erbfoundation.org

October 20,2010 - 66th Anniversary of Leyte Landing

2010-10-02T15:27:00.000-07:00

In observance of the the 66th anniversary of Leyte Landing, the FVF is having a gathering at the St. Barnabas Senior Hall at 12:30 to 3 PM on October 20, 2010. We are located at 675 Carondelet St., in Los Angeles 90057. For a donation of $10, there will be a lunch at 12 Noon followed by a short program. The WWII Veterans are our premier guests and the invited guests are representative public officials and Veterans groups. Music and dancing will fulfill the day.

Join us. Call Vangie at 310-830-4561 for details.

2010-04-10T11:44:00.000-07:00

TRIBUTE
April 8, 2010
68th Anniversary of Bataan, A Day of Valor
Read by Dr. Jenny L. Batongmalaque

COL. TIRSO BALDEMOR

In 1996, a year after my father passed away, the late Col. Tirso Baldemor approached me and asked if I could join the newly formed Sons and Daughters of Filipino WWII Veterans. Col. Baldemor was active in running the two organizations close to his heart, the other being the Retired Armed Forces of the Philippines organization or RAFPO for short. It was mainly through his efforts which stirred the souls of officers and men who served in WWII to join the organizations where he gathered them and pushed for their recognition of services. And as they passed on, one by one, it was Col. Baldemor who orchestrated the memorial tributes, and paid homage.

I remember my first visit in Bataan, in April 9, 1997. We the sons and daughters, led by Paul Blanco and Col. Baldemor, kissed the sacred grounds of Bataan, at the foot of Mount Samat where an awesome Cross looms above our heads. It was also the first visit of Congressman Bob Filner, who came upon our invitation, and was the special guest of honor of then President Fidel V. Ramos. It was one memorable day I shall never forget. I was touched by the thousands of WWII Veterans surrounding us, surging upon us, and shaking our hands, telling us with their anxious looks, “do not forget Bataan, do not ever forget Bataan and what we did here.” I know for a fact that there were at least a few people who returned to America, who never forgot and had changed the rest of their lives. It had become a passion not to let go of that promise.

COMMODORE RAMON ALCARAZ

Commodore Ramon Alcaraz was a true officer and a gentleman. It was my late father who introduced us in the early eighties. But our paths did not meet until 2001, when we received a reply from the former President of the Philippines, Fidel V. Ramos accepting our invitation to attend the 60th Anniversary of the United States Armed Forces in the Philippines, held in Carson, California. I approached Commodore Alcaraz and sought his help to facilitate the visit of the former President. Since then he had become my godfather in word and in deed.

The Commodore knew my father since the Philippine Military Academy days. My Dad was his Senior. They fought in Bataan, and walked the Death March and became prisoners of war in Camp O’Donnell. When I showed him my father’s war diaries and the book I drafted for publication, he was thrilled.

In 2004, when we celebrated Bataan Day at the Patriotic Hall, he was one of our guest speakers, but did not show up. We learned that he met a horrific accident by a hit and run driver and almost lost his life. When I visited him the following day, he was all bandaged up and still dazed, but recognized me. The first thing he said was, “By golly, Jenny, I am an old man. I am ready to go. But I was told to return to tell you: publish that book of your Daddy. He was an unsung hero.” With that mandate straight from heaven, coming from the lips of the Commodore, I followed his command. And the rest is history.

Commodore Alcaraz and Col. Tirso Baldemor: You have been our guide and inspiration in continuing what we do here like today, a small act of remembrance to the heroes of Bataan, giving it our love and prayers, and the best of what we have. Continue to be our guiding light for someday we shall all meet again in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ, and we offer this tribute to both of you, Commodore Alcaraz and Col. Baldemor, on the 68th Anniversary of Bataan Day, a Day of Valor.

Jenny L. Batongmalaque MD
Executive Director
Filipino Veterans Foundation

CONCLUDING PRAYER
Read by Cmmdr. Ramon Lladoc, Veterans Center Association
Los Angeles

Please bow your heads:

Lord, you have given us this blessed day to celebrate the 68th anniversary of Bataan Day at Lake Street Park, where a monument is emplaced to remind the young generations and our loving friends of the unsung heroes of WWII in the Philippines.

As we continue our journey with your blessings, please do not forget our comrades who are homebound or in assisted living facilities, to give them strength and courage and hope.

We also thank those who fought for our recognition of services in the halls of Congress and the President of the United States, for including us in the Stimulus package, although many of us are still waiting for the bonus.

Thank you Lord, for those present here today who have given this day the highest honor and tribute to the heroes of WWII, with our love and prayers.

We now conclude this program.

Our Bataan legacy

2010-04-10T11:33:00.000-07:00

April 9, 1942:

The Crucible at Mount Samat

A timeless epic battle occurred at Mount Samat, Bataan, starting April 3 to April 9, 1942. Japan, with its rising Sun, overpowered the forces at the slopes of the Mountain, that stood witness to the blood being shed by the troops of the United States Armed Forces in the Far East to defend its turf.

The American Eagle was helplessly encircling but was nowhere in sight when the heavy fighting started, its Commander had left the premises a month earlier, with a promise to return with a convoy of 70 miles of armed units which did not arrive when it was needed at the zero hour. The surviving Philippine Commonwealth officers and men were left to carry the crucible to its finality and still did not want to surrender to its bitter end.

This is our Bataan legacy.
– The Filipino Veterans Foundation

Echoes from a distant past…

These excerpts are taken from the war diaries of a soldier who survived the epic battles of Bataan and the ordeals of a prisoner of war at Camp O’Donnell in Capas, Tarlac.

