photo: Ambassador Willy Gaa and Atty. Ian Purganan (moderator QandA)

By Ning Rogge

Seattle, WA. The Filipino Community of Seattle the Philippine Ambassador to the United States Willy C. Gaa a warm welcome on July 13 at the Filipino Community of Center on Martin Luther King Way.

Ambassador Gaa opened with a reassuring message from the 15^th President of the Philippines Benigno Aquino Jr. III.  “ His inauguration was highlighted by the pledge of Filipinos to share the task of nation- building and preservation of democracy”.   He added, ” Commitment to good governance is crucial to establishing good business relationship with other countries”.  President Aquino’s election victory was inspired by his campaign pledge to end corruption and fight poverty that thrived during the nearly 10-year rule of his predecessor.

Ambassador Gaa’s visit to Seattle was preceded by an invitation from Boeing.  He met with Boeing executives and toured their facility.  “ We discussed issues that concern them as they do business with the Philippines”.   He met with Mayor Mike McGinn to discuss US- Philippine relations and visited Microsoft.  There, he met with Filipino employees.

“ Our message is clear, the Philippines remains a viable investment destination.  It did not fall into a recession this past two years”, he stressed. 

Improving transportation infrastructure to better facilitate trade and tourism is one of President Aquino’s priorities. The Philippines is the 30^th largest export destination of US goods.  Among them are: semiconductors; wheat; telecommunications equipment; measuring, testing, and control instruments; computer accessories, and other industrial machines.   Other key sectors are: business process outsourcing, biofuels, oil, gas exploration, and agribusiness.

But the issue that was clearly foremost in the ambassador’s mind was the passage of the SAVE Act.  In earnest appeal, Gaa called on Filipino Americans’ help pass the Save Our Industries Act of 2009" or the SAVE Act by calling legislators in their home states for its passage.

 “If enacted, the program will facilitate higher levels of trade of textiles and apparel between US and Philippines and will create about 400,000 more jobs in the Philippines and here in the US”.   The bill will allow Philippine made apparel of US made fabric to enter US duty free; and clothes made in the Philippines of US yarns will have reduced tariff.  On December 21, 2010, the bill will expire if not passed.  Currently, it is pending at the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee.

The measure was co-sponsored by Democratic Hawaii Senators Daniel K. Inouye and Daniel K. Akaka. It was also introduced by Rep. Jim McDermott, a senior member of the House Ways & Means Trade Subcommittee, under House Resolution 3039, gaining co-sponsorships from 11 congressmen led by Congressman Brian Bilbray and Filipino-American Congressman Steve Austria.

During the question and answer portion, tension in the room piqued when a question turned into a “cathartic” moment for an impassioned activist.  The question was about the Philippine government’s action plan to eradicate human rights violation.  Seemingly at a loss for answers, Gaa concluded by saying,” I will be sure to convey these issues in my report to the President.  I ask for your patience as these issues are not easy to answer”.  Other questions asked were on: tourism, trade and commerce and human trafficking.

Enlivened by the performance of the Filipino Youth Activities Drill Team (FYA Drill Team) , a nationally acclaimed  youth group, the tone of the gathering immediately eased up.   FYA Drill Team performed with their usual breathtaking excellence.   The Young Once of International Drop In Center ( IDIC) opened the program with their National Anthems rendition.  The Young Once is a dance and choral group consisting of men and women elders.  The IDIC is a non- profit organization providing service for seniors, mostly of Filipino ancestry, in greater Seattle area.

From serious discussion of global issues and responsibility to heated and emotional question and answer, with food and entertainment in between, the program wrapped up with the Ambassador serenading over one hundred and fifty community leaders, activists, families, elders and students from all over King County with karaoke songs. It was an evening with no dull moment.