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| A 501 (c) 3 tax exempt non profit and non-governmental organization Metropolitan Washington D.C., U.S.A. Partners : Lifeline International Foundation, Inc., Asia Heritage Foundation and various Organizations and Institutions |
 |
| MIGRANT HERITAGE COMMISSION (MHC) RECEIVES THIS YEAR’S U.S. NATIONAL SERVICE AWARD FOR MORAL AND INNOVATIVE LEADERSHIP |
MH Chronicle News Flash
Washington D.C.: The Migrant Heritage
Commission (MHC) , a non-profit, 501 c3 tax
exempt service-oriented NGO, has been
selected as one of this year’s NATIONAL
SERVICE AWARDEE FOR MORAL AND
INNOVATIVE LEADERSHIP in the U.S.A. by
the Global Peace Festival Foundation (GPFF),
a high profile U.S. based International
Foundation promoting global peace and
service. The award is presented to model
leaders/ organizations dedicated to at least
one of these three fields: interfaith
cooperation, family strengthening, and service.
Washington D.C.: The Migrant Heritage
Commission (MHC) , a non-profit, 501 c3 tax
exempt service-oriented NGO, has been
selected as one of this year’s NATIONAL
SERVICE AWARDEE FOR MORAL AND
INNOVATIVE LEADERSHIP in the U.S.A. by
the Global Peace Festival Foundation (GPFF),
a high profile U.S. based International
Foundation promoting global peace and
service. The award is presented to model
leaders/ organizations dedicated to at least
one of these three fields: interfaith
cooperation, family strengthening, and service.
According to the US GPFF National
Award organizers, MHC has been
known to have made an excellent mark
in history by helping vast numbers of
Filipino people address their needs
and issues in the US. The Migrant
Heritage Commission (MHC) has
become a resource center for all
migrants, empowering others and
inspiring a spirit of service within the
Filipino and migrant community to take
care of each other, in a familial way.
MHC has also been supportive of
GPFFs vision of “One Family under
God”. Special Awards night took
place on 12 October 2011 at Hilton
Hotel during the National Faith
Leaders Summit under the theme:
“One Nation Under God? Our Common
Mission for American Renewal”.
Award organizers, MHC has been
known to have made an excellent mark
in history by helping vast numbers of
Filipino people address their needs
and issues in the US. The Migrant
Heritage Commission (MHC) has
become a resource center for all
migrants, empowering others and
inspiring a spirit of service within the
Filipino and migrant community to take
care of each other, in a familial way.
MHC has also been supportive of
GPFFs vision of “One Family under
God”. Special Awards night took
place on 12 October 2011 at Hilton
Hotel during the National Faith
Leaders Summit under the theme:
“One Nation Under God? Our Common
Mission for American Renewal”.
The 3 MHC Executive Directors Grace Valera,
Jesse A. Gatchalian and Arnedo S. Valera,
were the only Filipino awardees that night. The
other six (6) Awardees were all Americans/
other nationalities from other major service-
oriented NGOS OR CHURCH GROUPS.
Joining the 3 MHC Executive Directors during
the Awards Night were Filipino community key
leaders/ people who also serve as MHC
ENVOYS FOR UNITY AND SERVICE,
amplifying MHC’s mission of fostering a Culture
of Unity and Service inspired by its motto of
“LIVING A LIFE THAT MATTERS”.
Jesse A. Gatchalian and Arnedo S. Valera,
were the only Filipino awardees that night. The
other six (6) Awardees were all Americans/
other nationalities from other major service-
oriented NGOS OR CHURCH GROUPS.
Joining the 3 MHC Executive Directors during
the Awards Night were Filipino community key
leaders/ people who also serve as MHC
ENVOYS FOR UNITY AND SERVICE,
amplifying MHC’s mission of fostering a Culture
of Unity and Service inspired by its motto of
“LIVING A LIFE THAT MATTERS”.
MHC believes that world
peace begins with
individuals whose hearts
and minds take action and
responsibility based on
love, forgiveness and hope.
peace begins with
individuals whose hearts
and minds take action and
responsibility based on
love, forgiveness and hope.
MHC, its beginnings. .