It was then Holy Week of April, 1942. Our Intelligence had reported that the Japanese were making big preparations for their big Offensive. A young American officer, with a note from General King and General Capinpin came to our Command Post. This young American officer was the commander of the Anti-Tank battalion to give us support in our sector. He had 22 American soldiers as members of the Anti-Tank crew.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday passed, and everything seemed quiet. But we all knew that the Japanese were busy preparing for their general Offensive all along the Line which were defended by the 41st, 21st, and 51st Divisions. (The author was the Executive Officer of the 21st and 23rd Battalions of the 21st Division-Ed). This area extended from the slopes of Mount Samat on the east, down to the seashore on the west.

For three days and three nights, we were all praying that the much awaited American convoy, supposed to be 70 miles long somewhere in the Pacific would really come to reinforce our much depleted and famished men! But there was no American convoy that arrived. They were all propaganda of the “Voice of Freedom,” just to keep our men hopeful and hold the line much longer.

Holy Thursday – April 2, 1942- After our early breakfast of soft boiled rice and scanty salmon and salt, our Regimental Chaplain, Fr. Ingal, said Holy Mass on an improvised altar near our Regimental Command Post, about half-way atop Mount Samat on its western slopes. About one hundred officers and men mostly sickly and wounded were attending this Mass that morning of Holy Thursday.

When Mass was about half-way, we saw nine Japanese bombers that were starting to circle above and around our sector. There were several other Japanese planes over the skies above the 41st and our left and the 51st on our right.
Upon hearing the drones of planes, most of the officers and men who were hearing that Mass soon scampered for air-raid shelters, jumping into fox holes and any available cover nearby. When Fr. Ingal looked back at me questioningly, I approached him and whispered, “ Just go on Father, try to finish the Mass.” And so, Fr. Ingal bravely continued to say the Mass. There were only about a dozen officers and me who continued to hear that Mass.

Suddenly, three by three, the nine Japanese dive bombers alternated diving and dropping bombs all over our sector. Miraculously, all of us who were attending the Mass were not hurt. But many of those who run away to seek shelter were killed and wounded.

April 3, Good Friday. The start of the all-out Japanese offensive.

When we reached our advance command post, two American young soldiers were starting to run to the rear, they were obviously shell-shocked. There were orders to shoot anyone who ran away as cowards. But instead of following that order, I told them to hand us their Garand rifles.

The Japanese dive bombers dropped bombs all over our sector, and their Artillery was pounding us heavily. Before sundown, on Good Friday, the Japanese were able to break through our lines. Our boys were starting to withdraw to the rear. At the beginning the withdrawal was orderly, but when it was getting dark, there was great confusion. Our own men were also shell-shocked.

Holy Saturday, April 4, the Japanese had surrounded Mount Samat. Our Division Commander, General Capinpin, and most of his Staff Officers were captured by the enemy.
By nightfall, there were about twenty officers and about 200 men that regrouped with us in a ravine along the Samat trail on the southeast slope of Samat Mountain. We decided to take the least guarded terrain of the mountain to escape the Japanese encirclement. With extreme precaution during our slow movement by midnight , we went up and down the ravenous territory. When we dashed across the trail, a great commution attracted the Japanese sentries who opened fire. There was a great confusion. The long column was broken at several points. Officers and men ran in all directions. Most of us could not get out of the encirclement—and about 900 of our men died or were captured by the Japanese. There were only twenty of us who were left when we regrouped about 3 Kms southeast of Samat.

We finally reached Balanga, where hundreds of officers and men regrouped coming from different divisions. When we reached Little Baguio, there were rumors that General King had already ordered the USAFFE to surrender to the Japs. All of us, Filipino officers and most of the men, did not want to surrender.

We were leaving Little Baguio around midnight and ammunition dumps were set on fire. General Francisco asked if anyone of us would want to raise the white flag as a sign to the Japanese that we were to surrender, not one of the 3,000 officers and men raised his hand. Instead, several of us cried unashamedly, we did not want to surrender. We wanted to fight some more.

April 7, we were ordered to move south until Km 182 (Mariveles-Baguio road. We were all very tired, sleepy and hungry.

April 8 – Wednesday, the Japanese officers and our generals conferred concerning the surrender. All our arms were taken up. I way saying goodbye to my old personal friend, my personal pistol, a hero in Mindanao for nine years among Moro outlaws.

April 9- Thursday, the Surrender.

We had no longer our Division Commander, General Capinpin, who was captured in Mount Samat. We started our march at Km. 181, near Mariveles, where we were temporarily concentrated for two days. There was no food. No water. Then we were made to march to what was to become the infamous Bataan Death March.

