‘Filipino Americans for Harris’ launched

Filipino Americans for Harris (FAFH) Co-Chair Melissa Ramoso (center) and Former Cerritos Mayor Mark Pulido (left) with Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House Rose Garden. Image: Mark Pulido / Facebook (Photo credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES – As President Joe Biden officially passed “the torch to a new generation” on Wednesday, Fil-Am Democrats transitioned their Biden-Harris campaign to the Filipino Americans for Harris (FAFH).

“Filipino Americans for Biden-Harris is thrilled to announce its full support and enthusiastic endorsement of Kamala Harris as the 2024 Democratic nominee for President of the United States,” the FAFH said in a statement.

The Filipino Americans for Biden-Harris (FAFBH) was the officially recognized Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) group for the former Biden-Harris campaign.

After Biden stepped aside and endorsed Harris to replace him in the 2024 race, the Fil-Am volunteer group thanked the president for recognizing the contributions of Filipino Americans and ensuring Fil-Am representation in government.

The group then transitioned their campaign to support Harris, praising her “unwavering dedication, dynamic leadership and a visionary approach to addressing the most pressing issues facing the nation.”

“Her commitment to justice, equality and opportunity for all Americans resonates deeply with the Filipino American community,” the group said. “Vice President Harris’ achievements and tireless advocacy for marginalized communities have made significant impacts, ensuring every voice is heard and valued.”

Harris’ direct impact on the Fil-Am community is further demonstrated by her many years of service in California, home to more than 40 percent of the four million Filipinos in the United States, FAFH added.

Melissa Ramoso, councilmember and former mayor of Artesia, California, said Harris would not only be the first woman president but also the first Black and Asian American woman in the Oval Office.

“This is a powerful testament to the values of diversity and inclusion that the country strives for, bringing hope and inspiration to millions of people from all backgrounds,” said Ramoso who co-chairs FAFH 2024 with political organizers Genevieve Jopanda and Mario Salazar.

Jopanda said that for Filipino Americans, Harris’s candidacy is a symbol of the potential to achieving greater representation and influence at the highest level of government and service.

“Her election would highlight, demonstrate and capture the importance of diversity and the contributions of Asian Americans and women in shaping the future of the nation,” Jopanda said.

Salazar said Harris has consistently supported policies that benefit Fil-Ams – from healthcare reforms to economic initiatives.

“Her commitment to comprehensive immigration reform and standing against anti-Asian hate has been particularly meaningful to our community,” Salazar said.

Former Cerritos Mayor Mark Pulido, a California delegate to the Democratic National Convention, said he is “very proud” to stand with Vice President Harris and endorse her for the presidential race. The convention will take place in Chicago Aug. 19 to 22.

“I am ready to cast my ballot for her to be our party’s nominee this coming month in Chicago,” Pulido told Inquirer.net USA.

Speaking to the nation from the Oval Office Wednesday evening, Biden said he decided to step aside from the 2024 presidential race to save democracy and pass “the torch to a new generation.”

“I revere this office. But I love my country more,” the president said, acknowledging the need to sacrifice personal ambition to unite the party and for what he sees as the greater good.