Bantay Bata and FAEALA

This public service announcement for Bantay Bata is now showing all around the globe through TFC and locally in the Philippines on Ch 2. Thanks to Ferdz for posting.

FAEALA welcomes a partnership with Tina Monzon-Palma and Bantay Bata

When Bantay Bata's program director Tina Monzon-Palma contacted Daniel Gumarang earlier this year to explore how the Filipino American Educators Association of Los Angeles (FAEALA) might assist, FAEALA and its members expressed more than interest. Banta Bata 163, is a non-governmental organization created by the Philippine media network ABS-CBN. As a child welfare program, its core mission it to rescue and help abused children. According to Ms. Monson-Palma, she is visiting with a variety of community organizations in the United States to solicit support for her organization's efforts to provide "for a child go to school, and to support a child to be able to eat everyday.” As a professional group of educators, FAEALA may be an untapped resource given its members' skills and knowledge.

During the meeting that included a presentation followed by a two-hour conversation on topics that include the state of Philippine education, teacher professional development and other areas of mutual interest, Ms. Monson-Palma described several instances of child abuse occurring in the Philippines and what Bantay Bata in conjunction with local authorities are doing. According to Ms. Monson-Palma, "the biggest kind of abuse that occurs in the Philippines is neglect. We are experiencing an upward trend in the number of children now being neglected. Not only are their stomachs not fed, their minds are also starving for an education. We are concentrating on feeding and education because the number of neglected, uneducated, and unhealthy children is expected to grow and this cannot be good for the Philippines or any other country."

As the conversation progressed, it became clear that there are specific areas of opportunity for FAEALA members to collaborate with Banta-Bata beyond financial donations. In terms of providing professional development to Philippine service providers for example, Ms. Monson-Palma was elated about the possibilities. "I’m really so pleased that many of you here are experts when it comes to the education of people with special-needs. We have a difficulty looking for special needs teachers and providing the latest training to those we have. I don’t know how I can convince you to go back there...”

This visit and conversations are just the initial steps of what FAEALA hope to be a meaningful and sustained partnership with Ms. Monson-Palma and Bantay Bata.

Coffee with Tina Monzon-Palma

It is with great honor and pride that the Filipino American Educators Association of Los Angeles host legendary Filipino broadcast journalist and Bantay Bata program director Tina Monzon-Palma on Saturday, May 7, 2011 at Covina UMC.

Ms. Monzon-Palma will be in the United States as part of the 2011 Bantay Bata US Caravan. Specifically, the purpose of her visit is to touch base with the Filipino communities in California and personally share the scope of programs and services provided by Bantay Bata to Filipino children. In its 14 year history, Bantay Bata has grown from a 24/7 Hotline and Rescue operation, to a nationwide Child Helpline, to whom countries throughout Asia come to learn how to provide support and establish programs designed to protect children.

Coffee with Tina Monzon-Palma
Saturday, May 7, 2011 at 1:00 pm
Covina United Methodist Church
437 West San Bernardino Road Covina, CA 91723-1588

This is a free event and space is limited. Please let us know of your attendance by registering. For inquiries, please contact us via email at faeala@gmail.com. Thank you.

Fil-Am Esteban Appointed President of Seton Hall

Congratulations to Dr. A. Gabriel Esteban who was recently named Seton Hall's 20th president. Located in Seton Hall is South Orange, Seton Hall is New Jersey's largest Catholic University. Dr. Esteban holds a Ph.D. from the Graduate School of Management at the University of California at Irvine, an M.S. in Japanese Business Studies from Chaminade University in Honolulu, and an M.B.A. and B.S. in mathematics from the University of the Philippines.