Let’s turn ‘bahala na’ into ‘laban na’ for Kamala: FilAm politician
Filipino Americans for Harris (FAFH) held a community event on July 30th to launch the campaign to elect Kamala Harris for president. The event drew over 450 attendees and raised $7,000 in small dollar donations.
National Co-Chair Hon. Melissa Ramoso stated, “Our goals are very simple. We are going to elect Vice President Kamala Harris for President and reach out and energize Filipino American voters especially in battleground states. We have to protect our democracy.”
Hon. Mark Pulido, National Co-Chair 2020for Filipino Americans for Biden Harris, emphasized the stakes: “We need to continue political empowerment of our Filipino American community, the continuing representation of all our Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ communities, and the state of our democracy and, most importantly, the soul of our nation.”
Government affairs executive and National Co-Chair Mario Salazar provided key data and insights on voter participation: “Asian Americans have been the fastest-growing group of eligible voters in the United States over the past two decades. As Filipino American voter turnout increases, we have a larger pot to persuade.”
The event was marked by a dynamic line-up of Filipino American elected officials who shared their insights and rallied the community. Also in attendance supporting the launch were FilAm appointees to President Biden’s Administration, including Nani Coloretti, deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget, and Gina Ortiz Jones, former under secretary of the Air Force.
Nevada State Assemblymember Erica Mosca stated, “(Kamala) is the type of person we have at the top of the ticket—someone who sees us, who cares about us, who sees our community.”
New York State Assemblyman Steven Raga added, “We need a person sitting in the Oval Office who can represent us and knows our struggles and issues.”
California Attorney General Rob Bonta shared his personal connection with Harris, noting their parallel paths as attorneys general of California.
“I’ve had a front-row seat to her trajectory, and I’ve supported her at every turn because she’s got the experience, the expertise, and the energy this country needs, especially now. Kamala Harris is the antidote to Trump,” Bonta said.
U.S. Congress Member Bobby Scott emphasized the critical role of this election, stating, “Our job is to make sure that we get everybody registered to vote, make sure they turn out to vote, and we will elect the next President of the United States, Kamala Harris.”
Battleground swing states were also a focus of the discussion. Alaska State Representative Genevieve Mina shared insights on the shifting political landscape in Alaska: “The tides are turning in Alaska, particularly in our urban centers, and we want to keep the momentum going.”
North Carolina State Representative Maria Cervania emphasized the urgency in her state: “We know our assignment here in North Carolina for 2024: To get out the vote for Kamala Harris and win for her.”
Hawaii State Representative Trish LaChica and Arizona State Representative Junelle Caverohighlighted the unique strengths and call to action within the Filipino community. LaChica urged, “I want to challenge you to leave behind the passive acceptance of bahala na, or ‘let it be,’ because the future of our Filipino community, of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community, is at stake with this presidency. So let’s turn bahala na, ‘let it be,’ into laban na, ‘let us fight!'”
Cavero added, “Filipinos, let me tell you, we’re known for execution, at the end of the day, we make it happen. Our neighbors may be apathetic to politics, but each of you can be the spark to ignite their interest again.”
Maryland State Delegate Kris Valderramahighlighted the value of women in leadership, stating, “Studies have shown that when women are in leadership, whether in an elected position or otherwise, they help increase productivity, enhance collaboration, inspire dedication, and improve fairness. Empathy is very important, and women as leaders carry it. We see that in the role she has as Vice President. She empathizes not just with women, not just with children, but with everyone.”
National Co-Chair Genevieve Jopanda urged FilAms to sign up as at bit.ly/FAFHVolunteer.
New Hampshire State Representative Luz Bay encapsulated the spirit of the event, “It’s the promise of America—a promise that transcends borders, backgrounds, and barriers. That’s why I’m with her. That’s why we’re all with her.”
Donations to support FAFH can be made at bit.ly/FAFHLaunchDonate
