countries are moving to different projection of growth and not following the lead of the Trump Administration of isolation and walls.

Given diverging demographics, rising educational attainment and wide variation in economic opportunities, countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations realize that they have to capitalize on their skilled immigrant workforce to stay and contribute to their countries’ growth. With the number of college-educated ASEAN emigrants in Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries rising from 1.7 million in 2000 to 2.8 million in 2010-2011, brain drain is recognized as an obstacle to economic and social development. Brain waste, or the under-utilization of highly skilled workers, remains an unstudied issue in ASEAN.

Filipino architects in Brunei? Singapore engineers in Malaysia? Thai accountants in Cambodia and Vietnam? These skilled migration are already happening on the ground and will be expanded. Is the ASEAN recipe of promoting skilled migration a better formula for growth, prosperity and peace? Or is the Trump recipe of borders, walls and nationalism would win the day? Time will tell.

Source: Firing Up Regional Brain Networks: The Promise of Brain Circulation in the ASEAN Economic Community

Posted in Immigration, Overseas workers, Philippines | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

8 out of 10 top cities most exposed to natural disaster are in the Philippines

Posted on February 5, 2017 by Dale Asis

(Excerpts of this blog post is from the article “How can the Philippines better prepare for natural disasters?” World Economic Forum)

Typhoon Haiyan Eye of the Storm about to Hit Landfall (November 2013)

Typhoon Haiyan Eye of the Storm about to Hit Landfall (November 2013)

On November 2013, typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines and it became one of the strongest typhoons ever recorded. The Bayanihan Foundation responded quickly and in two weeks, I was on the ground in Samar and Leyte distributing relief goods. It was one of the most intense and heartbreaking experience in my life seeing the disaster and at the same time the resiliency of the Filipino spirit. However, the biggest question in my mind – will it happen again? Will a typhoon as strong as Haiyan hit the Philippines again? A recent report said yes (Verisk Maplecroft Report, Natural Hazards Risk Atlas, 2015).

Debris outside the Tacloban City Airport after Typhoon Haiyan hit landfall (November 2013)

Debris outside the Tacloban City Airport after Typhoon Haiyan hit landfall (November 2013)

The World Economic Forum reported that 8 out of 10 top cities most exposed to natural disaster are in the Philippines (How Can the Philippines Prepare for a Natural Disaster, World Economic Forum, 2015).

Of the 10 world cities most exposed to natural hazards, eight are in the Philippines, according to research which also showed that over half of the 100 cities most exposed to earthquakes, storms and other disasters were found in four Asian nations.

The study published by risk analysis firm Verisk Maplecroft analysed the threat posed by storms, floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, fires, volcanoes and landslides in more than 1,300 cities.

It said of the 100 cities with the greatest exposure to natural hazards, 21 were located in the Philippines, 16 in China, 11 in Japan and eight in Bangladesh.

Of the 13 countries deemed least able to cope with natural disasters, 11 were in sub-Saharan Africa, with Somalia coming bottom for the fourth consecutive year, the study showed.

Besides the risk of volcanic eruptions, quakes and floods, the Philippines is hit by more than 20 typhoons every year.

The biggest typhoon in recent years was Haiyan which struck the Philippines in 2013, leaving more than 7,000 people dead or missing. More than 1 million houses were totally or partly damaged in the aftermath.

“Natural hazard risk is compounded in the Philippines by poor institutional and societal capacity to manage, respond and recover from natural hazard events,” the report said. However, it added that disaster risk reduction strategies in the Philippines were improving after the “widely criticised” response to Haiyan.

Better communication and the evacuation of 1.7 million people meant that Typhoon Hagupit, a category 3 storm, killed only 27 people in December 2014.

The report rated the Philippines’ capital Manila with a population of almost 12 million as the fourth most exposed city in the world. Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu in the South Pacific, was considered most vulnerable to natural hazards, followed by Taguegarao and Lucena in the Philippines.

Port Vila, in Vanuatu and Taipei City, in Taiwan, were the only cities outside the Philippines to feature in the top 10.

Dale Asis of Bayanihan Foundation (center) joins Murat Kose of the Zakat Foundation (second from right) in distributing relief goods in Tacloban City, Leyte right after the devastating Typhoon Haiyan (Nov 2013)

Dale Asis of Bayanihan Foundation (center) joins Murat Kose of the Zakat Foundation (second from right) in distributing relief goods in Tacloban City, Leyte right after the devastating Typhoon Haiyan (Nov 2013)

So how can civic involvement, volunteerism and diaspora philanthropy help the Philippines in disaster preparedness? Or should donors from abroad wait to react and donate afterwards when the crisis hit? What do you think?