These are the words penned by my father, Erasto R. Batongmalaque, (26 July, 1905 , Negros Occ., Philippines – 9 March, 1995, Los Angeles), a fallen hero in the defense of Bataan, while he was incarcerated among thousands in Camp O’Donnell. Circa April to September, 1942.
- Jenny L. Batongmalaque, MDApril 3, 2010, Los Angel

2010-04-10T11:11:00.000-07:00

Filipino Veterans Foundation
Invites you to attend the
68th Anniversary of Bataan Day – A Day of Valor
April 8, 2010
10 AM

Lake Street Park
227 Lake Street
Los Angeles, CA 90026

Program

10 AM Registration
10:30 Welcome - Col. Joseph Smith, Director
Dept. of Military and Veterans Affairs, Co. of Los Angeles

Presentation of Colors
National Anthems
Invocation Pastor Dan de Asis, Voice of Truth, Baptist Church
The Pledge of Allegiance

Remarks 1) Dept. of Veterans Affairs, Los Angeles Regional Office
- Kerrie Witty
2) Philippine Consul General, Mary Jo Bernardo – Aragon

Echoes from the Distant Past Dr. Jenny L. Batongmalaque,
Executive Director, Filipino Veterans Foundation

Congressional Report - Col. Romeo Monteyro and Cmdr. Manuel Braga
Report from the Veterans Home of CA –GLAVC – Louis Koff (invited)

Tribute to Commodore Ramon Alcaraz and Col. Tirso Baldemor
Acknowledgment
Wreath Laying Officials
Taps

Concluding Remarks - Cmmdr. Ramon Lladoc
Veterans Center Association
March 26, 2010

Prelude to the Bataan Day, a Day of Valor

On the 68th Anniversary of Bataan Day, A Day of Valor, we pay homage to the fallen heroes of Bataan, the majority having now passed on to the Ages, but for a few who are still amongst us.

As we take a moment to recapture their courage and bravery in the face of defeat, when they were barely out of their teens, we are profoundly indebted to each one of them and hold them dear to our hearts as they quietly disappear before us in their dotage.

In time, not one of these heroes who survived the epic saga of Bataan will be around to tell the story in the first person, nor will the immediate descendants who extol their heroism will be around to remember them with clarity and charity.

But for as long as Democracy, Liberty, Freedom and Honor are enjoyed when two or three are gathered, the fallen heroes of Bataan will forever be vindicated.

To the surviving ones, there is hope for the pursuit of happiness. This past year the quest for recognition of services has been achieved in one final swoop in the passage of the stimulus package bonus. However, only 30% to date had received the monetary benefits, and the rest will have to wait until the very bitter end. There are still other matters of import: the reunification of families, and finally a place for a safe haven in an assisted living facility, where their heroism is fully recognized and appreciated.

All of us are ready, willing and able to assist the surviving heroes as they mingle amongst us today, tomorrow and always, and for those whom we sorely miss, they have our prayers and our loving memory.

God Bless America!

Jenny L. Batongmalaque, M.D.
Executive Director
Filipino Veterans Foundation
2615 So. Grand Ave. Ste 100
Los Angeles, CA 90007
213-746-9093 FAX 213-746-9050
www.erbfoundation.org

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

DEPT. OF MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS
Col. Joseph N. Smith, Director of the DMVA, Los Angeles County
Secretaries: Tatiana Rosas, Josephine Richardson
Robert Saxon, Chief of Veterans Service Officers, L.A. County
Counselors: Alex dela Vara
George Dixon
Armand Assayag
Peter Roman
Secretaries: Gladys Romero, Antoniette Ventura
Veterans Affairs Commission of the County of Los Angeles
Dr. Carole Goguen, Psychology, VA Medical Center, PTSD Group Therapist
Lauren Glamb, Asst. Psychologist
Alberto Alpasan, CA Regional DVA, West Los Angeles Office
The Philippine Consulate General and Con Gen Mary Ann Bernardo-Aragon
Col. Romy Monteyro, Advocate, Filipino Veterans Equity
Cmmdr. Manuel Braga, Filipino Veterans Federation, San Diego
Col. Ed Ramsey
General Tagumpay Nanadiego
The Late Commodore Ramon Alcaraz
The Late Col. Tirso Baldemor
Veterans Center Association, Los Angeles VCA, Carson:
Post Cmmdr. Ramon Lladoc Cmdr. Wilfredo Credo
Cmmdr. Emeritus, Roger Dagdag Teofilo Eborda
Jose C. Reyes Lauro Catipon
Teogines Esternon Virginia Bobiles
Vicente Palad Ladd Garrido
Miguel Narzabal
Faustino Renotas
The USDA Commodity Supplemental Food Bank Program: Hilda Ayala & Staff
Volunteers: Connie Vasilj Maria Gutierrez Peter Lak
Conrad Villasenor Ronika Thomas Michelle Clines
Pancho Matilde Credo Katherine Dubois
Victoria Zopfi Romeo Bejo Paraluman Tabuena
NAPCA: Jose C. Reyes and Mrs. Reyes Lilia De Jesus
Lourdes Cabanilla Lawrence Wood
Rey Manalo
The Erasto. R. Batongmalaque Foundation/ Filipino Veterans Foundation
Administrators: Vangie Beltran and Linda Organo
Board of Directors:
Chairman of the Board: - Lilia Ramos, RN
Members: Marcelino Ines, Dr. Manuel Baculi
Dr. Calinica Semense, Jojo Morales
and
Thank You for your participation!

Food Bank Distribution

2010-01-10T19:01:00.000-08:00

Note: Click on the images below to enlarge

Español

Food Bank Arrives in Carson

2010-01-10T18:50:00.000-08:00

PRESS ADVISORY For Immediate Release

January 8, 2010

Contact: Dr. Jenny L. Batongmalaque

Senior Assessment Center

Erasto R. Batongmalaque Foundation

23247 So. Main Street

Carson, CA 90745

310-835-8365 FAX: 310-835-3529

e-mail: drjennyb@erbfoundation.org

www.erbfoundation.org

Food Bank Distribution Center arrives in Carson, CA

The Erasto R. Batongmalaque Foundation is pleased to announce the arrival the of the Food Bank Distribution Center in Carson, CA through the cooperation of the management of the Food Bank Center in Alameda, the auspices of the Carson Community Center, and the assistance of volunteers of the E.R.B. Foundation, and the Filipino Veterans Foundation.

