| Claudio "Jun" Pedery Fort Washington, Maryland Unlimited Public Service |
In the Washington Filipino community, Jun is perhaps one of the
most likable leaders. Known for his patience, supportiveness and
concern for Filipino political empowerment, he has also been
considered an inexhaustible resource of goodwill and influence.
Filipino in Maryland, DC and Virginia, as well as those in other
eastern seaboard states and the west coast contact him regularly
for advise, suggestions, leads on how to organize or get things
done in matters of interest to the community. Although Jun has not
been catapulted to a visible political position in the mainstream he
has achieved a degree of visibility, at least in his state, as a
political mover.
Jun Pedery's leadership is characterized by quiet diplomacy,
bringing people together, avoiding the pitfalls of rocking the boat of
antagonizing or polarizing others. His years as CIPAA president
witnessed to this as he opened his home to many fresh initiatives.
He and his wife Grace started the organization's formal recognition
of its founders, giving way to a "Founders' Day" celebration once
every spring. He linked up people and resources to start the PIDC,
draw initial support to the Philippine ethnological collection at the
Smithsonian and strengthen inter-organizational solidarity within
the Philippine community. He also started the CIPAA to
most likable leaders. Known for his patience, supportiveness and
concern for Filipino political empowerment, he has also been
considered an inexhaustible resource of goodwill and influence.
Filipino in Maryland, DC and Virginia, as well as those in other
eastern seaboard states and the west coast contact him regularly
for advise, suggestions, leads on how to organize or get things
done in matters of interest to the community. Although Jun has not
been catapulted to a visible political position in the mainstream he
has achieved a degree of visibility, at least in his state, as a
political mover.
Jun Pedery's leadership is characterized by quiet diplomacy,
bringing people together, avoiding the pitfalls of rocking the boat of
antagonizing or polarizing others. His years as CIPAA president
witnessed to this as he opened his home to many fresh initiatives.
He and his wife Grace started the organization's formal recognition
of its founders, giving way to a "Founders' Day" celebration once
every spring. He linked up people and resources to start the PIDC,
draw initial support to the Philippine ethnological collection at the
Smithsonian and strengthen inter-organizational solidarity within
the Philippine community. He also started the CIPAA to
communicate with its own members and the community through its newsletter, the CIPAA HORIZONS.
As CIPAA president from 1982 to 1984, Jun helped raise funds for the National Children's Hospital and for
getting a sick Filipina girl to come to the US for a kidney transplant. Funds were also raised to poor children in
Metro Manila and Christmas during those years were for the children bright as CIPAA's love and care package
reached them. During his term, Jun was appointed as a director of the Private Industry Council of P.G. County,
an opportunity that brought him closer to the partnership between government and private sector to train the
county's disadvantaged people to become entrepreneurs and achievers. When he was last elected
commander of the Vicente Lim Post 5471 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, he continued his commitment to
get the group to help the DC Village Hospital for Handicapped and Senior Citizens. Visiting of sick veterans
and in-patients and holding bingo games and holiday parties for them became part of the VFW's efforts to
serve fellow vets in the area. Jun also led his group to volunteer at the Mother Teresa's House for unwed
mothers, and to help substance abuse veterans get out of drugs. Significantly, Jun helped world War II
Filipino veterans lobby the US Congress for better treatment, justice and recognition. He and his fellow vets in
the community testified before Congressional panel in behalf of the aging Filipino soldiers who sacrificed
their lives for freedom and democracy under the banner of the United States.
In Fort Washington, MD, Jun has contributed to the Tantallon Square Area Civil Association time and
resources as president of the group, that binds together more than 500 homes and families. Security in the
neighborhood was improved under his leadership, neighborhood beautification campaign was launched and
improved roads and street expansion was achieved. Through the association, Jun became an activist in the
checking of rampant growth and development in the area. He also got involved in the county's political
process by working and supporting candidates in the poll area. He is an advocate for registration and for
board political participation.
As president of the Philippine Heritage Federation from 1989 to 1991, he honored and recognized
Filipino-Americans who made an impact in enhancing the political and social status of Filipinos. The
Heritage Federation is an umbrella group of 49 organization in the area.
The PHF, under his leadership donated aid to Philippine earthquake victims and hosted Philippine dignitaries
visiting the area to promote their efforts to help Filipinos have a better quality of life. Among these dignitaries
hosted by the PHF under Jun's presidency were former President Disodato Macapagal, Vice President
Salvador "Doy" : Laurel, Defence Secretary Fidel Ramos, Sen. Joseph Estrada, Sen Helen Benitez and many
more. Jun relentless pursued PHF's active role in what he believed as the empowerment-building of Filipino
Americans. He committed PHF in the last national census by sponsoring forums and seminars to inform and
educate Filipino Americans in the importance of the census to participation in America's vital processes. He
was an energetic and tireless campaigner for visibility and participation of Fil-Ams greater community affairs.
He made himself accessible to the press to explain issues that are close to the Fil-Am community such as
racism and the need to solve its negative effects through dialogue and cultural understanding as well as
continued friendship between the Philippines and the United States.
