Metro Infanta Foundation mentioned in Sun Star article
Jeremiah Opiniano, an advocate of "Diaspora philanthropy," mentioned Metro Infanta Foundation in his Sun Star article, Sept. 12, 2006, on new "Filipino power" that's making a difference back home, especially in their hometowns. "There are some inspiring examples: Metro Infanta Foundation, based in Colorado, USA but formed with 400 Infantanhins from varied parts of the world, is one example-and its formula works."
Yes, we are proud of the work of Metro Infanta Foundation. I hope all Infantahins will show their pride by becoming even more supportive of the work that Metro Infanta Foundation does for our hometown. Wouldn't it be nice if all the Infantahin groups could pull our resources together ofr our common mission?
While it may be wishful thinking to form one solid Filipino organization, Mr. Opiniano said, "Perhaps there is no single best way to put these groups altogether. For one, the conditions vary by country, though the contract workers in the Middle East can learn a thing or two from the permanent residents in North America and Europe, who can learn from those in Africa or the Pacific islands. Whatever is happening back home is overseas Filipinos's concern, but whatever happens to a Filipino in one of those 193 countries may be something that is concern of overseas Pinoys from any part of the world (it can be interesting to see if Filipino Americans talk about overseas Filipinos concerns with leaders of domestic workers organizations in Hong Kong, despite the economic status of those from the latter groups).
For another, let these groups enjoy their comfort zone. Regionalism and working individually will not be gone but if, for example, these hometown associations pool money and invest it or entrust it to an NGO with a development project, that will be the positive side of the group splits. Migration and development advocates even think this is a direction towards luring migration's resources for local economic development in the motherland. So groups like the Banians of the USA, the Papaya Novo Ecijano in Belgium, and the Aguman Kapampangan in the United Arab Emirates are in the right direction, especially when think tank development groups help them.
It will be humanly impossible to form one very solid global Filipino network, or a Filipinos-for-the-planet-earth coalition where members and member-groups are on equal terms (no matter if they are documented or undocumented migrants, or successful and unsuccessful overseas Pinoys). But what can be possible are not just the individual and manageable efforts to help fellow migrants and the birthplaces in the Philippines, or tactical coalitions over issues that many may agree in principle.
Human respect, openness, and contrition for people's mistakes are also possible. If these Filipino migrants and their varied affiliations are willing to do this among each other in their remaining times on earth is entirely up to them. There are some inspiring examples: Metro Infanta Foundation, based in Colorado, USA but formed with 400 Infantanhins from varied parts of the world, is one example-and its formula works.
Under an environment with open human relations, don't mind if whites look at your migrant group and laugh at your ingenious parlor games, your beauty pageants, or your English or French speaking with an accent. You're Filipino, and beneath your banter are a vision for human betterment and an aspiration for renewed friendly Pinoy warmth and trust.
To read the entrie article please click here: Opiniano: Pinoys abroad here and there.