Page 42 - 2017 JAN-JUN - KAAKBAY

42 January to June
2017

Forum on the US Government System for Fil-Am Community Held in New York

The Filipino American Lawyers Association of New York (FALA-NY), with the support of the Philippine Consulate
General, held an informative forum on the US
Government system at the Kalayaan Hall of the
Philippine Center on 9 June 2017.

Law Professor Rose Cuison Villazor of the
University of California and Atty. Andrew Villacastin of
the firm Boies Schiller Flexner LLP, the resource
speakers of the event, discussed the basic structure
and functions of the US government including the
legislative, executive, and judicial branches, and the
interaction between the federal government and the
state and local government units.

The forum provided the members of the
Filipino-American Community with a working overview
of the US government system which is useful in
understanding and navigating the different government Consul General Ma. Theresa B. Dizon-de Vega (8th from the right) with the officers of FALA-
offices in the community they live and work in. NY, resource speakers, and some of the participants of the forum on the US Government
system held in New York on 9 June 2017. To her left is Atty. Concepcion A. Montoya,
Filipino-Americans who have successfully current President of FALA-NY. To her right are Atty. Andrew Villacastin and Professor Rose
entered the US political and governance arena were Cuison Villazor, resource persons.
likewise discussed as models for greater engagement
of the Filipino-American Community. (continued from pg. 41… Maritime Day)

The forum was the first of a series of events the benefits that the maritime industry provides to the country. On
organized by FALA-NY which are focused on providing law and advocacy, Director Lyman mentioned that, over the
information and assistance to the Fil-Am community in years, SCI has helped pass important pieces of legislation to
New York. The group also held a Know Your Rights ensure safety in the maritime workplace and the fair treatment of
forum on 16 June 2017 at the St. Francis of Assisi mariners. SCI also provides legal counselling, assistance and
Church in New York in partnership with the Migrant referrals to mariners and to seafarers’ welfare agencies around
the globe. On maritime education, SCI has empowered mariners
Center of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi. with valuable training and it continues to train mariners at its
specialized Center for Maritime Education.
Philippine Consul General Eyes Supporting On pastoral care, Rev. Kollin explained SCI’s role in
Filipino Small Businesses and Start-ups in providing the mariner a place to feel at home aware that life at
Meeting with FilAm Head of New York sea has always been challenging in ways unknown to land-
dwellers, and all intensified by long separation from family and
Economic Development Corporation (EDC)
friends.

During the forum, Fil-Am community leaders expressed
their desire to join in the volunteer knitting program of SCI where
the latter provided a template for knitting clothing articles for the
harsh weather at sea.

L-R Consul General Theresa Dizon-de Vega confers with NYC EDC
President and CEO Maria Torres-Springer
(Continue to page 43 for the article) Director Lyman’s briefing on SCI’s functions & advocacies.