NaFFAA cheers naming of 2 Fil-Ams to White House advisory body

WASHINGTON, DC– The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) commended President Donald Trump on the appointmentof two prominent Filipino Americans to the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs): Utah Attorney General Sean D. Reyes and Herman Martir of Texas.

“We are proud that President Trump has selected two exceptional Filipino American leaders to represent our vibrant community on his AAPI Advisory Commission,” said NaFFAA National Chairman Brendan Flores.

Utah Atty. Gen. Sean G. Reyes

“Attorney General Reyes and Pastor Martir are dynamic leaders of our community, equipped with a unique understanding of the issues and policies that affect the more than four million Filipinos and Filipinos Americans that call the United States home,” Flores added.

The White House Initiative on AAPIs (WHIAAPI) and its accompanying Advisory Commission on AAPIs were established by President Bill Clinton in 1999 to advise on issues facing the AAPI community. The Initiative and Commission work to improve the quality of life for AAPIs by facilitating access to and participation in federal programs in which AAPIs remain underserved.

Fil-Am conservative Herman Martir.

These appointments represent the continuation of NaFFAA’s long and distinguished relationship with WHIAAPI and the Commission. Several NaFFAA leaders have served in various capacities:

• Gloria Caoile, founding NaFFAA Vice Chair, served as a Commissioner under President Clinton
• Angelo Dalmacio, current NaFFAA Communications Director, served as Communications and Policy Advisor of WHIAAPI under President Obama
• Rozita Lee, former NaFFAA Vice Chair, served as a Commissioner under President Obama
• Jason Tengco, current NaFFAA Executive Director, served as Deputy Director of WHIAAPI under President Obama