Posted in Diaspora Giving, Disaster Relief, Philippines | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Filipino Christians giving packages to needy Filipino Muslims Moving Closer to Peace

Posted on January 30, 2017 by Dale Asis

On January 27, 2017, US President Trump issued a temporary travel ban to seven predominantly Muslim nations in the name of national security. I can’t help reflect on the giving that the Bayanihan Foundation has made possible with Filipino Christians helping Filipino Muslims and moving the community closer to peace.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Why Do People Give? Three Reasons Why

Posted on January 30, 2017 by Dale Asis

I researched about the reasons why people give. I found out three major reasons:

Bayanihan Foundation partners with the Zakat Foundation and the Rotary Club Iligan East to distribute food packages to need Filipino Muslim families in Iligan, Philippines

Bayanihan Foundation partners with the Zakat Foundation and the Rotary Club Iligan East to distribute food packages to need Filipino Muslim families in Iligan, Philippines

  1. They Want to Help Others – Altruism
  • Intent to help others without benefit of one’s self
  • Willingness to sacrifice one’s welfare without reward
  • Feelings of compassion and duty
(far right) Dale Asis serving food to the homeless on Thanksgiving Day (Nov 24, 2011)

(far right) Dale Asis serving food to the homeless on Thanksgiving Day (Nov 24, 2011)

  1. They Want To Feel Good/ “Warm Glow” Theory
  • Personal satisfaction that act of giving brings
  • “Warm glow” from making the contribution
  • Personal feelings of obligation and identity
Diversity and Philanthropy Book Cover (courtesy of Amazon.com)

Diversity and Philanthropy Book Cover (courtesy of Amazon.com)

  1. They Want A Return on Investment
  • Businesses and corporations see it as a form of investment
  • They need some measurable return from their philanthropic activity

But I think diaspora giving decisions are motivated with their hearts instead of their heads. This is one of its strengths-and a potential challenge.  This “feel good” attachment is combined with a larger sense of obligation, either motivated by social duty or community obligation.

Personally, I give because I wanted to help. It gives me the “warm glow” and good feeling that I’ve helped someone. I know that some people have doubted my motivations at times. They say that I have an ulterior motive; that I wanted to run for office;  or I wanted to aggrandize my name. But for the last five years, what really motivates me to give is simple – I wanted to make a difference in someone’s life.

Why do you give? Why do you help someone? Share your thoughts. I wanted to hear.

Selected References

Lainer-Vos, D. (2012). Manufacturing national attachments: Gift-giving, market exchange and the construction of Irish and Zionist diaspora bonds. Theory and Society; Renewal and Critique in Social Theory, 41(1), 73-106. doi:10.1007/s11186-011-9157-1

Little, H. (2010). The role of private assistance in international development. New York University Journal of International Law and Politics, 42(4), 1091-1109.

Posted in Diaspora Donors, Diaspora Giving, philanthropy, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Finding Rays of Hope in An Era of Cynicism and Fear

Posted on January 22, 2017 by Dale Asis

The recent changing of the guard in both US and Philippine politics threw a dark cloud of doubt over my head. It made me question if my diaspora giving could continue to make a difference in this world of increasing cynicism, fear and xenophobia. Are donations from the diaspora now be considered suspect and have a hidden agenda other than altruistic motives?  Aren’t those immigrants all “terrorists”, “rapists” and “criminals” anyway? (Trump Doubles Down Calling Mexicans Rapists, CNN News, June 2015).

"Women's Rights are Human Rights" poster on Women's March in Chicago January 21, 2017

“Women’s Rights are Human Rights” poster on Women’s March in Chicago January 21, 2017

On January 21, 2017, I joined hundreds of thousands of people in Chicago’s Women’s March for women’s rights. At that march, I was surprised to be greeted by rays of hope that encouraged me to continue my diaspora giving. That ray of hope came through a song. I was standing next to a woman in the march and she asked me to help her sing the song “This Land is Your Land.” I said yes. We started singing and all of the sudden, hundreds of people around me were singing the refrain: “…this land was made for you and me.” It was magical. I didn’t even know all the words to the song “This Land is Your Land” but hundreds of marchers helped me sing the song. This land was made for you and me – indeed.