The federally-funded Commodity Supplemental Food Program is free and open to all low-income seniors 60 years and over, residing in Los Angeles County, particularly residents of South Bay. You can pre-apply at the E.R.B. Foundation in Carson, during business hours, Monday through Saturday from 9: AM to 3 PM. Interested parties need to present California I.D. or Driver’s license, proof-of-income (Soc. Sec. or SSI or pension, bank statement, or check stub) or the Medi-Cal card or Food Stamp Card for identification purposes only, and receive free, 40 lbs of canned goods, cheese and occasional produce which are packaged into 2 sturdy, plastic bags per person, and doubles per couple.

The opening date will be held on February 8, Monday, at 9:00AM- 12 PM, and every 2^nd Monday of every month thereafter, at the 3 Civic Plaza, Carson, CA, 90745, also known as the Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald Community Center for Seniors.

To facilitate the process for qualification, please call or drop by the E.R.B. Foundation office prior to the distribution date, located at 23247 So. Main Street, Carson, CA 90745. Telephone: Vangie at 310-830-4561. or e-mail: drjennyb@erbfoundation.org. Visit our website at www.erbfoundation.org. For further inquiries you may call the Office of the Mayor, the City of Carson Community Center (310-835-0212) or the Food Bank Delivery Programs Director, Hilda Ayala at 323-234-3030 x 168.

The Erasto R. Batongmalaque Foundation provides a free consultation for assessing needs of disadvantaged seniors at the Senior Assessment Center, which is a resource and referral center in areas of health, education, cultural, social and recreational activities for seniors. The Filipino Veterans Foundation is an equal opportunity program, and has worked closely with the Food Bank for the past 6 years at the Patriotic Hall in Los Angeles and currently at Lake Street Park in Los Angeles.

FOOD BANK PICTORIAL COMMENTS:

A PARKING LOT NEEDED.

1.Truck rolls in

2. Bringing forklift in Volunteers

unload the bins from the truck.

3. Getting bags ready Volunteers

get the bags ready for distribution

4. Distributing the 2 bags

per person

October Events

2009-10-30T16:46:00.000-07:00

October 10, 2009
Relief Goods For Ondoy Victims

October 20, 2009
Leyte Landing Remembance

65th Anniversary

Los Angeles, Filipino Veterans Foundation Community Hall

October 24, 2009
Luau Party At Union Hall 675, Carson, CA

L-R: Dr. Jenny, Cmmdr. Fred Credo, Cmsner Lauro Catipon, Mayor Jim Dear and Councilman Elito Santarina

Filipino Veterans with Induction of Carson's Elected Officers

2009-09-25T15:34:00.000-07:00

The LECHON sponsored by Jojo Morales & Victoria Zofti

Staff attending the Picnic, Argent Medical Group, a major sponsor

Mayor Dear with the elected officers of the Veterans Center Association of Carson with the sponsorship of the Filipino Veterans Foundation

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony of the Senior Assessment Center in Carson was a well-attended three-part event on August 15, 2009 in 23247 So. Main, Carson, C

2009-08-31T12:57:00.000-07:00

Mayor Dear hamming it up before the children, the future of the legacy of the E.R.B. Foundation at the Ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Senior Assessment Center. Left to right: partly seen, Joe Merton, the former Councilman Harold Williams, Commissioners Venit Relatores, Marcelino Ines, Mayor Dear, Vice Cmmdr. Fred Credo, Edith Credo, Dr. Jenny, Cmmdr. Lladoc, and Teogines Esternon.

PRESS RELEASE:
Contact: Dr. Jenny L. Batongmalaque
Executive Director, Filipino Veterans Foundation
Medical Director, Senior Assessment Center
23247 So. Main Street, Carson, CA 90745
310-835-8365 FAX: 310-835-3529
http://www.erbfoundation.org/

Two weeks prior to the event, the newly re-elected Commander of the Veterans Center Association of Carson, Pedro Paginag, and the former secretary of the Erasto R. Batongmalaque Foundation, Marissa Benavides, met a fatal motor vehicular accident on August 1st. Benavides died a few hours after the accident, and Paginag succumbed to complications 10 days later.

Part I of the Opening Ceremony was a tribute and a salute to both volunteers of the E.R.B. Foundation and the Filipino Veterans Foundation of Los Angeles. Dr. Jenny Batongmalaque, was the Emcee, and led the prayers and expressions of loss from the membership. Pastor Danny Gadia and Sister Grace, both ministers from different churches helped many in the audience who were visibly overcome by the grief and loss of the deceased as they prayed for the dead and the living. The two Commanders of the Veterans Center Association of Los Angeles, Ramon Lladoc, and Acting Commander, Vice-Cmmdr Fred Credo of Carson, gave their final salute.

Part II was the Health and Wellness Expo, with the participation of varied speakers covering senior health issues and services. Aileen Harper of the Center for Health Rights spoke on the impact of the changes in Medi-Cal and Medicare, and distributed flyers and pamphlets on numbers to call if anyone had specific questions.
Cara Rice of the Dial-A-Ride division of the City of Carson gave the information and accepted applications for obtaining the tickets for Carson. She also gave a list of field trips planned by the City which anyone can avail of. Tangela McKinley was the representative from the Social Security Administration, who distributed informational materials. Lilia Ramos and Dr. Jenny expounded on the new concept being debated in Congress and Town Hall meetings on Health Reform. The patient-centered, primary care based medical home is now hotly considered to be the new administration’s health reform. The seniors will be much benefited if they have long-term, chronic illnesses, if this health reform will be enacted.

