USTMAAA & FOUNDATION HOSTS SUCCESSFUL LEADERSHIP
SUMMIT
By: F.C. Dante Gapultos, Jr., M.D. FACOG
President, USTMAAA
Address: 321 High Pine Dr .
Russellville, AL. 35654
The Summit meeting of Filipino-American Leaders, hosted by the USTMAAA & Foundation, took
place at Caesar's Palace, Las Vegas on November 10, 2007. The meeting lasted from 1 o'clock
PM until 9 o'clock PM, three hours longer than initially allotted. Ninety-five delegates attended
and represented a number of Filipino-American organizations such as NAFFAA (National
Federation of Filipino-American Association), NAFCON ( National Alliance for Filipino Concerns,
FUN (Filipino United Network), FADC (Filipino-American Defamation Council), APPA (Association
of Practicing Physicians in America) SPSA, PEACE, Military Service, Las Vegas Nevada
Physicians, Greenlining Institute, and various Alumni Associations in America: UP, UE, FEU;
Each organization was given time to present their respective position statements. All position
statements were found to be essentially in unison. The complete text of the USTMAAA &
Foundation position statement is attached.
A team of lawyers lead by Rodel Rodis, et al discussed the pros and cons of boycott and
litigation options against ABC. The majority of leaders present was against a class action suit
against ABC but did want to keep the option open.
An open forum followed with every delegate present at the Summit being given an opportunity
to speak. At times the debate became contentious, but the discussions were realigned by the
resolute and fair leadership of the Chairman, Co-Chairman, and Parliamentarian of the
Summit: Primo Andres, Stella Evangelista, and Joe Evangelista respectively. Boy Abay was
always there to sort out differences with great tact.
A synopsis of the motions granted at the summit is as follows:
• Formation of a Council consisting of the delegates present at the Summit.
• Aligning the Council with the Greenlining Institute, the goal of which is to
empower minorities, especially Filipino-Americans.
• Boycotting Disney stores.
• Pursuing a documentary about the contributions of Filipino-American doctors
and allied professionals in the health care industry of America.
• Demanding the ABC Entertainment Network undergo sensitivity training.
The Council was named, Filipino-American Leadership Council.(FALC) The Council elected
Primo Andres, President; Philip Chua (FEU), Vice President; and Stella Evangelista, Secretary.
In conjuction with Greenlining Institute CEO, Robert Gnaizda and FALC a letter is being drafted
at press time addressed to several major sponsors of ABC's Desperate Housewives TV show
to seek grievance to the racist slander made towards the Philippine medical graduates.
It is now possible for Filipino- Americans to speak with one voice; a voice that collectively tells
the public arena truly who we are and the virtues we possess. We can now act as a
clearinghouse for responding to inappropriate actions in a manner that is organized,
thoughtful, and accurate.
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