Poster during Chicago's Women March "The United States of immigrants, citizens, veterans, Muslims, Christians, Atheists, Jews, Asians, natives, whites, blacks, Latinos, Boomers, GenX, Millenials, Diasbled, poor, middle class, LGBTQ" January 21, 2017

Poster during Chicago’s Women March “The United States of immigrants, citizens, veterans, Muslims, Christians, Atheists, Jews, Asians, natives, whites, blacks, Latinos, Boomers, Gen X, millennials, disabled, poor, middle class, LGBTQ” January 21, 2017

The march did not expect the hundreds of thousands of people who clogged Chicago’s downtown streets. Then a woman passed by carrying the sign: “The United States of immigrants, citizens, veterans, Muslims, Christians, Atheists, Jews, Asians, natives, whites, blacks, Latinos, Boomers, Gen X, millennials, disabled, poor, middle class, LGBTQ.” In my many years organizing for the Coalition of African, Arab, Asian, European and Latino Immigrants of Illinois (CAAAELII), I have never seen such a hand-made sign being carried by a white, middle class woman. The world is changing for the better. I suddenly have hope.

As we marched further down through downtown Chicago, people started chanting: “Immigrants are welcome here, no hate, no fear”.  I started to cry. I reflected back on my years working for immigrant rights. I have never thought I’d see the day when a sea of strangers – white, black, Latinx, young, old, LGBTQ, Muslim, Jews, Christians, atheists, would all be chanting spontaneously, “Immigrants are welcome here.” I am welcomed here. For a moment, the hateful rhetoric of current politics seem to fade away. For a moment, I belong. I was hopeful. In the end, I left the march feeling more resolved to continue my giving, locally and globally, and to continue to make a difference – one act of giving at a time.

Posted in Chicago, Diaspora Giving, philanthropy, Philippines, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

What Is the Cost of Brain Waste for Highly Skilled Immigrants in the U.S.?

Posted on January 13, 2017 by Dale Asis

On January 14, 2017, immigrant groups across the US will protest potential policy changes under Donald Trump’s presidency during a “Day of Action” that will feature rallies and marches in 20 states including Illinois (Washington Post, January 5, 2017). These protests are meant to stop Trump from fulfilling campaign promises to pursue mass deportations and other initiatives.

Despite all the rancor and debate, many college-educated immigrants in the US are either stuck in low-skilled work or cannot find jobs. You’ve heard stories of Indian medical doctors driving taxi cabs or Filipina nurses working as caregivers earning minimum wage. They are true. These underutilized immigrant workers impose significant costs on immigrant families, government, and the broader U.S. economy. How much? Providing the first-ever estimates of this skill under-utilization, also known as brain waste, the Migration Policy Institute (MPI) researchers find the tab runs to the billions of dollars in forgone earnings and resulting unrealized tax payments for federal, state, and local governments.  Shedding light on these underutilized immigrant workers will hopefully also change the stereotype that immigrant workers are drug dealers, criminals and rapists (BBC News, August 2016).

Source: What Is the Cost of Brain Waste for Highly Skilled Immigrants in the U.S.?

Posted in Immigration, justice, Labor, Poverty, Uncategorized, undocumented immigrants | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Bayanihan Foundation 2010 to 2016 – IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS

Posted on January 11, 2017 by Dale Asis

https://infograph.venngage.com/js/embed/v1/embed.js

https://infograph.venngage.com/p/203917/bayanihan-foundation-2010-to-2016-impact-by-the-numbers

Bayanihan Foundation 2010 to 2016 – IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS

1- YOU are important! Thank you for your donation!

97 percent of your donation goes to programs.

Ground breaking ceremonies at JP Rizal Memorial Hospital (left to right): Dr. Borlongan, Carminda Aldeza, Dr. Ronaldo Catindig, Jeff & Penelope Krogmann, Christine Krogmann, Evelyn Castillo, Gov. Hernandez, Mrs. Hernandez, Brian Aldeza, Atty. Rebanal, Angelita Alviar & Rosemarie Aranza

Ground breaking ceremonies at JP Rizal Memorial Hospital (left to right): Dr. Borlongan, Carminda Aldeza, Dr. Ronaldo Catindig, Jeff & Penelope Krogmann, Christine Krogmann, Evelyn Castillo, Gov. Hernandez, Mrs. Hernandez, Brian Aldeza, Atty. Rebanal, Angelita Alviar & Rosemarie Aranza

 

 

 

2 – Two hospital lobby canopies were built for a public hospital in Calamba, Laguna