The booths and volunteers covered the Tesca Hospice, represented by Joey Marquez and Rick Corpuz. The Greater South Bay Home Health Agency, led by Lilia Ramos and staff who participated in full force and John Mabasa,DON, as chef, prepared the hot dogs and hamburgers. Gilbert Lazaro, Joseph Sevilla and Roselyn Sacay were seen coordinating the event with a dozen other volunteers. The Crystal Home Health Agency of Long Beach, participated with the attendance of Jerry and Gladys Magsino. The L.A. Care and Easy Choice Health Plans, represented by Jojo Morales and Jennina Salvador explained what Medicare Advantage managed care was about. Imelda Bautista and Ma Luisa Palac displayed products of the Melaleuca for anti-aging and other products for the household. Paraluman Tabuena had answers on Pre-Need Insurance with choices from two insurance companies. Del’s Pharmacy also sponsored the event. Don Lawrence, CEO of the After 40 Medical Partners, LLC, was the sound and music technical volunteer of the day.

Volunteers included two physicians who are both educators and instructors on learning skills taking care of oneself and staying independent as long as one can. Dr. Ritz Asirot and Dr. Beth Manag are regulars at the “Ask the Doctor” series held at the Senior Assessment Center on Thursdays. Donna Salonga, a Nurse Practitioner of the Greater South Bay Home Health, works with the Argent Medical Group next door. She offered to teach nursing skills to family caregivers, in the “Ease the Burden” series at the Center.
Vangie Beltran, Maria Gutierrez and Ronika Thomas were volunteers of the Argent Medical Group, a primary care geriatric based practice next door. The volunteers of the Senior Assessment Center were Lilia de Jesus, Willy Salazar, Connie Vasilj, Adelina Dogelio, Edith Credo, Aurora de Guzman, Rosita Ignacio, Elisa Eborda and Virginia Bobiles.

The members of the Board of Directors of the Filipino Veterans Foundation who attended were: Dr. Calinica Semense, who will be directing the free clinic to be held at the Center, recruiting volunteers from Physicians and Nurses, together with Dr. Manuel Baculi (unable to attend the event). Commissioner Marcy Ines of Carson, an old guard of the Foundation, gave his greetings to the City of Carson.
The newly appointed Board of Directors are namely, Lilia Ramos,RN, CEO of the Greater South Bay Home Health Care; Rudy Manag, a practicing Accountant; and Jojo Morales, a health care senior management consultant. Absent Board of Directorwere Mila Velasquez, RN, a retired Nurse Practitioner of the VA and Dr. Ed Banez is the current Chairman of the Board.

Guests from the City of Carson were: Commissioner Venit Relatores, Joe Merton, President of CONFAA, Maria Pilapil and Rose Ela of the Friendship Club of Carson,
and numerous friends.

Part III of the event was the arrival of the Mayor of the City of Carson, Jim Dear, who formally cut the ribbon to open the Senior Assessment Center in Carson. Prior to this ceremony, he presented three certificates of appreciation, one, recognizing the contribution of the United States Armed Forces in the Far East, (USAFFE), on its 68th Anniversary, to Commander Ramon Lladoc. The second was given to the Erasto R. Batongmalaque Foundation for the opening of the Senior Assessment Center in the City of Carson, which will be considered an asset to the City helping its Seniors. He endorses the proposal to make the City of Carson the site of the demonstration project of delivering the patient-centered medical home pulling together all the human and health services in the City with the mission of improving one’s quality of life, as a way of lowering the health care costs. The third certificate was an appreciation for the leadership and vision of the Foundation. Dr. Jenny accepted both acknowledgments and promised the Mayor that “everything that happens in this Center, you will be the first to know, Mr. Mayor.! The Senior Assessment Center is where we assess the needs of any disadvantaged senior and establish a resource and referral center. It is open to all.”

Earlier, Mayor Pro Tem Lula Davis gave her greetings and welcome to Carson. Mayor Dear was accompanied by Councilmember Julie Ruiz-Raber, who acknowledged the dream of the Filipino Veterans Foundation putting up a “Bayani Center” while it was stationed at the Patriotic Hall in 2002-2006. “ Don’t ever give up on this dream,” she counseled.

2009-07-22T17:23:00.000-07:00

July 22, 2009
To celebrate the 68th Anniversary of the USAFFE, the United States Armed Forces in the Far East,

You are cordially invited
To attend the
Grand Opening

Senior Assessment Center
Of the
Erasto R. Batongmalaque Foundation
Filipino Veterans Foundation
Pamana Center
at
23247 South Main Street
Carson, CA 90745
310-835-8365
August 15, 2009
Saturday
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Health and Wellness Expo

Updates on the Social Security Adminstration, Medi-Cal, Medicare, Housing Authority,
HUD, Health and Human Services, L.A. Area of Aging, City of Carson Officials,
Non-Profit Organizations, Senior Community Centers, ADHC, Residential Care for the Frail Elderly, In-Home Support Services, and Certified Nurses, Eldercare, Home Health Agencies, Hospice Agencies, DME, Health Plans
Anti-Aging Products, Health and Wellness Materials

Claim a Prize
If you say YES answer to any or all the following questions:

Ø Were you born in the years 1919 and earlier?
Ø Have you been a widow(er) this year?
Ø Do you have more than 20 descendants?
Ø Are you taking more than 10 medications? (bring your brown bag to prove it).
Ø Do you live alone in the U.S?

