For his part, Ambassador Gaa said that “NaFFAA is close to my heart because I was there during NaFFAA’s formative years when I was a Consul in Los Angeles and Mr. Alex Esclamado was at the organization’s helm.” He recalled that sometime in 1997, Mr. Esclamado requested for his help in unifying the Filipino-Americans and, in response, he actively encouraged other  Filipino organizations to federate under the NaFFAA banner.

The next day, the new ambassador held his first official meeting with US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Eric John in the US State Department during which the latter said the United States will continue to support the Philippines as a friend and ally.

Mr. Gaa and Mr. John agreed that the two governments will utilize their smooth working relationship to further deepen cooperation in the economic, security, counter-terrorism and other fields. They recalled the successful launch of joint activities under the recently concluded bilateral Security Engagement Board (SEB).

In his meeting with NaFFAA, Mr. Gaa informed the officers that the meeting of all Consuls General in the US, to be led by the Embassy, will be held in conjunction with NaFFAA’s convention in Honolulu to allow for mutual discussions on issues of common interest.

Mr. Heredia cited NaFFAA’s Memorandum of Understanding with the Embassy to assist distressed Filipino nationals which  the ambassador said must be implemented more vigorously. “If the Embassy has any initiative which requires immediate support, we will be here to mobilize the community in helping the Philippines and in pushing its development forward, ” Mr. Heredia said.

Expressing his appreciation for NaFFAA’s continuing support, Mr. Gaa said that “we at the Embassy are open to your suggestions and recommendations on where and how we can help the community.”

The ambassador and the NaFFAA officers discussed the veterans issue and ways to facilitate the process of sending of medical missions and medical equipment to the Philippines. Mr. Heredia and Ms. Branigin also proposed the holding of a joint forum between NaFFAA and the embassy on  the subjects of absentee voting and dual citizenship in view of concerns raised by some Filipino-Americans on these matters.

The US state department official assured Mr. Gaa that US assistance for the peace process in Mindanao will remain a priority. Mr. John said the U.S. commitment to provide assistance to the Philippines will be sustained for the long-term. In this regard, he observed that the success of the Mindanao peace process could serve as a model for conflict resolution and peace-building in other parts of the world.

Among the bilateral matters discussed was the issue of the Filipino veterans of World War II. Ambassador Gaa advised Deputy Assistant Secretary John that the Philippine Government and the growing Filipino-American community are greatly concerned over this issue.

Deputy Assistant Secretary John also welcomed the assumption by the Philippines of the ASEAN chairmanship last month. He indicated that the United States is interested in exploring new initiatives with the Philippines to enhance the ASEAN-US partnership.