Jane Baron (standing left) poses with other NEXTGEN Fellows Marc Butiong and Jeselle Santiago visiting Tinago Falls, iligan July 2015

Jane Baron (standing left) poses with other NEXTGEN Fellows Marc Butiong and Jeselle Santiago visiting Tinago Falls, Iligan July 2015

 

 

 

 

 

3 – Three NEXTGEN Fellows traveled to the Philippines, encouraging their own giving – locally and globally

Members of the United Philippine Amerasians (UPA) celebrate 4th of July 2014

Members of the United Philippine Amerasians (UPA) celebrate 4th of July 2014

 

 

 

 

 

4 – Organizing and advocacy campaigns including environmental clean-up of former US military bases in the Philippines and Filipino Amerasians, America’s Forgotten Children

Bayanihan Foundation visits Dr. Palabrica in the municipal hall (left to right): Dale Asis, Evelyn Castillo, Will Dix and Dr. Rufino Palabrica

Bayanihan Foundation visits Dr. Palabrica in the municipal hall (left to right): Dale Asis, Evelyn Castillo, Will Dix and Dr. Rufino Palabrica

 

 

 

5 – 20 homes built for indigent families in Dingle, Iloilo, with the generous support of PFK Family Foundation and the municipal government of Dingle

High school students watched attentively during the brief ceremony donating the used computers to the high school in Giporlos Samar

High school students watched attentively during the brief ceremony donating the used computers to the high school in Giporlos Samar

 

 

 

 

 

6 – 2,000 school children impacted by donation of three computer labs and 3,000 books donated to build libraries in four different islands

School children of Iligan Central Elementary School made posters and signs showing their gratitude for the new latrines

School children of Iligan Central Elementary School made posters and signs showing their gratitude for the new latrines

 

 

 

 

7 – 6,000 families and children provided clean water and latrines in Iligan

Filipino Muslim children enjoying feast during Eid al-Adha in Iligan, Mindanao, Pihlippines (2010 )

Filipino Muslim children enjoying feast during Eid al-Adha in Iligan, Mindanao, Philippines (2010 )

 

 

 

 

8 – 10,000 indigent Filipino Muslim families provided meals during Eid Al Fitr celebrations, with the support of Zakat Foundation of America

Street children receiving food relief in Tacloban City, Leyte

Street children receiving food relief in Tacloban City, Leyte

 

 

 

 

 

9 – 12,000 families received emergency food relief packages worth $15,000 distributed during super typhoon Haiyan in Samar and Leyte

Youth participants planting mangrove trees in Northern Cebu, Philippines

Youth participants planting mangrove trees in Northern Cebu, Philippines

 

 

 

 

10 – 30,000 mangrove seedlings planted and hundreds of youth trained in environmental leadership to fight climate change in Liloan, Cebu

 

 

 

Please consider donating to continue this work. Your donation will be put to good use and impact many lives. Thank you! Source: Top Ten Accomplishments, Bayanihan Foundation annual reports http://www.fdnbayanihan.org

Posted in Diaspora Donors, Diaspora Giving, philanthropy, Philippine poverty | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Your Donation Reaps Big Rewards: Top TEN ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Posted on January 4, 2017 by Dale Asis

Bayanihan Foundation Top TEN ACCOMPLISHMENTS – 2010 to 2016

For 2017, I would like to reflect on the accomplishments of the Bayanihan Foundation for the last five years. Your donation reaps big rewards. 97% of your donations goes directly to programs.  Donors and supporters like you made these accomplishments possible. Consider making a gift to the foundation and contribute to the next list of successes to come:

  1. Provided Immediate Recovery Relief to 12,000 flood victims of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda)
Dale Asis, Bayanihan Foundation Worldwide handing out emergency food supplies in Giporlos, Samar November 2014

Dale Asis, Bayanihan Foundation Worldwide handing out emergency food supplies in Giporlos, Samar November 2014

On November 2013, Typhoon Haiyan made landfall in Guian, Samar becoming the strongest typhoon ever recorded, with sustained winds recorded up to 315 km/hour. By August 2014, I had visited Leyte and Samar three times and handed out 12,000 emergency food relief packages worth over $15,000 to far-flung barangays (villages) including providing food relief packages to street children scavenging on a garbage dump in Tacloban, Leyte.

