National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA)

This August, the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) will bring together leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, youth, advocates, and community changemakers from across the nation for NaFFAA's 16th National Empowerment Conference (NEC 2026) in Denver, Colorado.

We invite organizations, businesses, and community partners to support our premier Bayanihan Fashion Show & Cultural Storytelling Experience—a signature event celebrating Filipino American excellence, culture, leadership, and community impact. This unforgettable evening will showcase fashion, heritage, storytelling, and recognition of leaders who are helping shape the future of our community.

Your sponsorship helps advance leadership development, civic engagement, youth empowerment, and community-building initiatives nationwide.

Together, we celebrate our heritage, honor excellence, and invest in the future of Filipino America.

Join us in Denver. Partner with purpose. Celebrate culture. Champion community.

🎟️ Become a sponsor today:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/bayanihan-awards-gala-sponsorship-packages-naffaa-16th-national-empowerment-conference--2026

For every child who will inherit the future we build, may we never forget the courage and sacrifice that made our freedoms possible. 🇺🇸🇵🇭

This Memorial Day, Filipino Americans honor those who served with bravery and gave everything for generations they would never meet. Because of them, we continue to dream, serve, and rise together with gratitude.

We remember — today and every day.

NaFFAA Statement Condemning Violence and Standing in Solidarity After the San Diego Islamic Center Shooting

The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) is deeply saddened and disturbed by the tragic shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego that claimed multiple lives and injured members of the Muslim community gathered at a place of worship. We extend our heartfelt prayers and condolences to the victims, their families, and the broader Muslim community during this painful time.

NaFFAA stands firmly against Islamophobia, hate, and violence in all forms. Places of worship should always be spaces of peace, safety, healing, and community — never fear.

As an organization representing the diverse Filipino American community, we recognize and honor the longstanding presence of Muslim Filipinos, including our Bangsamoro kababayan in Mindanao, where Islam has been part of the region’s cultural and spiritual identity since the 13th century and more than 20% of the population identifies as Muslim, as well as Muslim communities throughout the Visayas and across the Philippine diaspora. Muslim Filipino Americans are also an important and valued part of our community and our shared story in the United States.

In the spirit of kapwa – our shared humanity and interconnectedness – we stand in solidarity with Muslim communities and all groups impacted by hate and political violence. We must continue building bridges across faiths, cultures, and communities and reject efforts to divide us through fear and violence.

To support the victims of this attack and their families, you can donate to the official fund set up by the Islamic Center for San Diego. https://goodbricks.org/campaign/icsd.org/official-icsd-victim---family-support-fund

Ingat palagi, kababayan.

May 21, 2026 - NaFFAA Statement on the Potential Impacts of Louisiana v. Callais and the Importance of Fair Representation

The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) is closely monitoring the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Louisiana v. Callais and the broader national conversation surrounding voting rights, redistricting, and representation.

The Supreme Court’s decision addressed whether Louisiana’s congressional map constituted unconstitutional racial gerrymandering and significantly narrowed how Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) can be used in future redistricting cases. Section 2 has long served as one of the nation’s primary protections against racial vote dilution and discriminatory district maps. While the Supreme Court did not strike down the Voting Rights Act itself, many legal scholars and civil rights organizations have expressed concern that the ruling weakens federal protections for communities of color and could make it more difficult to challenge maps that dilute minority voting power.

The ruling is expected to have nationwide implications as states revisit congressional and legislative district maps ahead of future elections. For more than 60 years, the Voting Rights Act has helped protect communities of color from discrimination at the ballot box and strengthened participation in our multiracial democracy. Voting rights advocates warn that Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities — including Filipino Americans — may face reduced political representation in areas where rapidly growing populations have historically struggled to secure fair representation.

Civic engagement is one of NaFFAA's core pillars, and we strongly believe that fair representation matters. The Filipino American community is 4.6 million strong and among the fastest-growing populations in the United States, yet we remain underrepresented in elected office and continue to face barriers to civic participation, language access, and equitable political representation.