FUNFARE MUSIC RAFFLES HOT DOGS ENTERTAINMENT
BRING YOUR FAMILY and friends ON THIS HOT SUMMER DAY

23247 So. Main Street, Carson, CA 90745 Filipino Veterans Foundation
310-835-8365 FAX: 310-835-3529 Pamana Center
http://www.erbfoundation.org/

Dear Friend,

You are cordially invited for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Senior Assessment Center at the Erasto R. Batongmalaque Foundation on August 15, Saturday, at 10:00 A.M.

The mission statement of the Center is to address the needs of our senior citizens in Carson and improve their quality of lives when challenged with disadvantages.

The providers of health care, a multi-disciplinary team of experts and experienced care providers are coming together as volunteers of a non-profit, charitable organization to work closely with the City of Carson, the community at large and families of the frail elderly so as to demonstrate that we can make a difference in lowering the costs of health care if we promote health and wellness through education and socialization.

Please give us a chance to prove it by your endorsement and good will.

Thank you for your participation.

Sincerely,

Jenny L. Batongmalaque, M.D.
Executive Director
Erasto R. Batongmalaque Foundation
Dba
Senior Assessment Center

2009-04-16T14:09:00.000-07:00

Fr. Tom Asia celebrating the Memorial Mass for the Bataan Day, A Day of Valor at Lake Street Park before the Monument.

April 9, 2009: The 67th Anniversary of Bataan, A Day of Valor was celebrated at the Lake Street Park in Los Angeles before a landmark monument dedicated to the Filipino WWII Warriors and Defenders of B1ataan. It was a stellar attendance of Speakers, surviving Veterans and Widows, with the support of the volunteers of the Filipino Veterans Foundation and Friends.

The program started with a Memorial Mass celebrated by Fr. Tom Asia, Associate Pastor of St. Philomena Church in Carson. He recalled the sacrifice of those who defended Bataan and how faith had delivered from the horrors of war and sustained them until their last drop of blood. “And it is Faith that gives us strength, courage and resilience to be patient for God’s grace to protect us.” He prayed for the surviving Veterans and the Widows and the orphans and all who have gathered today to celebrate the 67th Anniversary of Bataan.

The program started with the Color Guards offered by Commander Ernest Colwell’s Group. The U.S. Marines tepresented the United States Armed Forces. The Flags of the different Units were posted on stage. Saluting is Veteran Francisco Salvador and fronting him is Veteran Merline “Aguimat” Caraballe.

“This particular Bataan Day is all about relationships, where it brings together people of the past, the present and the future, and 67 years would only seem like yesterday,” Dr. Jenny Batongmalaque stated in her welcome address. She alluded to the published greetings in the printed program.

“I take Bataan personally. As shown in the family picture with its caption below: “

“Flaps Down”

A mother embraces her son's Cross at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, in Fort Bonifacio, Philippines. A father looks up to the airplane bringing his only daugther, Jenny, to America, while a brother, Ed Baton, took this picture for posterity. Circa 1966.

It is the story of Remembering Bataan across the Pacific, where a family is destined to cement the bond between the Philippines and America, as personified by the gallant sacrifice of a soldier, Erasto R. Batongmalaque, and all like him, who have dedicated their lives to courage, integrity and loyalty, so that we may have the freedom we now enjoy.

- Jenny L. Batongmalaque, April 9, 2009
L-R: EmCee: Col. Ralph Ramirez, , Front Row: Deputy Vice Consul Gen. Daniel Espiritu, Col. Butch Moreto, Col. Joseph Smith, Gen. Oscar Hilman, Col. Romy Monteyro. Back Row: Dr. Jenny Batongmalaque, Cmdr. Manuel Braga, Commissioner Bob Archuleta, (not seen) Commissioner Steve Rosmarin, and Pete Shane Feliciano.

The EmCee was Col. Ralph Ramirez, founder and educator of the California Military History Education Project, who interviewed 150 WWII veterans, of which 35 were Filipino American WWII Veterans, and in effect has a forthcoming book on “Mother America, why we fight for freedom and democracy.” He articulated the Holy Grail of the Bataan Defenders prior to its being surrendered by High Command.
Courtesy: Franz Tinio-Lopez

(Above) Veteran Manuel Realubit, 83, was leaning against the monument, listening to the proceedings, visibly touched by the speeches and the nostalgia of the historic event.

Col. Butch Moreto (Ret), PMA Class ’54, and Founder of the Cyberspace Prayer Warriors leading the Invocation Prayer

The Invocation was led by Ret. Col. Butch Moreto of Pacifica, California, who wrote the Prayer for the Cyperspace Prayer Warriors appropriate for the occasion. He asked the audience to join him on reciting the prayer as printed in the program.

Deputy Vice Consul General Daniel Espiritu at the Podium.

Deputy Consul General Daniel Espiritu represented the Philippine Consulate General. He reported that President Gloria M Arroyo headed the celebration of the “Araw ng Kagitingan” ( A Day of Valor) on April 6 in Bataan, with respect to the observance of the Holy Week in the Philippines. “There are 32,000 claims now being processed and the U.S. Ambassador had announced that the first check will be issued on April 17 in Manila.” He also re-iterated the Philippine Consulate General is ever-ready to attend to the needs of any Veteran and his family who plans to return home.