  1. Planted over 30,000 mangrove seedlings and supported environmental youth leadership education to over 1,000 youth in Liloan, Cebu
(standing second from right): James Castillo, foundation board member, leads youth participants in planting mangrove trees in Cebu, Philippines

(standing second from right): James Castillo, foundation board member, leads youth participants in planting mangrove trees in Cebu, Philippines

Since 2011, board member James Castillo and other donors like you have supported youth environmental education for hundreds of youth in Cebu, planting over 30,000 mangrove seedlings to promote long-term sustainability and positive climate change. For the last five years, the Bayanihan Foundation has been supporting environmental youth leadership education to over 1,000 youth in Liloan, Cebu, in partnership with Visayas Mindanao People’s Resource Development Center (VMPRDC).

  1. Established three computer labs and Impact on education and children
(standing left to right) Dale Asis and Evelyn Castillo handing over six laptop computers to the Giporlos Central Elementary School

(standing left to right) Dale Asis and Evelyn Castillo handing over six laptop computers to the Giporlos Central Elementary School

In 2009, the Bayanihan Foundation donated used laptop computers to a local school in Binangonan, Rizal. In August 2014, the Foundation donated ten used laptop computers and ten used desktop computers to Giporlos, Samar, donations courtesy of Will Dix, Linda Jamrozy and other donors like you. In 2017, the Bayanihan Foundation plans to donate laptop computers in Iligan and build the first Internet ready classroom in a local public school there. Computer donations come from Vivian and Max Balagtas; Cristy Ward and family; Chica de Jesus; Vicente Saavedra and other donors. The donation of computers has impacted over 2,000 schoolchildren in three schools in the Philippines.

  1. Donated 3,000 book titles to create four libraries
(standing far left) Iligan Central Elementary School librarian Idamarie Navarro symbolically receives the donated books from Evelyn Castillo (second to the right) and Dale Asis (standing far right)

(standing far left) Iligan Central Elementary School librarian Idamarie Navarro symbolically receives the donated books from Evelyn Castillo (second to the right) and Dale Asis (standing far right)

Since 2011, the Bayanihan Foundation has donated over 3,000 book titles to create four libraries in four different islands throughout the Philippines. The first book drive was spearheaded by the Iligan Association of the Midwest; Helen Tulen; Abragan family; and many others. They donated 1,000 books to build a library at the Iligan Central High School. In 2017, the Bayanihan Foundation plans to donate an additional 500 books to replenish the library and build a fifth library in Tinago Falls, Iligan. The four libraries established has benefited over 2,000 students.

  1. Supported health and long-term sustainability by building latrines and water wells
Inaugurating new water well - Iligan City, Mindanao, Philippines

Inaugurating new water well – Iligan City, Mindanao, Philippines

In August 2014, the Foundation built two latrines for 4,000 school children in Iligan, Philippines in partnership with Rotary Chicago Far North.  Since 2009, the Bayanihan Foundation has provided clean water to over 2,000 residents in six villages around Iligan City, in partnership with the Rotary Chicago Far North and other local Rotary clubs in Iligan. This effort was made possible with the generous support and supervision of Dr. Vicente and Mrs. Luz Saavedra. The foundation spearheaded building six wells in critical areas around Iligan helping both Christian and Muslim families in the area.

  1. Raised funds to support a public hospital
(left to right): Dr. Dorothy Anoina, Eva Torres, Aurora Gagni, Carminda Aldeza and Dale Asis

(left to right): Dr. Dorothy Anoina, Eva Torres, Aurora Gagni, Carminda Aldeza and Dale Asis

In October 2014, ‘The Adorables’ (Carminda Aldeza, Dr. Dorothy Anoina, Aurora Gagni and Eva Torres) held a fundraising party to build two hospital lobby canopies in Calamba in memory of the late Peter Aldeza, a native of Calamba living in the US. It’s a testament of Filipinos working together.

  1. Fed 10,000 indigent Filipino Muslims in Iligan area during Eid Al Fitr celebrations
Filipino Christians distribute food packages to needy Filipino Muslims courtesy of the Zakat Foundation (2012 photo)

Filipino Christians distribute food packages to needy Filipino Muslims courtesy of the Zakat Foundation (2012 photo)

Since 2009, the Bayanihan Foundation has fed over 10,000 indigent Filipino Muslims in Iligan during the Eid Al Fitr Muslim holy day of celebration. This feeding program is generously sponsored by the Zakat Foundation of America and the volunteer support of hundreds of local Christian Rotarians helping out. This effort is also spearheaded by Dr. Vicente and Mrs. Luz Saavedra and Imam Atty. Saidali Gandamra of Iligan City.