In the field of youth-building, Jun has thrown PHF support behind the Pinoy Symposium Movement to allow
Fil-Am youths to understand their historical roots and hone their focus as legislative participants in the
American political, economic, social and multi-cultural drama.
The range of Jun Pedery's involvement in bringing resources closer to the Filipino community is broad and
dynamic. Just before bowing out as president of PHF, he sponsored the UP Madrigal Singers' concert for
the LIndol Aid victims and the UP concert Chorus. This University of Santo Tomas alumnus also got together
community leaders to form a group that would seek ways and means to construct a Philippine Cultural
Center in the capital area to serve the needs of many Fil-Am organizations. The committee has since become
a separate entity, with a growing goal to see the center realized.
From the PHF, Jun has moved on to serve as the secretary of the Filipino American Citizens League, a
political action committee that seeks to get the capital Fil-Am community involved in the political
decision-making first and later on to branch out into other areas across the nation. In his community service,
Jun faithfully weaves in an abiding love for his native land. To him the Philippines may be far away
geographically, but in thought and feeling , it is ever close. For example, when he was president of the PIDC,
in its formative stage, he rallied Filipinos to lay aside differences in ideological solutions to the Philippines
and come together to help the country, even from a distance. That calming of cause-conflicts didn't happen
overnight, of course. But in his term with the Independence Day Committee, Jun sowed the seeds of goodwill
that saw him relating cordially to almost everybody in Washington's Fil-Am community, whatever political
stripes were there. Such efforts has blossomed today as one reaps the fruit of community togetherness. The
PIDC has become a showcase of community solidarity, unity in diversity, a maturing group with the potential to
become a strong institution in the building of Philippine-US friendship and Filipino American political
confidence. Today, capital media have paid attention to the Philippine Week every June, a development that
was impossible before 1982. The Filipino community has also provided the Philippine Embassy a valuable
resource, in promoting Philippine culture and history in the nation's capital. This would not have been
possible if Jun Pedery allowed PIDC to remain a social organization in its infancy. "He worked hard in getting
the community groups to work together and getting others to believe that Filipino Independence can be
celebrated outside the aegis of the embassy," said a friend.
In other areas such as sports, Jun has helped Fil-Am youth build teams and compete. He has given precious
spare time to nameless young people who have no Dads and Moms, providing encouragement, helping them
gain skills and maintain their self-esteem and sense of humor.
Jun has brought to the community years of experience and patience gained from serving others in Taipei, he
organized the Filipino American Association there in 1972-75. The Association created resources to support
orphanages run by Filipino nuns, donated food and clothing to Filipinos victimized by disasters and provided
welcoming and hospitality to visiting Filipinos. For his service to the community building, Jun has been
recognized with awards, citations and certificates. For his professional excellence, he has received medals
and decorations. Some of these include the US Navy Commendation Medal, the National Defence Medal and
the Good Conduct Medal.
The Republic of South Vietnam had given him its Valor and Gallantry Award, the 2nd Class Honor Award and
the Vietnam Campaign Award. The Republic of China has given him the Order fo the Council, its highest
combined service medal. The Philippine Women's University has given him a Doctor in Philosophy, honorary
degree in recognition for his selfless service to the community, an aim promoted by the university itself.
In Guam and in the Marianas Island, Jun contributed to the Filipino American community there as a member
in the cultural committee, the historical Society of the Chamorro Culture, and the fund raising activities for
indigent Filipino children in the Philippines, US Trust Territories and the Marianas.
\What makes Jun effective, one might ask, in his community service? Rhetoric? Social graces? Many claim
that his sense of humor, his ready smile and kind words are his goodwill instruments in molding building
blocks that make the community stand up.#
- Mercedes Tira Andrei
As CIPAA president from 1982 to 1984, Jun helped raise funds for the National Children's Hospital and for
getting a sick Filipina girl to come to the US for a kidney transplant. Funds were also raised to poor children in
Metro Manila and Christmas during those years were for the children bright as CIPAA's love and care package
reached them. During his term, Jun was appointed as a director of the Private Industry Council of P.G. County,
an opportunity that brought him closer to the partnership between government and private sector to train the
county's disadvantaged people to become entrepreneurs and achievers. When he was last elected
commander of the Vicente Lim Post 5471 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, he continued his commitment to
get the group to help the DC Village Hospital for Handicapped and Senior Citizens. Visiting of sick veterans
and in-patients and holding bingo games and holiday parties for them became part of the VFW's efforts to
serve fellow vets in the area. Jun also led his group to volunteer at the Mother Teresa's House for unwed
mothers, and to help substance abuse veterans get out of drugs. Significantly, Jun helped world War II
Filipino veterans lobby the US Congress for better treatment, justice and recognition. He and his fellow vets in
the community testified before Congressional panel in behalf of the aging Filipino soldiers who sacrificed
their lives for freedom and democracy under the banner of the United States.
In Fort Washington, MD, Jun has contributed to the Tantallon Square Area Civil Association time and
resources as president of the group, that binds together more than 500 homes and families. Security in the
neighborhood was improved under his leadership, neighborhood beautification campaign was launched and
improved roads and street expansion was achieved. Through the association, Jun became an activist in the
checking of rampant growth and development in the area. He also got involved in the county's political
process by working and supporting candidates in the poll area. He is an advocate for registration and for
board political participation.
