Sections San Diego Happenings Romy Marquez Disputes the NaFFAA Statement on the San Diego Wildfires
| Romy Marquez Disputes the NaFFAA Statement on the San Diego Wildfires |
Romy Marquez Disputes the NaFFAA Statement on the San Diego Wildfires
NAFFAA Statement on the Wildfires in San Diego County |
by Alma Q. Kern, National Chair
|
Saying that a specific number ("250,000 displaced San Diego County residents") of people had been affected by the wildfires was like a wild guess by and from the NaFFAA. I was thinking the figure was the estimated number of Filipinos in San Diego County.
Moreover, stating that "many Filipino American families may be in harm's way" and "are in need of immediate assistance and relief" opens the way for what may already be a plan, i.e., to conduct a fund-raising for alleged fire victims.
In the last four days, I've seen only three Filipino brothers who live and work in the town of Ramona and who are now temporarily relocated in one of the shelters. Most Filipino families whose homes were threatened sought the help of their extended families - relatives, friends, friends of friends, etc.
The truth right now is that the authorities have politely declined any more donations of food, clothing, etcetera, etc. because there's been an outpouring of community and corporate support.
I wonder how NaFFAA came up with 250,000. A small fraction of it may be correct but to say "many Filipino American families" is quite an exaggeration.
Capt. Cesar Solis, no doubt, is one of the first responders. But high up the ladder are the very responsible officials who are in the position to provide information and keep us abreast of the developments. Same with Councilman Fidelis Ungab.
Contrary to NaFFAA's claims that "The city has also opened their doors to house residents in surrounding neighborhoods", I have yet to see which door is being opened.
NaFFAA may be trying to put Capt. Solis and Councilman Ungab in the limelight and certainly this is not the way to do it.
The fact is that in National City, "the largest Filipino community" as NaFFAA called them, was never in danger since the start of the fire on Sunday. There's time for grandstanding and certainly this one isn't.
Editor’s Note: Romy Marquez is the editor of the Philippine Village Voice. He writes for the www.mabuhayradio.com. He can be reached at 619.265.0611 or at or at .
NAFFAA Statement on the Wildfires in San Diego County
by Alma Q. Kern, National Chair
National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA)
We are keeping in our thoughts and prayers the 250,000 displaced San Diego County residents who are affected by raging wildfires throughout the county. Over 1,000 acres of land have burned. We have been informed that many Filipino American families may be in harm's way and, like the many others, are in need of immediate assistance and relief.
JoAnn Fields, NaFFAA Regional X Chair, calls this disaster "the worst fire in the State of California with over 8 wildfires concurrently burning in the County of San Diego. We are thankful for San Diego 's first responders who assembled quickly to help the displaced, for our Governor who has declared a state of emergency and offered assistance from the State and Federal government."
Among the first responders is San Diego Police Dept. Captain Cesar Solis. He says that "this is a massive operation" that requires the quick deployment of resources and is pleased that emergency responses have improved significantly since the Cedar Fires in 2003. Capt. Solis has called for action plans to evacuate especially the elderly and disabled family members who need special assistance.
We are relieved to learn from National City Councilman Fidelis Ungab that the largest Filipino community is safe in National City. City agencies are contributing support to the County of San Diego by deploying fire trucks and police officers. The city has also opened their doors to house residents in surrounding neighborhoods.
Through our region chair, NaFFAA is in touch with the San Diego County emergency response team. There is also a link to the San Diego County emergency home page: www.sdcountyemergency.com, in case relatives would like to check if family members or friends may be in the evacuated areas.
We have also been assured that Volunteer San Diego is working with San Diego County 's 211 and the Red Cross to coordinate volunteer needs. Currently 2-1-1 San Diego is seeking volunteers to help in the next 72 hours to take calls and/or fill other roles that are needed. Anyone interested in volunteering may send an e-mail to Meg Storer at with your name, phone number where you can be reached, your email address and the dates/times that work best with your schedule.
JoAnn may also be reached via phone at 619-934-7847, or via text 858-342-6829, or e-mail at
Let us continue to pray for the families and public servants who are working hard throughout this crisis.
|
|