  1. Supported the construction of 20 homes for indigent families in Dingle, Iloilo
Planned homes in Dingle, Iloilo sponsored by the PFK Family Foundation

Planned homes in Dingle, Iloilo sponsored by the PFK Family Foundation

In 2015, the Bayanihan Foundation supported the construction of 20 homes for indigent families in Dingle, Iloilo, with the generous support of the PFK Family Foundation, the municipality of Dingle and Dingle Mayor Dr. Rufino Palabrica. This generous donation helped provided homes to 20 indigent families in the area.

  1. Supported the creation of United Philippine Amerasians (UPA) and organizing Filipino Amerasians in Clark and Subic
Filipino Amerasians and supporters marching in downtown Angeles, Pampanga on 4th of July celebration - Fil Am Day 2011

Filipino Amerasians and supporters marching in downtown Angeles, Pampanga on 4th of July celebration – Fil Am Day 2011

In 2014, the Bayanihan Foundation was proud to support the creation of the United Philippine Amerasians (UPA), a group organized by Filipino Amerasians for Filipino Amerasians, in partnership with WedPro, a local community organization in the Philippines. The UPA was able to organize their fellow Amerasians; highlight this forgotten issue in the local press; start advocating for their rights; and combat racism.

  1. Restart the advocacy for environmental clean-up of the former US bases in Clark and Subic
(standing far right) Myrla Baldonado with Alliance for Base Clean Up members of Saup in Clark, Pampanga

(standing far right) Myrla Baldonado with Alliance for Base Clean Up members of Saup in Clark, Pampanga

In 2012, Dale Asis traveled to Clark and Subic and successfully filmed unexploded ordnances in Clark and Subic, Philippines. The Bayanihan Foundation also conducted a literature review and helped jumpstart a coalition of seven local community organizations in the US supporting this issue, with the leadership of long-time organizer and activist Myrla Baldonado.

I have two additional accomplishments that needs to be added to this list!

  1. Sent three young Filipino Americans as NEXTGEN Fellows to learn about their Filipino heritage and promote philanthropy locally and globally
(left to right): Jeselle Santiago, Jane Baron, James Castillo and Marc Butiong

(left to right): Jeselle Santiago, Jane Baron, James Castillo and Marc Butiong

In 2015, the Bayanihan Foundation successfully sent three young Filipino Americans to visit the Philippines, reconnect with their heritage and encourage their own philanthropic efforts. In 2017, two of the NEXTGEN Fellows were inspired to create the Community Power Giving Circle, a giving program encouraging other young Filipino Americans to give to other youth. In 2017, the Bayanihan Foundation plans to send its second cohort of young Filipino Americans to the Philippines. Board members Maria Ferrera and James Castillo were instrumental in shepherding the NEXTGEN Project to fruition.

  1. Affected thousands of lives with 97% of donations going directly to programs

Since 2010, the Bayanihan Foundation has raised over $250,000 through individual donors. It has operated with little overhead costs; 97% of all donations go directly to long-term sustainable programs. The Bayanihan Foundation would like to thank the foundation’s board members for their leadership and financial support: James Castillo, Maria Ferrera, Ted Kirpach and Vincent Saavedra. Their generous contribution and hundreds of donors throughout the last five years made these accomplishments possible. Special thanks to Evelyn Castillo, the Foundation’s Philippine Liaison, the organization’s only paid part-time staff, for her tireless commitment and passion to help. Special thanks also goes to Will Dix, Barbara Dix and Shirley Pintado for their support and continued generosity. A big thanks also goes to the foundation’s many partners (in alphabetical order):

  • Alliance for Bases Clean Up (ABC) and Myrla Baldonado
  • Alliance of Filipinos for Immigrant Rights Empowerment (AFIRE)
  • Carminda Aldeza and “The Adorables”
  • Evelyn Castillo’s nieces and nephews in Giporlos, Samar
  • Committee on Pilipino Issues (CPI)
  • Atty. Saidali Gandamra
  • Iligan Association of the Midwest
  • Municipal government of Dingle, Iloilo and Mayor Rufino Palabrica
  • Municipal government of Giporlos, Samar
  • PFK Family Foundation
  • Rotary Club of Chicago Far North
  • Rotary Clubs of Iligan
  • Dr. Vicente and Mrs. Luz Saavedra
  • Visayas Mindanao People’s Resource Development Center (VMPRDC)
  • WedPRO
  • Zakat Foundation of America
  • and the hundreds of donors of the Bayanihan Foundation, thank you!
Posted in Diaspora Giving, philanthropy, Philippines, Youth leadership development | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Apply for NEXTGEN 2017 Travel Fellowship Program