MHC was founded on December 30, 2005 by five (5) key members of the Fil-Am community and one
(1) Philippine diplomat. Its conceiving stage began with an Assistance-To-Nationals (ATN) case at
the Philippine Embassy regarding a newly-arrived Filipino nurse Reynante Cabanban who was
stricken with cancer prior to assuming his duties. Then Philippine diplomat Grace Valera-Jaramillo,
recognizing the pressing need for timely help to Filipinos, recommended to Fil-Am community
leaders the urgent need to establish a formal mechanism whereby immigrants could avail of help
and resources in their time of need and to support the Philippine Embassy in its services to the
immigrants. Atty. Arnedo S. Valera, Esq. noted the urgency of the recommendation and proposed the
establishment of a Filipino Overseas Migrant Fund which garnered support from key leaders in the
Filipino community during the memorial mass for Cabanban who died 2 months after being
diagnosed with a remission of his cancer. The mass was held on 27 December 2005 at the
Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. Three (3) days later, MHC was formally established.
MHC’s Inspiring Motto
Since its formation, MHC has continuously been serving the Filipino and migrant community
amplifying its mission of bringing people together to foster a culture of Unity and Service. Its motto of
“Live a Life that Matters” has become its inspiring principle in serving people in need in a timely
manner. Although the NGO was founded as a response to recognize and protect the cultural identity
and rights of Filipino immigrants in the US, today MHC strives to serve as a cultural, legal, and
financial resource center for all American immigrants, regardless of their national origin.
MHC was founded on December 30, 2005 by five (5) key members of the Fil-Am community and one
(1) Philippine diplomat. Its conceiving stage began with an Assistance-To-Nationals (ATN) case at
the Philippine Embassy regarding a newly-arrived Filipino nurse Reynante Cabanban who was
stricken with cancer prior to assuming his duties. Then Philippine diplomat Grace Valera-Jaramillo,
recognizing the pressing need for timely help to Filipinos, recommended to Fil-Am community
leaders the urgent need to establish a formal mechanism whereby immigrants could avail of help
and resources in their time of need and to support the Philippine Embassy in its services to the
immigrants. Atty. Arnedo S. Valera, Esq. noted the urgency of the recommendation and proposed the
establishment of a Filipino Overseas Migrant Fund which garnered support from key leaders in the
Filipino community during the memorial mass for Cabanban who died 2 months after being
diagnosed with a remission of his cancer. The mass was held on 27 December 2005 at the
Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. Three (3) days later, MHC was formally established.
MHC’s Inspiring Motto
Since its formation, MHC has continuously been serving the Filipino and migrant community
amplifying its mission of bringing people together to foster a culture of Unity and Service. Its motto of
“Live a Life that Matters” has become its inspiring principle in serving people in need in a timely
manner. Although the NGO was founded as a response to recognize and protect the cultural identity
and rights of Filipino immigrants in the US, today MHC strives to serve as a cultural, legal, and
financial resource center for all American immigrants, regardless of their national origin.
MHC Structure and Programs/Projects
MHC is headed by three ( 3) Executive Directors with the guidance of a Board of Directors and support of various Event Partner Advisers (MHC
Envoys for Unity and Service), Technical Consultants and volunteers, who are leaders and key members of the Fil-Am community and other
immigrant communities. They are 1) former Diplomat Grace Valera-Jaramillo; 2) Businessman Jesse A. Gatchalian ; and 3) Lawyer Arnedo S.
Valera. The three are pro-active leaders in their respective fields and recipient of Awards like the Twenty Outstanding Filipinos in America/Abroad
(TOFA) and other Civic, Leadership, Academic & Community Service Recognition Awards. All of them are GPFF’s Ambassador for Peace and are
very active leaders / key people of other Fil-Am / Asian community organizations among them are the Asia Heritage Foundation, Ilocano Society of
America (ISA)/ Miss Teen Philippines-America, Philippine American Chamber of Commerce (PACC), University of Santo Tomas Alumni Ass’n in
America (USTAAA) and the Asian American Business Conference (AABC).
Only on its 6th year, MHC has embarked on projects/ events beneficial to migrants/ immigrants. It also aims to honor and recognize migrants’
/immigrants’ positive contribution towards strengthening the fibers of the Philippine and U.S. societies. With its “Most Outstanding Immigrant/Migrant
Awards and Special Awards”, MHC has institutionalized the recognition of truly deserving leaders/ organizations who have zealously served the
community. MHC has won numerous cases of Filipinos/ immigrants who have been discriminated, maltreated and/or battered, many of whom
have become helpless victims of human trafficking, illegal recruitment etc.
