Pinoy Centennial launched

WASHINGTON D.C. - The Smithsonian Institution, the largest museum complex in the world, unveiled a series of programs and projects it is launching to formally recognize 2006 as the centennial of Filipino migration to the United States and to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Filipino Americans.
At a reception on Jan. 13 attended by leaders of the Filipino American community in the Washington DC metropolitan area, officials said exhibitions, performances, panel forums and film showings throughout the year will provide a historical overview of Filipino Americans in the United States — their struggles, contributions, challenges and achievements.
Hawaii kicked off the festivities last month and the Washington DC area will begin its celebrations on Feb. 10 with the opening program “100 years of the Filipino American story” at the National Museum of American History. Similar events will be held in cities with major Filipino American populations including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Chicago and New York. Nearly $200,000 in donations have been raised from Filipino American groups and individuals to underwrite the centennial celebrations.
But Francey Youngberg who is coordinating the fund-raising effort said it was important to raise as much money as possible to finance a host of projects including a commemorative magazine to highlight Filipino American photographs, essays, art, poetry and design.
In lieu of cash community members can donate old photographs and other artifacts that will help tell the stories of Filipinos in America subject to Smithsonian review and acceptance.
The US Senate and House of Representatives passed a concurrent resolution in December acknowledging the prominent role Filipinos have played in all facets of life in their adopted land. A concurrent resolution is a legislative measure generally employed to address the sentiments of both chambers. It carries no legal weight but is adopted for moral support.
In his remarks at the Jan. 13 reception Philippine Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Evan Garcia expressed his government’s appreciation at the US Congress resolution and hailed the centennial “a milestone in Philippine-U.S. people-to-people relations.”
Filipino Americans, all 2.5 million of them, make up the second largest Asian group in the United States after the Chinese.
Garcia said the programs planned by the Smithsonian “will deepen the understanding of the Filipino Americans’ impact on American society and bring Filipino American perspectives into the discourse on American history and national culture.”
Filipino American Centennial Committee members who have been finalizing details of the celebrations and projects include  Bing Branigin of the Manila Mail, Irene Bueno, Gloria Caoile, Mary Anne Fadul, Gina Inocencio, Joy Quintana of the Philippine embassy and centennial coordinator Maurese Oteyza Owens.
How can you make the centennial celebration a success?
Become a sponsor by giving generously to the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Program. Contributions from individuals, corporations, foundations, trusts and nonprofit organizations are tax deductible.