Posted on November 1, 2016 by Dale Asis

Travel, Live and Learn in the Philippines: NEXTGEN 2017 (Next Generation) Travel Fellowship Program

(left to right): Jeselle Santiago, Jane Baron, James Castillo and Marc Butiong

(left to right): NEXTGEN 2015 Fellows Jeselle Santiago, Jane Baron, James Castillo and Marc Butiong

2017 NEXTGEN Travel Fellowship Info

You are invited to apply for the 2017 NEXTGEN: ‘Pagbabalik’ (Coming Home) Travel Scholarship and travel with the Bayanihan Foundation to the Philippines this summer 2017.   In 2017, the Bayanihan Foundation will sponsor partial and full travel and accommodations for up to seven young adults ages 18 years old and above to visit the Philippines for 14 days. The immersion trip is coordinated to promote diaspora philanthropy; know more about Filipino culture; learn about the foundation’s sustainable projects; connect and develop the participant’s potential sustainable projects; and connect with relatives and the participant’s heritage. The NEXTGEN Travel Program is tentatively scheduled for June 20, 2017 to July 4, 2017 and travel to four different islands in the Philippines.  You can download tentative  NEXTGEN 2017 Travel Schedule and itinerary.  You will have the opportunity to visit with the projects of the foundation in three different islands.

The Bayanihan Foundation will provide partial and full travel scholarship opportunities valued up to $4,500 each (includes international airfare to Manila from Chicago, domestic transportation in the Philippines, meals, lodging, and sightseeing).  Travel scholarships will be awarded based on merit and financial need.  However, all participants are expected to pay for the following: 1) passport and/or visa costs; 2) incidentals; 3) souvenirs; 4) travel vaccinations (please consult your doctor); and 4) travel insurance costs around $300. Students are also encouraged to fundraise individually or with their friends and family to raise $300 to $1,000 for their own personal service projects in the Philippines.

Philippine carabao (indigenous water buffalo)

Philippine carabao (indigenous water buffalo)

Participants are encouraged to visit family and friends before or after the scheduled itinerary. Participants are also encouraged but not required to fundraise $300 to $1,000 individually or with family and friends.  These funds will be used for self-directed service projects in the Philippines and promote diaspora philanthropy.

Besides the chance to receive partial or full travel scholarships, the NEXTGEN Travel Scholarship also has some NEXTGEN Requirements and Expectations. Please also read carefully the NEXTGEN Certification Form.

NEXTGEN APPLICATION.  So how do you apply for the NEXTGEN Travel Scholarship?  You can easily apply by completing these four easy steps:

1) Complete the NEXTGEN Travel Scholarship Application ONLINE.   Applications will only be accepted online.

2) Send one completed recommendation letter (email dale@fdnbayanihan.org or mail: 2020 N. California Ave. Suite 7 Box 147 Chicago, IL 60647).   Download here NEXTGEN Notarized Release Form.

You can also download the NEXTGEN 2017 brochure at this link: NEXTGEN BROCHURE

2017 NEXTGEN Outreach in California – November 2016

On November 2016, the Bayanihan Foundation will host two events in California promoting young Filipino Americans to sign up for the 2017 NEXTGEN Travel Program:

  1. On November 12, 2016, the Bayanihan Foundation will host a private event in San Francisco, CA.
  2. On November 19, 2016 the Bayanihan Foundation will host a public event in Los Angeles, CA (details below):

NEXTGEN Lechon Solidarity Lunch on November 19, 2016, Noon – 4pm at the Echo Park Branch Library, 1410 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Passing on the Torch of Tradition to the Next Generation

Program:

12 noon – 1:00 PM        Lunch and book reading

1:00 – 2:00 PM        NEXTGEN Travel Scholarship

2:00 – 3:00 PM        Open Forum: “What is your vision for Historic Filipinotown?”

