INSTITUTION CATEGORY
San Lorenzo Ruiz Spiritual Center (Country Winner)
- Tidewater, Virginia
1994 marked the beginning of building the new structure for the San Lorenzo Ruiz Spiritual Center. With the help of the Tidewater community, funds were raised to build the structure while some donated building materials.
The Center is now a symbol of the Filipino apostolate. It is a place where people can share and involve themselves in parish activities. All Filipino immigrants of Tidewater gather here in joy or in grief, to sing, dance discuss and mend broken bridges. It is also where religious vocations for the youth and the celebration of human diversity are encouraged.
The influence of the Center expands beyond those who are desolate. It welcomes a diverse number of people with different interests and different backgrounds. It also has programs from different interests and different age group. It is the success of the Center's programs that prevents the community from disorder.
Due to the accomplishment of the center, the community is free from drugs and alcohol. The San Lorenzo Ruiz Spiritual Center's credibility and the effectiveness of its programs is demonstrated throughout the achievement of the Tidewater community.
American Coalition for Filipino Veterans, Inc. (Special Awardee)
- Arlington, Virginia
The American Coalition for Veterans (ACFV) has been working to get the Filipino Veterans Equity Bill passed. This bill seeks equity benefits for around 18,000 Filipino veterans who participated in assisting the United States of America during the war.
since December 5, 1995, the ACFV coalition's primary mission is to restore full US government recognition and to win equitable veteran benefits for Filipino veterans by passing the bill: "Filipino Veterans Equity Act," or realistic bills as recommended by sponsors in US congress.
Since 2001, American Coalition for Filipino Veterans, Inc. supported several bills to complete the last step in winning the connected pensions to provide dignified income to our veterans. This bill has brought Filipino Veterans above poverty in the Philippines. It has opted Filipino Veterans to reside in the US in recognition of their US military service in WWII.
Through the exhaustive effort of this organization, the Filipino-American Veterans are given rightful repayments of their labors during America's time of need. The American Coalition for Filipino Veterans illustrates the importance of honoring the brave men who fought for their beliefs.
Makibahagi Foundation (Country Finalist)
- Corona, California
The Makibahagi Foundation started in 2002 when a small group of parishioners from the Corpus Christi Church got together to organize the simbang Gabi and Christmas caroling for the community. They did these projects for two years before expanding their community efforts across the Philippines.
In 2004, the organization reached out to Filipino communities and requested help from other individuals within the church to aid the flood and landslide victims in Quezon Province. The project proved successful and concluded in January 2005. The Makibahagi Organzation was then organized and established.
The idea of forming the organization was brought about by the common desire of Filipinos in the community to send help to the Philippines, but did not know how. Membership was open to anyone who believes in bonding together for a common cause.
One of Makibahagi's projects is the organization of a cultural show (reviving Filipino culture/values) which started in 2006. This project invited the interest of even those adamant to get involved. It showed the outpouring support of people from different faiths, interests, and fields. With the success of the project, funds were raised to help their kababayans in the Philippines.
Following this project is another cultural presentation and fund-raising event expected to help the Aetas of Zambales, the Lumads of Ilocos Sur, among others. This is one organization that genuinely illustrates the best in Filipino communities.
Feed The Hungry, Inc. (Country Finalist)
- Leesburg, Virginia
This organization offers a broad array of assistance to the poor and disadvantaged people of the Philippines especially children. Besides its core programs of gift giving, feeding and nutrition, it also provides cash assistance and grants to schools and communities for educational scholarships, classroom construction, home building, infrastructure and economic development. The members of this organization also conduct medical and dental missions to the Philippines.
Truly a remarkable organization, it continues to uplift the spirit and well-being of the underprivileged, the abused, and the desolate through gift-giving, livelihood, nutritional programs, educational programs, classroom projects, housing projects, natural disaster assistance, and medical assistance.
Filipino American Development Foundation (Country Finalist)
- San Francisco, California
It is their vision to provide the necessary support in strengthening and empowering Filipino Americans by enabling them to develop resources and assets that can benefit the local and broader community. They believe in valuing the Filipino cultural trait of bayanihan, which means mutual assistance and mutual caring.
The FADF have accomplished their missions in increasing awareness and knowledge about the Filipino American community through participation in educational and cultural programs. they have also increased their access to a wide range of economic, health and social services through collaboration of exiting programs and the development of culturally appropriate services.
It is through the assistance of the FADF that various offers have benefited countless individuals and families in their community.
Rizal MacArthur Memorial Foundation, Inc. (Country Finalist)
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin
By improving the health of the community, a higher chance of surviving the future can be attained. Since its inaugration in 1966, the Rizal MacArthur Memorial Foundation has shipped containers of medical equipment and supplies to the Philippines. In the late 1980's when hospital dontations began to diminish, the RMMF began doing medical missions. In the beginning, the volunteers were limited to members of the Boar. However, it eventually expanded when other volunteer doctors decided to participate.
The organization's missions are held every two years. In 2006, 111 participants from the US went to six locations in Pangasinan, all of which are now permanent mission sites. Each mission handles 4,000-5,000 medical cases, 40-50 major surgical cases, 200 dental cases, and 100 cases of lens and cataract implants. In addition to all its efforts, the RMMF has constructed a hospital in Urbiztondo, which is open 24/7. Its 32 years of service shows the impact it has created.
The clinics in Urbiztondo and Lubas are supported 100% by funds coming from RMMF. The Rizal MacArthur Memorial Foundation not only demonstrates the unceasing brotherhood of Filipinos, but also proves its dedication in helping the sick and the needy.
There are those who seek beauty but there are only a few who understand its importance. Uplift International (UI) is an organization that treats facial deformities for those in need.
The clinics in Urbiztondo and Lubas are supported 100% by funds coming from RMMF. The Rizal MacArthur Memorial Foundation not only demonstrates the unceasing brotherhood of Filipinos, but also proves its dedication in helping the sick and the needy.
Uplift Internationale (Country Finalist)
- Denver, Colorado
UI's mission statement specifically states, "Uplift Internationale mends faces ... one child at a time." This emphasizes the program's priority: quality NOT quantity. Quality is the thread that run through the whole organization - from its procedural manual to its operations in the Philippines.
The organization has been active since 1989 and as of 2007, they have accomplished to provide 2,000 patients with the surgical care through UI's program 'Operation Tagho.'
the efforts of Uplift Internationale consider the deficiency of materials and professionals for their mission. The organization's approach is to be very conscious of economic realities. They are aware that local government hospitals lack funding, thus, they refrain from using any of the hospitals' medicines and supplies.
The project continues with assistance of interested donors. In the words of its founder, Dr. Yrastorza: "Without the continuing support of like-minded individual, foundations and organizations, these children have little chance of living normal, happy lives.
No comments:
Post a Comment