In her acceptance speech, Kern emphasized the need to refocus NaFFAA’s attention to issues affecting Filipinos here in America, and to highlight programs aimed at getting them actively engaged in the U.S. political process, such as voter education and civil rights advocacy. “I am keenly aware of perceptions that we have paid more attention to Philippine issues like dual citizenship and less attention to our civic participation here in the U.S.” she said. “We are primarily a Filipino American organization and that should drive our policies, programs and projects.”

Kern also stressed the need to get more young people involved in NaFFAA’s leadership. “They need to be at the table with the adults so we can work together in addressing our community’s issues and concerns,” she said. “It’s vital that we put in place right away a succession plan by  investing in a sustained leadership program.” She has committed herself to the establishment of a leadership institute and tap corporate donors to fund it.

The 20-member national board elected both officers during a plenary session that was described by Commission on Elections Chairman Ron Quidachay as “a lively demonstration of democracy in action. “

Their election was immediately affirmed by voting delegates to the 7th NaFFAA Empowerment Conference which was attended by more than 500 delegates and guests. National Vice Chair Greg Macabenta, who challenged Kern to the chairmanship, pledged his support to make NaFFAA succeed in uniting and politically empowering Filipino Americans across the U.S.

Delegates also approved a set of amendment’s to the NaFFAA by-laws designed to strengthen and build capacity for an organization that has struggled for financial viability over the years. Membership will now be extended to individuals, and annual membership dues ranging from $35 to $100 will now be assessed. “If we are truly committed to building a strong national organization that will be our voice in Washington’s policy circles, we must take personal responsibility in keeping NaFFAA afloat and alive,” Lewis declared. “It’s up to us to make this work.”

Former Hawaii Governor Ben Cayetano set the tone for the conference with a stirring speech on opening day calling on Filipino Americans to “stand shoulder to shoulder with Hispanic Americans” in fighting for immigration reform.  “Filipino Americans must do all they can to ensure that elected officials do what is just and fair in dealing with this complicated issue,” he said. He also noted that the political success of Filipino Americans in Hawaii are instructive experiences for the FilAm community as a whole. “As you ponder the great questions before you, look at Hawaii for sources of lessons in political empowerment,” he added.

The three-day conference achieved a number of historic accomplishments, driven in large part by an overwhelming desire among the delegates to play a role in reshaping the American political landscape. For the first time, Democrats and Republicans formed a national committee to undertake a national voter education, registration and get-out-the-vote campaign. “This is a basic vehicle for political empowerment,” said Gloria T. Caoile of Springfield, Va. who co-chairs the steering committee with Perry Diaz of Sacramento, Calif. “It’s about time we get organized as a national  non-partisan political force and flex our political muscle.” Added Diaz: “We have to position ourselves in the upcoming elections and educate our community on such issues as immigration reform and veterans equity.”

Coinciding with the NaFFAA empowerment conference is the 4th Global Networking Convention which drew the participation of over 50 delegates from Australia, Canada, Kuwait, Norway, Japan and the Philippines. Delegates accepted an invitation from Filipinos in Australia to host next year’s global gathering in Sydney.

Philippine issues dominated many of the break-out sessions, including workshops on dual citizenship, overseas voting, charter change, retirement and diaspora philanthrophy. Former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos regaled the delegates with his homespun humour and challenged them to “give back” to their country of birth.

“The election of a new NaFFAA leadership gives me hope that we can build a national organization that we can all be proud of,” said Junelle Cavero, a Filipino young professional from Washington, D.C. who attended the founding conference in 1997.  “We have our growing pains but the energy at this conference, especially the outreach to the youth, assures me that we will overcome these problems and move forward.”

HONOLULU  – Willy Gaa, the newly appointed Philippine ambassador to the United States, has urged Filipino-American leaders gathered at a convention in Waikiki to be more active in fostering relations between the two countries, Gordon Pang of the Honolulu Advertiser who covered the recent NaFFAA conference said.

“I call on Filipino-American organizations, associations and chambers to speak out for our mother country here in North America,” Gaa told about 500 members of the 7^th<D> annual Empowerment Conference of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations at the Hilton Hawaiian Village’s Coral Ballroom.  “You have an enormous capacity to play the role of change agents accelerating the expansion of  commerce, investment and tourism from America to the Philippines,” said Gaa, who referred to the delegates as kababayan, (countrymen).

“A stalwart Filipino-American lobby should be heard on critical issues Filipino veterans equity and beyond,” Gaa said. “If you believe in the centrality of a strong alliance between your adopted country and your native motherland, please say so to government officials on both sides of the Pacific.” A longtime diplomat, Gaa was appointed U.S. ambassador by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo at the end of July.  Gaa drew the most applause when he reinforced the Philippine government’s support for the plight of Filipino veterans of World War II. The Filipino Veterans Equity Bill would restore benefits to veterans, which were rescinded by Congress after the war. A separate piece of legislation would expedite the granting of immigrant visas to sons and daughters of the veterans.  “We must not relent in our determination to see this struggle through to an end,” he said.

The ambassador pointed out that 2006 marks not only the centennial of the first Filipinos to arrive in the U.S. but also the 60^th  anniversary of relations between the U.S. and Philippine governments.

The U.S. and the Philippines share a strong bond that is “nurtured by a shared history and adherence to common values, especially commitment to freedom, democracy and vigorous economic ties,” Gaa said.

Proof of the continuing close ties between the two countries can be seen in the political, economic and socio-cultural realms, he said.  The convention wraps up tomorrow. On Thursday, delegates heard from former Philippine President Fidel Ramos.