Ret. Brig. Gen. Oscar Hilman, U.S. Army

A special guest from Tacoma, Washington was Retired Brig. General Oscar Hilman, of the United States Army, born in Camarines Sur, “the only Tagalog-speaking General in the United States Army at the present time. The other two Filipino Americans are Ret. General Antonio Taguba, who hails from Hawaii, and General Ernesto Soriano who was raised in the United States.” Gen. Hilman told the assembly what Bataan meant to him personally. His grandfather was killed in the Fall of Bataan, and two uncles died in Camp O’Donnell as P.O.W. He started as a buck Private and pursued his military career inspired by this legacy and as a result had received numerous medals pinned on his chest. He recently retired after his service in the Iraqui conflict where he led 4500 soldiers.

He just realized the distance covered by the Bataan Death March varied because it depended on where you were stationed at the time of the surrender. He visited Bataan last year, scaled Mount Samat and was visibly moved by what the Bataan Defenders had fiercely died for, without food, water, and ammunitions.

He is advocating and encouraging all Filipino groups in the United States to come together as one voice so that we may be well represented in Congress and “the United States and the American History will never forget what our contribution is in freedom and democracy.”

Col. Joseph Smith, Director of the Military and Veterans Affairs, County of Los Angeles

Col. Joseph Smith, the Director of the Military and Veterans Affairs of the Los Angeles County was the Keynote Speaker, being a strong Advocate of the Filipino WWII Veterans and a mentor and supporter of the Filipino Veterans Foundation since its inception in 2002 at the Patriotic Hall. “It matters not whether you served in combat or non-combat, regular or irregular guerrillas. The fact is you served to preserve our democracy.”

Commissioner Bob Archuleta of the Los Angeles Veterans Commission and Commissioner Steve Rosmarin, as President of the Jewish Veterans of America echoed the support and salute to the Filipino WWII Veterans for having had to wait a long time for their recognition of services.

L-R: Dr. Jenny, Comm. Bob Archuleta, Comm. Steve Rosmarin, and Col. Joseph Smith accepting the Trophy of Thanks to the Los Angeles County Veteran Service Officers.

Dr. Batongmalaque, Executive Director of the Filipino Veterans Foundation presented a Trophy to the Los Angeles County Veterans Service Officers, received by Col. Smith in the presence of Commissioners Archuleta and Rosmarin, “ for the support, guidance and acts of kindness beyond the call of duty, reaching out to the disabled Veteran to sign for his claim to the bonus package. In the month of February and March there were 260 Filipino WWII Veterans who were serviced by the VA officers with the coordinated efforts of the Filipino Veterans Foundation.”

Col. Romy Monteyro, (Ret.), recalling those who died without seeing the light of dawn.

Finally, Col. Romy Monteyro, who has championed the cause of the Filipino Veterans Equity Bill in the past decade and has been working closely with Congressman Bob Filner’s push for its passage in Congress, recollected “the fallen heroes of Bataan who are no longer in our midst but will never be forgotten in our hearts.” He was sorry the late Col. Frank Quesada, a staunch, articulate columnist fighting for the rights of the Filipino WWII Veterans did not see the light at the end of the tunnel before he was called by our Creator. “But all is well that ends well. However, the struggle continues because the widows are left out of the Stimulus bonus package. And we are pushing for Medicare to extend its health care coverage for the Veterans who would decide to return home.” Then he sang “Wind Beneath My Wings” in acapella, dedicated to the Filipino WWII Veterans in the audience, and to America.

A Final Salute to the Bataan Defenders on its 67th Anniversary at the Lake Street Park Monument, Los Angeles.

A final Salute was given at the end of the program, at the laying of the wreath before the monument, as Taps was played. This concluded the program at a high point, and a Reception immediately followed.

The Guests included Ms. Cynthia Nunez, Director of the Los Angeles National Cemetery and her assistant, Mary Jones; Pete Shane Feliciano of Denver, Colorado, Commander Manuel Braga of the San Diego Filipino Veterans Federation, accompanied by Col. Cenon Antonio who was in Bataan, and became a resistance fighter with the group of Col. Ed Ramsey. Ret. Col. Calinica Semense, of the U.S. Medical Corps, represented the Board of Directors of the Filipino Veterans Foundation. Mrs. Belen Smith brought three guests. Franz Lopez represented the Philippine Scouts Heritage Society.

Congressman Bob Filner sent his Felicitations and Congratulatory Letter included in the Program. Congresswoman Laura Richardson of South Bay, sent her Deputy Field Officer, Rea Bayan who offered assistance to any Veteran who may need it.
A group picture underneath the “Thank You” Banner capped the event as the Boyd Elston Band provided the 1940’s music. A lively Dance followed.

Volunteers who made the event a success included Linda Organo, Vangie Beltran, Maria Gutierrez, Ronika Thomas, Lucy Entac, Cherry Evangelista, Mr. Jose C. Reyes, Cmdr. Ramon Lladoc, Rosario Romasanta and officers of the Veterans Center Association.

2009-02-26T17:13:00.000-08:00

Filipino WWII Veterans and Widows watching the finality of the quest for Equity by the signing of the Stimulus Package by President Obama

February 17, 2009, Veterans watching the signing of the Stimulus Bill at the Filipino Veterans Foundation Meeting Room in Los Angeles

Advocates of the FilVets cause, L-Right seated, Commissioner Steve Rosmarin of the Jewish War Veterans, and Col. Joseph Smith, Director of the Military and Veterans Affairs of the Co. of Los Angeles. Standing, Dr. Jenny Batongmalaque, Exec. Director of the Filipino Veterans Foundation and Robert Saxon, Director of the LA Co. Veterans Service Office

Robert Saxon, VA Service Officer, discussing the issues of the claims process, the widows plight, and waiting for directives from the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
Veteran Jose Reyes asking most of the questions.