As president of the Philippine Heritage Federation from 1989 to 1991, he honored and recognized
Filipino-Americans who made an impact in enhancing the political and social status of Filipinos. The
Heritage Federation is an umbrella group of 49 organization in the area.
The PHF, under his leadership donated aid to Philippine earthquake victims and hosted Philippine dignitaries
visiting the area to promote their efforts to help Filipinos have a better quality of life. Among these dignitaries
hosted by the PHF under Jun's presidency were former President Disodato Macapagal, Vice President
Salvador "Doy" : Laurel, Defence Secretary Fidel Ramos, Sen. Joseph Estrada, Sen Helen Benitez and many
more. Jun relentless pursued PHF's active role in what he believed as the empowerment-building of Filipino
Americans. He committed PHF in the last national census by sponsoring forums and seminars to inform and
educate Filipino Americans in the importance of the census to participation in America's vital processes. He
was an energetic and tireless campaigner for visibility and participation of Fil-Ams greater community affairs.
He made himself accessible to the press to explain issues that are close to the Fil-Am community such as
racism and the need to solve its negative effects through dialogue and cultural understanding as well as
continued friendship between the Philippines and the United States.
In the field of youth-building, Jun has thrown PHF support behind the Pinoy Symposium Movement to allow
Fil-Am youths to understand their historical roots and hone their focus as legislative participants in the
American political, economic, social and multi-cultural drama.
The range of Jun Pedery's involvement in bringing resources closer to the Filipino community is broad and
dynamic. Just before bowing out as president of PHF, he sponsored the UP Madrigal Singers' concert for
the LIndol Aid victims and the UP concert Chorus. This University of Santo Tomas alumnus also got together
community leaders to form a group that would seek ways and means to construct a Philippine Cultural
Center in the capital area to serve the needs of many Fil-Am organizations. The committee has since become
a separate entity, with a growing goal to see the center realized.
From the PHF, Jun has moved on to serve as the secretary of the Filipino American Citizens League, a
political action committee that seeks to get the capital Fil-Am community involved in the political
decision-making first and later on to branch out into other areas across the nation. In his community service,
Jun faithfully weaves in an abiding love for his native land. To him the Philippines may be far away
geographically, but in thought and feeling , it is ever close. For example, when he was president of the PIDC,
in its formative stage, he rallied Filipinos to lay aside differences in ideological solutions to the Philippines
and come together to help the country, even from a distance. That calming of cause-conflicts didn't happen
overnight, of course. But in his term with the Independence Day Committee, Jun sowed the seeds of goodwill
that saw him relating cordially to almost everybody in Washington's Fil-Am community, whatever political
stripes were there. Such efforts has blossomed today as one reaps the fruit of community togetherness. The
PIDC has become a showcase of community solidarity, unity in diversity, a maturing group with the potential to
become a strong institution in the building of Philippine-US friendship and Filipino American political
confidence. Today, capital media have paid attention to the Philippine Week every June, a development that
was impossible before 1982. The Filipino community has also provided the Philippine Embassy a valuable
resource, in promoting Philippine culture and history in the nation's capital. This would not have been
possible if Jun Pedery allowed PIDC to remain a social organization in its infancy. "He worked hard in getting
the community groups to work together and getting others to believe that Filipino Independence can be
celebrated outside the aegis of the embassy," said a friend.
In other areas such as sports, Jun has helped Fil-Am youth build teams and compete. He has given precious
spare time to nameless young people who have no Dads and Moms, providing encouragement, helping them
gain skills and maintain their self-esteem and sense of humor.
Jun has brought to the community years of experience and patience gained from serving others in Taipei, he
organized the Filipino American Association there in 1972-75. The Association created resources to support
orphanages run by Filipino nuns, donated food and clothing to Filipinos victimized by disasters and provided
welcoming and hospitality to visiting Filipinos. For his service to the community building, Jun has been
recognized with awards, citations and certificates. For his professional excellence, he has received medals
and decorations. Some of these include the US Navy Commendation Medal, the National Defence Medal and
the Good Conduct Medal.
The Republic of South Vietnam had given him its Valor and Gallantry Award, the 2nd Class Honor Award and
the Vietnam Campaign Award. The Republic of China has given him the Order fo the Council, its highest
combined service medal. The Philippine Women's University has given him a Doctor in Philosophy, honorary
degree in recognition for his selfless service to the community, an aim promoted by the university itself.
In Guam and in the Marianas Island, Jun contributed to the Filipino American community there as a member
in the cultural committee, the historical Society of the Chamorro Culture, and the fund raising activities for
indigent Filipino children in the Philippines, US Trust Territories and the Marianas.
\What makes Jun effective, one might ask, in his community service? Rhetoric? Social graces? Many claim
that his sense of humor, his ready smile and kind words are his goodwill instruments in molding building
blocks that make the community stand up.#
- Mercedes Tira Andrei
Washington D.C. Since 1987
Washington D.C. Since 1987
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