Guided by the Filipino value of kapwa — our shared humanity and interconnectedness — NaFFAA encourages our communities to stay informed, engaged, and civically active as conversations around voting rights and redistricting continue to evolve. We also encourage community members to learn more about how local, state, and federal district maps can directly impact representation, public policy, and access to resources.

Voting rights are fundamental to a healthy democracy. Ensuring every community has a fair opportunity to be heard remains essential to building a more inclusive and representative future for all.

We are grateful that the proposed amendment to eliminate the remaining Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation (FVEC) Fund was withdrawn yesterday. But our work is not over.

NaFFAA is now urging Congress to pass the Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act of 2025 (H.R.1053/S.461) and finally honor the promises made to our Filipino WWII veterans and their families.

Today, only about 440 Filipino WWII veterans remain. Many are still waiting to reunite with their children and loved ones after decades of sacrifice and service to this country.

We must honor these heroes with action — not just words.

In the spirit of bayanihan, let’s continue fighting for dignity, justice, and family reunification for our veterans.

Please make a donation to support NaFFAA’s national advocacy work: https://naffaa.org/donate/

Also please contact your U.S. Senator and U.S. Representative and urge them to support H.R.1053/S.461.

Find your U.S. Senator: https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm

Find your U.S. Representative:
https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Lourdes Mitra Esclamado on May 13, 2026.

Though often working quietly behind the scenes, Lourdes was instrumental in the formation of National Federation of Filipino American Associations, traveling across the country alongside Alex Esclamado to help unite and engage Filipino American community leaders.

We honor her life, legacy, and countless contributions to our community. Our heartfelt prayers and condolences are with the Esclamado family and loved ones during this time.

May she rest in eternal peace.

To our Fil Am Nanays and all mothers out there, thank you for showing up with strength, love, and resilience even through life’s hardest moments. ❤️

You are the heart of our families, our communities, and our future. Maraming salamat, Nanay! Happy Mother’s Day from your NaFFAA family. 🇵🇭🇺🇸

🏈🇵🇭 This AANHPI Heritage Month, NaFFAA proudly celebrates a historic moment for Filipino American representation in sports.

Filipino American cornerback Chris Johnson was selected by the Miami Dolphins with the 27th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, becoming a first-round NFL Draft pick and one of the highest-drafted Filipino American football players in NFL history.

A standout athlete from San Diego State University, Johnson earned national recognition for his outstanding college career and achievements on the field. His journey reflects the growing impact of Filipino Americans across sports, leadership, public service, business, and many other fields.

During this month of celebration and reflection, we honor the many Filipino Americans whose stories continue to inspire future generations to pursue excellence, serve their communities, and proudly embrace their heritage. 🇵🇭🇺🇸

Congratulations, Chris Johnson! Your NaFFAA family is incredibly proud of you. Mabuhay ka! ✨

If you’re looking to gather with Filipino American leaders from across the country, we invite you to join us in empowering more than 4.5 million Filipino Americans nationwide at the NaFFAA National Empowerment Conference this 2026. 🇵🇭

Register here: https://naffaa.org/nec2026/

NaFFAA is proud to announce Secretary Dante Ang II of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas as the Opening Keynote Speaker for the NaFFAA National Empowerment Conference (NEC) 2026 in Colorado.

This year’s NEC will bring together Filipino American leaders, professionals, advocates, entrepreneurs, youth leaders, and community organizations from across the country for important conversations on leadership, civic engagement, culture, and the future of the Filipino American community.

We are honored to welcome Secretary Ang as we continue strengthening connections between Filipinos overseas and the Philippines through dialogue, collaboration, and shared service.

Join one of the largest gatherings of Filipino American changemakers and community leaders in the nation.

NaFFAA National Empowerment Conference 2026
August 14–15, 2026
Colorado

Register today: https://naffaa.org/nec2026/