AMBASSADOR GAA URGES THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE 2010
UNITED STATES CENSUS
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As the 2010 U.S. Census approaches, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Willy C. Gaa urged the
Filipino community to participate in the decennial national census of the United States population. The census
is a count of all persons living in the United States—citizens and non-citizens alike, and it is conducted every ten
years.
“I encourage all Filipinos to register and participate in this year’s census as the growing Filipino community has
proven to be a vibrant element of the United States, evidenced by the numerous achievements and positive
contributions to their respective communities by our millions of kababayans here in the U.S. An accurate count
of the total number of Filipinos would provide accurate data of the respective concentrations of Filipinos in the
different parts of the United States. It is an opportunity for us to realize the full potential of our strength as we
strive to attain empowerment and relevance as a community in local and national politics,” Ambassador Gaa
said.
In 2000, there was an estimated 2.3 million Filipinos living in the United States. The census data serves as a
basis for determining the number of seats for each state in the U.S. House of Representatives. It also affects
the allocation of federal funding, which is partly based on the information gathered from the count.
Ambassador Gaa further pointed out that, “It is important that all Filipinos residing in the U.S. be accurately
counted as the results of this census helps the U.S. Federal and local governments determine allocation for
funding, particularly of essential social services and community programs that would benefit members of the
community and small, minority owned businesses.” The Ambassador further explained that even private
institutions and foundations refer to census data when planning and programming their various grants and
assistance programs to communities. An inaccurate reflection of the true size and composition of the Filipino
community could result in the missing out on several opportunities and benefits that could otherwise be made
available. This is one of the reasons why the Philippine Embassy has supported efforts by the U.S. Census to
help spread the word and encourage all those residing in the U.S. to participate.
The 2010 census questionnaire contains 10 questions about key demographic information on each U.S.
household. Data gathered from the respondents are kept confidential by the Census Bureau and will not be
divulged to other government agencies and law enforcement entities, as stipulated by law. Additional
information about the census is available at the Embassy’s website at www.philippineembas sy-usa.org. END.
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