NY Pinoys hold protest march to mark June 12

Filipino immigrants and Americans of Philippine ancestry kicked off the 112th Philippine Independence commemoration rites in New York with a march in the city’s streets for social justice and genuine change for Filipinos back home. Over 150 Fil-Ams and members of Filipino organizations pounded New York City’s Madison Avenue on June 6, not only as advanced celebration of June 12 marking the independence of the Philippines from Spain, but also to raise awareness on the situation faced by Filipinos both here in America and in their homeland. The march, spearheaded by the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON), highlighted the issues faced by fellow Filipinos, such as the worsening corruption and the spate of killings and abduction of activists under the administration of outgoing President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The march also hit what NAFCON said were “discriminatory" US immigration laws, such as Arizona’s new policy of criminalizing illegal immigrants, and a possible immigration reform bill that would mandate national identification or a biometric system for immigrants. (See: Fil-Am group slams new Arizona law on immigration) "As Filipinos abroad, we must also stay vigilant against such laws like Arizona's SB1070 that will legalize racial profiling, and continue to police our communities. We must take a stand before it gets worse," said NAFCON executive vice president Rico Foz. Apart from NAFCON, other Filipino groups that joined the march include Philippine Forum, KABALIKAT: Domestic Workers' Support Network, Kapatirang Pilipino Fraternity, Young Educators for Health and Empowerment of the Youth, American Pinoy Organization of the Youth, Anakbayan, Filipinas for Rights and Empowerment and New York Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan –US and Gabriela-US. Demonstrators chanted various slogans, some calling for genuine agrarian reform in the Philippines, others for legalizing the status of immigrants in the US, and still others and for the prosecution of Arroyo. Sentosa nurses, who are currently embroiled in an ongoing legal battle with Sentosa Recruitment Agency here in Manila and with their employers in the US, likewise joined the march and pursued their demand for the agency’s closure. (See: Filipino nurses win vs Sentosa in NY court) The member organizations’ solidarity was symbolized by the Bahay Kubo (Nipa Hut) icon plastered on the backs of marchers, to show the Bayanihan spirit when community members come together to help out in times of distress. Anakbayan likewise prepared a mascot of Arroyo showing her handcuffed and wearing an orange prisoner’s shirt. Celebrations in other states Other states in the US have likewise launched their own celebrations to mark the Philippines 112th Independence Day. The Philippine Embassy and the Philippine American Foundation for Charities, Inc. presented Simbuyo 2010 in Kensington, Maryland on June 5 to celebrate Filipino artistry. Two Filipino groups in Chicago meanwhile staged a motorcade on June 6 from Lake Shore Drive and Foster Avenue, westward to Labagh Woods Forest Preserve. There, they attended mass and held a program, including a performance by the SDA Singing Group, line dancing, sporting events and a raffle. On Friday, June 11, a huge Philippine flag will be unfurled and raised at the Daley Plaza in downtown Chicago, to be followed at night by a coronation and gala dinner ball at the Grand Ball of Hyatt Regency O’Hare at Rosemont, Illinois. On June 12, the Filipino American Council of Greater Chicago’s Kasarinlan will show the “Pearl of the Orient Seas," a video produced by the Philippines’ Department of Tourism office in Chicago to showcase the beauty of the homeland. The group’s program will also include a presentation of musical talents by young Filipino Americans, an art exhibit by local Filipino painters and artists, an exhibit of Philippine artifacts and a Balagtasan, a debate through poetry written by members of the Filipino community. In Washington, D.C., the Migrant Heritage Commission will hold a cultural entertainment program at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel on June 26. In a message, newly appointed Consul General Leo M. Herrera-Lim in Chicago challenged Filipino-Americans in the Midwest to “work together to maintain a strong Filipino American community. “Let us renew the drive for national development with a determination that peace, prosperity and continued progress will touch the life of every Filipino," his message read.—JMA/JV, GMANews.TV