3:00 – 4:00 PM        Snacks and book reading

The Friends of Echo Park Branch Library will also present the Philippine Heritage Collection, the only collection of its kind in any library system in the US. Please join us! For more information about these events, please contact James Castillo: flowermanproductions@gmail.com

Posted in Diaspora Donors, Diaspora Giving, philanthropy, Volunteerism, Youth leadership development | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

History Matters: Philippine American War and President Duterte’s Mistrust of US

Posted on October 22, 2016 by Dale Asis
Diana "Dee" Delfin

Diana “Dee” Delfin

Diana “Dee” Delfin writes the following blog post. Dee has been one of the early and consistent supporters of the Bayanihan Foundation. Dee was also the first donor of the NEXTGEN Fellowship program, sponsoring young Filipino Americans to explore their Filipino heritage, a travel scholarship to visit the Philippines, connect with their heritage, and an opportunity to contribute locally and globally.

In a recent post, Dale Asis raised the question: “Why does history matter? Who cares about the Philippine-American War? So what? Why dig up the past anyway?”

These questions made me think about this recent article, “The Past as More than Prologue: A Call for Historical Research” (http://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1072347) which proposes ways how to use historical thinking with a critical approach to current issues. Yes, taking on “knowing the past” could be challenging. But I think we can’t fully appreciate how far we’ve come today without knowing the past. We always need to make connections between the past to the present.

Andres Bonfiacio, one of the Philippines' revolutionary leaders when the country sought independence from Spanish colonial rule in the late 19th century

Andres Bonifacio was one of the Philippines’ revolutionary leaders when the country sought independence from Spanish colonial rule in the late 19th century.

I have taken for granted what my Filipino ancestors endured in the hopes of a greater, more advanced society. Even as I engaged in various forms of social justice and activism over the years in California, Illinois, and DC, I have allowed media and textbooks shape what my history is or isn’t. There is no brief mention of the Philippine-American War in my kindergarten to 12th grade (K-12) public school textbooks. This puts the burden on each new generation of youth to uncover their hidden histories.

General Jacob H. Smith's infamous order "Kill Everyone Over Ten" was the caption in the New York Journal cartoon on May 5, 1902. The caption at the bottom proclaimed, "Criminals Because They Were Born Ten Years Before We Took the Philippines" (photo courtesy: Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=370770)

General Jacob H. Smith’s infamous order “Kill Everyone Over Ten” was the caption in the New York Journal cartoon on May 5, 1902. The caption at the bottom proclaimed, “Criminals Because They Were Born Ten Years Before We Took the Philippines” (photo courtesy: Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=370770)

How could 100-year-old events possibly be relevant to our lives today?  Historical approaches allow us to uncover real events that happened with real people in the past and to build them with new meaning. We could draw from the past by citing specific events such as the massacre in Balangiga, Samar. In 1901, the town of Balangiga was the site of the bloodiest confrontation of the Philippine–American War. Over 48 members of the US 9th Infantry were killed by the townspeople of Balangiga, Samar Island. Filipinos regarded the attack as one of their bravest acts in the war. However, the US retaliation against the townspeople was fierce. US Commanding Officer Gen. Jacob H. Smith said: “I want no prisoners. I wish you to kill and burn; the more you kill and burn, the better it will please me… The interior of Samar must be made a howling wilderness.”[21][22]  He ordered the mass murders of all men over the age of 10 on the island. The spread of disease among local communities in Samar was so severe that it led to more deaths as food, trade, and supplies to the island were cut off.  The US retaliation was intended to starve the revolutionaries into submission.

https://www.npr.org/player/embed/497487363/497487364

Why does Philippine President Duterte mistrust the US? My hunch is that it stems from the profoundly intentional, hurtful, and irreversible acts of violence that the US inflicted on the Philippines over 100 years ago. In this perspective, the Philippine-American War and the rebellion in Balangiga are cast in a fresh light; the past provides new meaning to the present.  We may disagree with many or all of Duterte’s policies. Still, the historical significance of the Philippine-American War has remained present in the social conscience of the Filipino people, though maybe not explicitly but in subtle, nuanced ways. Historical approaches allow us to connect unresolved tensions (often disruptive and violent acts) from the past and bring a new perspective to current events. We always need to make these connections between the past and the present.

(standing far right): Eugene Asidao of Committee on Pilipino Issues gave a comprehensive review of Philippine history at DePaul University

(standing far right): Eugene Asidao of the Committee on Pilipino Issues (CPI) gave a comprehensive review of Philippine history at DePaul University

Please join the Committee on Pilipino Issues (CPI) and the Bayanihan Foundation in the last two workshops discussing Philippine history and its relevance to current events. The workshops will be held on November 3 and November 17, 2016 – from 6 PM till 9 PM at DePaul University Arts & Letters Building, 2315 N. Kenmore Ave. Room 101 Chicago.

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