Of all the forces that make a
better world, none is as powerful as hope. At the Filipino American Legal
Defense & Education Fund's (FALDEF) first dinner reception on March 1,
2013, this indeed was the driving force. It was hope that empowered young
volunteers, seasoned community leaders, professionals, journalists, legal
eagles, government officials, friends and families to band together for an
event in order to acknowledge, celebrate and strengthen the commitment to the
Filipino American community.
Guests from New
York , New Jersey , Connecticut , Pennsylvania
and Massachusetts
FALDEF's Chairman, and one of the
original founders of the organization, Robert C. Rivas, was the master of
ceremonies.
It was a delightful surprise when
special guest, New York City Councilman Vincent Gentile recognized FALDEF's
advocacy efforts and hard work by presenting them with a City Council Citation.
Although already previously engaged for the evening, he took extra effort to
make sure he gave recognition to the young organization. The citation stated
that “a great city is only as great as
those persons or groups who give exemplary service to their communities whether
through participation in voluntary programs, through unique personal
achievement in their professional or other endeavors or simply through a
lifetime of good citizenry. Whereas,
such service, which is truly the lifeblood of
the community and the city, so often goes unrecognized and unrewarded.”
In his speech, Councilman Vincent
Gentile said: "Congratulations to
FALDEF in everything that you have done in a short time. In that time, you have
done the great advocacy for all migrants, not just the Filipino Americans, but
all those that come to you. You've done outreach in the areas of education
programs, voter protection and human trafficking -- trying to stop it at its
source: from Manila to America
Providing equal access to justice
is one of FALDEF's original missions. And
in keeping with that value, renowned trial lawyer Sanford Rubenstein emphasized
in his speech that "trial lawyers
represent the interests of the victims and that all immigrants have an absolute
right like any other citizen in the country, to be heard in the court of law -
whether they're an immigrant or undocumented. If we, trial lawyers, don't
represent the victims who have been wronged, then we shouldn't be doing what
we're doing.”
Atty. Victor Bolden, New Haven , Connecticut America
Victor Bolden said, "150 years ago last month, Abraham
Lincoln signed the emancipation proclamation. That one document set in motion
changes for that particular time. The concept of freedom: that all people
should be free. Equal protection and
freedom in itself is not enough, you need equality, too... but equality does
not come without the power of voting. It's
not about one race or group but about everyone to do their part to make change.
"50 years ago: 1963, there was a great march in Washington America
"Five, fifty, one hundred fifty. The common theme is the incredible commitment to the rule of law. An idea - the power behind the idea that transforms lives."
Merit Salud, NaFFAA Region-1
Chair and FALDEF's Vice President for External Affairs, concluded the night by emphasizing
that FALDEF is lucky to have the support of PCGNY and the community leaders. Having
just returned from a trip to Manila
"Without the community leaders, FALDEF is just another NGO. FALDEF gave birth to Philippine Legal Defense
and Education Center
(PHILDEC) in the Philippines America Philippines to the
United Sates of America
"Rule of law without justice is a farce. Justice not only for
Filipino Americans, but for every person.”
FALDEF's exemplary service to the
Filipino American community was highlighted with the premiere of a powerful documentary: "Tayo Ay May
Karapatan: We Have Rights". A film directed and produced by award winning
director, Diane Paragas. In 2012, she came across FALDEF while doing research
for her feature film, "The Yellow Rose". Inspired by the FALDEF’s
accomplishments, she generously volunteered her time and talent in producing this
moving documentary thereby humanizing and portraying the very real suffering of
those imprisoned by the current immigration system and the faces and names of
those who have successfully triumphed in this fight.
Miguel Gulfin, a client of
FALDEF, was detained for almost 7 months and was eventually released because of
FALDEF's efforts led by attorney JT Mallonga.
In the film, Gulfin described his
first encounter with Mallonga at the detention center:
“I see a man in a suit, and see that he's a lawyer. The first thought
that went through my head was - Oh thank God we have a lawyer, someone's gonna
fight for us! The impression that I got from what I saw was, wow - this guy
looks like he means business. This guy looks like he's not gonna go down
without a fight. It looks like he's
gonna go down swinging."
Gulfin is one of many Filipino
Americans whose lives are affected by the country's broken immigration system. He added:
"To anyone out there in my situation, who feel scared, with no one
to turn to -- remember, there's FALDEF. These are people who would love to
help."
As the evening ended with group
photos, they fittingly depict a remarkable fact. The Filipino Americans stand supported by other communities with
their voices loudly joined in the collective call and action in
the on-going journey to justice.
Photo credit: Ramon Tinana and Shawn
Ashkan Shariati