MHC has also been organizing events that have drawn record-breaking attendance and inspiring support from Fil-Am and other migrant/immigrant
communities. Last year upon the invitation of the Foundation for Support of the United Nations (FSUN), MHC began collaborating with the UN and
UN-affiliated organizations in New York aimed at amplifying at the international/global level, major issues of concern and interest to migrants. As
an initial step for MHC’s Consultative Status application through FSUN in the UN , one of its Executive Directors, Arnedo Valera, being the lawyer &
MHC’s spokesperson, has been designated first as FSUN’s representative to the United Nations on Migration, Global Peace and Security.
MHC is headed by three ( 3) Executive Directors with the guidance of a Board of Directors and support of various Event Partner Advisers (MHC
Envoys for Unity and Service), Technical Consultants and volunteers, who are leaders and key members of the Fil-Am community and other
immigrant communities. They are 1) former Diplomat Grace Valera-Jaramillo; 2) Businessman Jesse A. Gatchalian ; and 3) Lawyer Arnedo S.
Valera. The three are pro-active leaders in their respective fields and recipient of Awards like the Twenty Outstanding Filipinos in America/Abroad
(TOFA) and other Civic, Leadership, Academic & Community Service Recognition Awards. All of them are GPFF’s Ambassador for Peace and are
very active leaders / key people of other Fil-Am / Asian community organizations among them are the Asia Heritage Foundation, Ilocano Society of
America (ISA)/ Miss Teen Philippines-America, Philippine American Chamber of Commerce (PACC), University of Santo Tomas Alumni Ass’n in
America (USTAAA) and the Asian American Business Conference (AABC).
Only on its 6th year, MHC has embarked on projects/ events beneficial to migrants/ immigrants. It also aims to honor and recognize migrants’
/immigrants’ positive contribution towards strengthening the fibers of the Philippine and U.S. societies. With its “Most Outstanding Immigrant/Migrant
Awards and Special Awards”, MHC has institutionalized the recognition of truly deserving leaders/ organizations who have zealously served the
community. MHC has won numerous cases of Filipinos/ immigrants who have been discriminated, maltreated and/or battered, many of whom
have become helpless victims of human trafficking, illegal recruitment etc.
MHC has also been organizing events that have drawn record-breaking attendance and inspiring support from Fil-Am and other migrant/immigrant
communities. Last year upon the invitation of the Foundation for Support of the United Nations (FSUN), MHC began collaborating with the UN and
UN-affiliated organizations in New York aimed at amplifying at the international/global level, major issues of concern and interest to migrants. As
an initial step for MHC’s Consultative Status application through FSUN in the UN , one of its Executive Directors, Arnedo Valera, being the lawyer &
MHC’s spokesperson, has been designated first as FSUN’s representative to the United Nations on Migration, Global Peace and Security.
MHC held its very first International Migrant Rights Summit (IMRS) at the Washington Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in
the U.S. capital in June 2011. And in August this year, MHC for the first time sent its first MHC Youth Envoy
delegation to the World Youth Assembly at the UN, attended by over 600 youth leaders representing 45 countries
from all over the world.
With its many dedicated volunteers, Envoys for Unity and Service, partner organizations/ institutions (including the
Philippine Embassy, DC Commission on the Arts, Asia Heritage Foundation, Lions Club, Rotary Club, Fairfax City
Government etc.) and other supporters , MHC extends FREE consultations to immigrants and “kababayans” in need in
the areas of 1) immigration, discrimination, human trafficking, illegal recruitment and other highly significant cases
impacting on migrants; 2) healthcare screening/ support; 3) socio-economic and financial programs; 4) cultural
promotion support; 5) networking/outreach/ Designation of Envoys for Unity & Service; 6) research/publication (MH
Chronicle); 7) job skills and training programs in non-formal education modules; 8) MHC also provides funeral
assistance to Filipino immigrants who die bereft of funds and/ or without immediate relatives in the U.S. under its
Filipino Overseas Migrant Fund Program.
Among MHC’s institutionalized events in honoring the Migrants are Misa ng Bayan (People’s Mass), People’s Ball
(the biggest Fil-Am Community Gala in the U.S. capital region) and the Int'l Migrant Heritage Festival/ Migrant
Workers’ Day Celebration.
