PSA for Texas Flood Victims, Historic Kalayaan 2025 Highlights

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
For Filipinos and Friends of Filipinos in the US (Please share)
July-August 2025

The Filipino-American communities throughout Texas are heart-broken for their friends and friends of friends who were affected by the deadly floods that ravaged houses and drowned families along the 100-mile long Guadalupe River in Central Texas. The Filipinos have arranged prayer vigils and fund-raisers for the victims. About 140 people, including 35 children died, and dozens still missing.

Our hearts and our prayers go out to all the victims of the disaster, especially the many young children who have perished or are still missing. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” — Psalm 46:1

Homes have been lost. Lives forever changed. But in the face of tragedy, we  believe in the strength of compassion and collective action.

Join us in helping those affected begin to rebuild. Your voluntary donation can provide emergency aid, food, shelter and long-term recovery support.

The PACC Texas Foundation is the humanitarian arm of the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Texas, with active regional chambers in Dallas, Houston, Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio and Austin. Over the years, it has been in the forefront of providing rapid response and  support to victims of natural disasters both here and in the Philippines.

Voluntary donations of any amount to the flood victims through the PACC Texas Foundation are tax-deductible. Each donor will receive a tax-deduction certificate and a full report on how the funds were distributed.

Please click on https://pacctxfoundation.org

North Texas Fil-Ams captured the true essence of Kalayaan in historic celebration of Philippine Independence Day in Grand Prairie, Texas

Filipinos in North Texas under the auspices of the Filipino Leaders Coalition of North Texas (FILCON) founded by Gus and Ethel Mercado created a celebration that would make our heroes proud.  Their program captured the true essence and spirit of the Filipinos’ independence from tyranny and colonial rule. This story which was written in blood, was memorialized in FILCON’s solemn tribute to WWII surviving veterans including the 100-year-old Sgt. Ken Sumrall who was with the landing forces of Gen. Douglas MacArthur in the Philippines as a 17-year-old Marine. Following a solemn flag-raising and wreath laying ceremony officiated by Consul General Gunther Sales, along with the  Metroplex city mayors, the tribute to our fallen heroes and surviving veterans continued with a special ceremony to honor Filipino and American heroes of WWII represented by their children and grandchildren.  Consul General Gunther Sales recognized each one with a special gold medal of honor. Famous Filipino saxophonist played the Star Spangled Banner to a mesmerized crowd, while FILCON director Madonna Bennett sang the Philippine national anthem.

After the solemn tribute to living veterans and heroes who sacrificed their lives in defense of freedom, a very special cultural program of regional music, street dancing, regal regional costumes, religious customs, native children’s games and stunning visuals from the three major islands Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao ensued. The cultural program also featured patriotic numbers from participating organizations and performing artists.

During the 3-hour special program, two world-renowned Filipino sculptors were honored. Elaine Bordeaux unveiled her bust of Dr. Jose Rizal while Nixxio Castrillo announced his upcoming design of a special Bataan Death March memorial monument in the DFW area.

Participating organizations included DMIC Church,  PCCI,  Edd M Philippine Dance Company, Helping Hands, Hiligaynon, Karilagan,  Maharlika,  PRDC, NTAACA, PACC Texas Foundation, PACE, Pamana, Pacc Texas DFW, Filipino Teachers of North Texas, and the  PNA of  North Texas.

Click on these links for the short highlights of the historic celebration. Turn on your volume to truly enjoy the videos.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DoKvSZEzhMlVsnGce-2RfRwrD5Df2JR_/view?usp=sharing

Solemn Tribute to living WWII veterans and heroes who have died, represented by their sons and daughters:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/11kPtf9DkReamqqZ-uo72WbCCXqkaHk2u/view?usp=sharing