Coup de grace of the Filipino Veterans Equity Bill

“With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.”

Abraham Lincoln, 1965
2nd Inaugural Address

Finally, upon the stroke of a pen of the 44th President, Barack Obama, the fight for recognition of services of the Filipino WWII Veterans has been vindicated amid a contentious Stimulus Bill. The one time lump sum of $15,000 to the surviving Veteran residing in the US as a citizen, or permanent resident, and $9,000 for the non-citizen has been included by none other than the Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, the illustrious, Senator Daniel Inouye.

“This was passed and appropriated by Congress last year, only no money has been authorized,” Senator Inouye said. By the grace of the Stimulus, this Filipino Veterans Enhancement Act has been included in between the covers of the 1100-page draft. The Republicans, the detractors, the skeptics have alluded to the Filipino Veterans bonus as having no place in the stimulus bill, only more spending bill instead.

For one whose lifelong passion is to vindicate her father’s service to the United States Armed Forces in the Far East in WWII, the inclusion of the Filipino Veterans Enhancement Bill is not even a consolation prize, on the 63rd anniversary of the Rescission Act of February 18,1946, which had unconscionably denied my father, and all like him, 185,000 of them, who now belong to the ages. They are all gone now, so are most of the widows, my mother included. There are still 50,000 surviving widows who are not included in the equation of this new law, better known as the Stimulus package.

This one time lump sum bonus which the surviving WWII Veteran, estimated to be 15,000 left, will claim for, is the coup de grace, particularly to those who fought hard for full rights and benefits. Nonetheless, they are finally recognized for their service, after all these years of being rejected and denied.

But what about the widows who languish prior to this new law of recognizing the surviving Veterans? If President Lincoln were alive today, would he have defined which widow of a Veteran gets compensated?

“It doesn’t sound right that the widows are not included,” said Robert Saxon, director of the VA service office of the County of Los Angeles. “We need to wait for the directives of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the final word on this matter. But we are ready to service the Filipino WWII Veteran, and have allotted Tuesdays and Thursdays to those who will seek claims.” Call the Filipino Veterans Foundation (213-746-9093) located at the same office, at 2615 So. Grand Ave., Room 100, Los Angeles, 90007 for further assistance .

Jenny L. Batongmalaque, M.D.
Executive Director
Filipino Veterans Foundation
213-746-9093 FAX 213-746-9050
www.erbfoundation.org

2008-09-29T15:58:00.000-07:00

The Flag presented by Commander Teofilo Eborda to Jun Mailed, grandson of Veteran Benito A. Mailed. Councilman Elito Santarina,(left) Dr. Jenny Batongmalaque, (right) and Veterans, spouses and Widows witnessing

Press Advisory: For immediate Release
Contact: Dr. Jenny L. Batongmalaque
Executive Director
Filipino Veterans Foundation
310-835-8365
e-mail: drjennyb@earthlink.net.
http://www.erbfoundation.org/

A Memorial Service

A Memorial Service for Benito A. Mailed, a Veteran of WWII, was held at the newly established Pamana Center of the Filipino Veterans Foundation in Carson at the E.R.Batongmalaque Foundation.

Mailed, 93, was born in Abra, in 1915. He enlisted with the Philippine Constabulary of the Philippine Commonwealth in 1935. He was inducted in the USAFFE at the outbreak of WWII in the Philippines. He was assigned in Abra, and was taken as prisoner of war.
Upon his release he joined the USAFP NL and when the American Liberators returned to the Philippines in 1945, he relayed weapons from submarines to the armed forces on the ground. He was processed at the end of war, and immediately after he signed up as Sgt. In the Philippine Air Force. He served for 29 years in the service until he retired in the ‘60’s.

He arrived in America and 1992 and lived continuously in the care of Grace Wilbur’s Home of independent living, until he died at the age of 93, on September 16, 2008. His closest relative is Jun Mailed, a grandson, who made the final arrangements. He is survived by his spouse, children, grandchildren, and 46 greatgrandchildren.

A video taken last year at the Los Angeles National Cemetery, on October 20, on the occasion of the 63rd Anniversary of Leyte Landing, saluting the Greatest Generation, showed Mailed who was on the front row of the group picture. That was his last public appearance and he confided to his careprovider that he will stay in America until the Equity Bill is passed in Congress.

Councilman Elito Santarina presented a proclamation from the City of Carson and he encouraged everyone to pay tribute to all our Veterans because they deserve our honor, respect and gratitude.

The ceremony concluded with everyone singing “Amazing Grace.”

The Memorial Service was a “first” for the Filipino Veterans Foundation to sponsor at the Pamana Center, as Legacy for the Filipino WWII Veterans in Carson. It is located at the office of the Erasto R. Batongmalaque Foundation, at 23517 So. Main Street, Ste 115.
Call Vangie Beltran for details at 310-835-8365 and check the website, http://www.erbfoundation.org/.

A Memorial Service at the Pamana Center, offered by the Filipino Veterans Foundation at the auspices of the Erasto R. Batongmalaque Foundation, 23517 So. Main Street, Ste 115, Carson, CA. For details, call Vangie Beltran at 310-835-8365 or check http://www.erbfoundation.org/.