It has been mobilizing the community for high profile cultural events (Nat’l Cherry Blossoms Festival, FIESTA Asia,
Asian Festivals, Smithsonian Folklife Festivals, 4th of July America’s National Day Parade, Lunar New Year , Korean
Fest, Dance DC Festival etc.), other significant events (Global Peace Festival, Asian-American Business Conference
etc.) and humanitarian community undertakings. Its cultural arm, the MHC Fil-Am Dance Ensemble has been invited
to numerous significant cultural events/festivals bringing the vibrant and exotic diverse cultures to many leading
venues and encouraging Fil-Am youth to be proud of their Filipino heritage. The ensemble has also popularized
TINIKLING bamboo dance and its fusion variations in the U.S. capital region and beyond.
============================================================================================
The Migrant Heritage (MH) Chronicle News Flash is under the Research, Information, and Publication Program of the
Migrant Heritage Commission (MHC) with Arnedo Valera, Esq. as Editor-in-Chief and New York-based Marivir
Montebon, as Managing Editor.
MHC, a non-profit, 501 (c) 3 service-oriented non-governmental organization, is managed by three executive
directors: Arnedo Valera, Grace Valera-Jaramillo, and Jesse Gatchalian.
the U.S. capital in June 2011. And in August this year, MHC for the first time sent its first MHC Youth Envoy
delegation to the World Youth Assembly at the UN, attended by over 600 youth leaders representing 45 countries
from all over the world.
With its many dedicated volunteers, Envoys for Unity and Service, partner organizations/ institutions (including the
Philippine Embassy, DC Commission on the Arts, Asia Heritage Foundation, Lions Club, Rotary Club, Fairfax City
Government etc.) and other supporters , MHC extends FREE consultations to immigrants and “kababayans” in need in
the areas of 1) immigration, discrimination, human trafficking, illegal recruitment and other highly significant cases
impacting on migrants; 2) healthcare screening/ support; 3) socio-economic and financial programs; 4) cultural
promotion support; 5) networking/outreach/ Designation of Envoys for Unity & Service; 6) research/publication (MH
Chronicle); 7) job skills and training programs in non-formal education modules; 8) MHC also provides funeral
assistance to Filipino immigrants who die bereft of funds and/ or without immediate relatives in the U.S. under its
Filipino Overseas Migrant Fund Program.
Among MHC’s institutionalized events in honoring the Migrants are Misa ng Bayan (People’s Mass), People’s Ball
(the biggest Fil-Am Community Gala in the U.S. capital region) and the Int'l Migrant Heritage Festival/ Migrant
Workers’ Day Celebration.
It has been mobilizing the community for high profile cultural events (Nat’l Cherry Blossoms Festival, FIESTA Asia,
Asian Festivals, Smithsonian Folklife Festivals, 4th of July America’s National Day Parade, Lunar New Year , Korean
Fest, Dance DC Festival etc.), other significant events (Global Peace Festival, Asian-American Business Conference
etc.) and humanitarian community undertakings. Its cultural arm, the MHC Fil-Am Dance Ensemble has been invited
to numerous significant cultural events/festivals bringing the vibrant and exotic diverse cultures to many leading
venues and encouraging Fil-Am youth to be proud of their Filipino heritage. The ensemble has also popularized
TINIKLING bamboo dance and its fusion variations in the U.S. capital region and beyond.
============================================================================================
The Migrant Heritage (MH) Chronicle News Flash is under the Research, Information, and Publication Program of the
Migrant Heritage Commission (MHC) with Arnedo Valera, Esq. as Editor-in-Chief and New York-based Marivir
Montebon, as Managing Editor.
MHC, a non-profit, 501 (c) 3 service-oriented non-governmental organization, is managed by three executive
directors: Arnedo Valera, Grace Valera-Jaramillo, and Jesse Gatchalian.
Photos courtesy of Manny Lopez Jr,, Rodney Jaleco and other MHC
Envoys. For more information, please visit www.migrantheritage.org
or email migrantheritage@gmail.com
Washington D.C., U.S.A. (1) 202-247-0117 or 202-631-8856
(1) 703-273-1196
Envoys. For more information, please visit www.migrantheritage.org
or email migrantheritage@gmail.com
Washington D.C., U.S.A. (1) 202-247-0117 or 202-631-8856
(1) 703-273-1196
