A century of opportunities

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor GUILLERMO TEJIDA III Desk Editor NANETTE L. GUADALQUIVER Busines Editor ERIC T. LORETIZO Sports Editor (On Leave) RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

It's a century of Filipino presence that was celebrated over the weekend in Washington D.C., the capital of the United States, where a gala reception was held. Filipino-American leaders from all parts of the United States attended the celebration where Filipinos and Americans of Filipino roots were lauded by U.S. officials who are supportive of them in their pursuit for greater integration into the U.S. mainstream.

The immigration of Filipinos to the United States has eventually led to a better socio-economic situation not only for those who searched for greener pastures in America but also for their relatives in the Philippines to whom they have sent hard-earned dollars.

Filipinos are among those with the biggest ethnic population in major cities of the Untied States. Any town or, perhaps, barangay in the country has, at least, a family member or two in the United States with their relatives depending on them for their subsistence as well as education.

Ironically, the celebration comes at a time when the United States government is apparently tightening measures on immigration, including the fate of about 12 million residents, who have entered the country illegally. We can safely assume that a great slice of this number are Filipinos as proven in published photos of protesters' ranks which show Fil-Ams side by side with Mexicans, who are also largely affected by the U.S. immigration clampdown.

As we join our fellow Filipinos and relatives in this 100 years of celebration of far-reaching opportunities, we also articulate our deep concern for their continued well-being and as they carve their marks in their adopted country. The same concern is expressed in the hope that the amity that stemmed from these opportunities will remain mutual --- and devoid of the strains of class and color discrimination and bias for the Filipinos.

Like in other parts of the world, Filipinos have proven that they contribute to the growth of their new home country in keeping with the spirit of international solidarity. We have proven in so many ways that the Filipino is a citizen not only of his country but also of the world.*