FIND, Inc. Stands in Defense of Human Rights in the Philippines

June 19, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: 
Christian Marquez
National Chairperson
marquez@findinc.org

FIND, Inc. Stands in Defense of Human Rights in the Philippines

Storrs, CT (June 18, 2020)  -

The Philippine government has been acting with dangerous efficiency in approving the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 (HB 6875).  Recently, the bill passed the House, 173-31-29.  As the bill has already passed the Senate in February, it is currently awaiting President Rodrigo Duterte’s approval/veto.

About the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020

  1. This act explicitly states:  “Nothing in this act shall be interpreted as a curtailment, restriction or diminution of constitutionally recognized powers of the executive branch of government. It is to be understood, however, that the exercise of the constitutionally recognized powers of the executive department of the government shall not prejudice respect for human rights, which shall be absolute and protected at times.” 

  2. This act repeals the Human Security Act of 2007, which protected citizens from wrongful detainment via fines on law enforcement.

  3. The President has the power to establish an anti-terrorism council, which has the power to persons or organizations as terrorists, which are defined as individuals who:

    1. Cause damage to public property or private property

    2. Engage in acts with intent to cause interference to critical infrastructure

    3. Develop or deploy dangerous substances with the intent to damage structures

    4. Engage in acts with intent to cause injury or death to a person’s life

  4. However, the most concerning aspects of this bill include restrictions against:

    1. Partaking in “disorderly” protests

    2. Donating to non-state recognized organizations

    3. Dissemination of information online that is critical of the Philippine government

Terrorism in the Philippines

According to the Global Terrorism Index, published by the Vision of Humanity,  the Philippines was the 9th most impacted country in the world by terrorism in 2019, moving up one spot from 2018.   This is a noteworthy statistic, as the Philippines is the only country in Southeast Asia to be ranked in the top 10. Terrorism is largely driven by the New People’s Army, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement, as well as affiliates of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant through Abu-Sayyaf. In 2019, terrorist groups in the Philippines led to 297 deaths, and 343 injured spread amongst a total of 424 incidents.

On the Issues

The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 is alarming, with its potential for abuse as previously referenced. This could mean that actions taken by the government are in violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which was established by the United Nations in 1948. Given the Philippines’ current extrajudicial killings are already in violation of the aforementioned UDHR, FIND,  Inc. stands in defense of human rights. We acknowledge that there is the potential to cause a police state, with the suppression of information to follow. Human rights must not be infringed upon, and we firmly support Filipino citizens’ rights to dissent against the Philippine government. 

As a non-profit Filipino-American intercollegiate organization, we strongly encourage all of our members to open avenues of discussion with your peers and family members both in the United States and in the Philippines, so that you may stay up-to-date and aware of the issues. It is important to do so, as this will allow you to formulate an opinion in regards to passage of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.

For more information on the Global Terrorism Index: http://visionofhumanity.org/app/uploads/2019/11/GTI-2019web.pdf

For any questions, please email marquez@findinc.org

Instagram: @findinc

Twitter: @findinc
Facebook: @findincorporated

About FIND, Inc.
Founded on April 11, 1992, the Filipino Intercollegiate Networking Dialogue, Incorporated (FIND, Inc.) stands as a symbol to the Filipino and ethnic consciousness presently seen on collegiate campuses. Currently, its network actively links over 82 East Coast colleges, universities, vocational, and technical schools.

FIND, Inc. Stands in Solidarity with the Black Community

March 30 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: 
Christian Marquez
National Chairperson
marquez@findinc.org

FIND, Inc.  Stands in Solidarity with the Black Community

Storrs, CT (March 30, 2020) —

Another name has been added to the list. Trayvon Martin. Philando Castile. Alton Sterling. Eric Garner.  Ahmaud Arbery. George Floyd. This list does not include the countless other members of the Black community whose lives were cut short due to the American justice system failing to serve its constituency.

FIND, Inc. also stands in solidarity with the Black community: just as the Black community supported our Filipino-American and Asian-American communities through the coronavirus, so must our community support them. As minorities, it is important that we work together, advocating on each other's behalf - to target racism and eliminate it from society. It would be an injustice to ignore the flagrant state-sanctioned violence that has wreaked havoc and disproportionately affected the Black community more than any other community.

We urge our members to stay informed and to stay active. It is important to have these productive discussions within your families, your peers and your Filipino student organizations, as well as with others around you. For continued education and other ways to support the Black Lives Matter movement, we encourage you to utilize the following resources, as well as encourage your own independent research to impact the greater community around you: 

For any questions, please email marquez@findinc.org

Instagram: @findinc
Twitter: @findinc
Facebook: @findincorporated

About FIND, Inc.
Founded on April 11, 1992, the Filipino Intercollegiate Networking Dialogue, Incorporated (FIND, Inc.) stands as a symbol to the Filipino and ethnic consciousness presently seen on collegiate campuses. Currently, its network actively links over 82 East Coast colleges, universities, vocational, and technical schools.

FIND, Inc. Condemns Violence Against Asians and Asian-Americans

March 27 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: 
Christian Marquez
National Chairperson
marquez@findinc.org

FIND, Inc. Condemns Violence Against Asians and Asian-Americans

Storrs, CT (March 27, 2020) —

Over the past several weeks, America has seen the rise of racially-motivated violence against Asians and Asian-Americans due to fears over COVID-19, colloquially known as “Coronavirus”.  FIND, Inc. would like to extend its support to the victims affected by the racially-motivated violence.

Such hate-filled actions are detrimental to the American culture, and do not belong in today’s society. America stands as a bastion to represent the values of freedom, diversity, equality and self-actualization. The hate-fueled violence that has transpired this nation as a consequence of the Coronavirus does nothing but undermine the values by which our country stands for.

As a nation and a community, we must educate ourselves and our peers about the dangers of coronavirus and be fully aware that Coronavirus doesn’t discriminate, and can affect anyone of any socioeconomic background, color, or gender. In an environment where the propagation of misleading medical information is ever-so widespread, it is encouraged that you seek true and accurate information by contacting your physician, or visiting reputable websites such as www.cdc.gov and www.who.int.

FIND, Inc. strongly urges that Asians and Asian-Americans stand together in unity and solidarity for the greater good of humanity. We must come together, to engage in productive dialogue so that we may dispel any racially-based hatred towards our Asian/Asian-American community.

For any questions, please email marquez@findinc.org

Instagram: @findinc
Twitter: @findinc
Facebook: @findincorporated

About FIND, Inc.
Founded on April 11, 1992, the Filipino Intercollegiate Networking Dialogue, Incorporated (FIND, Inc.) stands as a symbol to the Filipino and ethnic consciousness presently seen on collegiate campuses. Currently, its network actively links over 82 East Coast colleges, universities, vocational, and technical schools.

FIND, Inc. Announces Conference to be Postponed

March 20 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: 
Nesanne Mae Tam & Esmé Bonnin-Farrales 
National Co-Public Relations Officers
tam@findinc.org & bonnin-farrales@findinc.org

FIND, Inc. Announces Conference to be Postponed

Boston, MA (March 20, 2020) —

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak and Northeastern University’s regulations, District One Conference 2020 Planning Board and FIND, Inc. regret to announce that “2020 Spring Conference: Ingat” will not be held on April 25th, 2020. Amid the arising concern of COVID-19, we are prioritizing the health and wellness of the FIND, Inc. and the Filipinx-American community of the East Coast.

Although the conference will not be held, we encourage all members of the FIND, Inc. community to practice self-care and understand what “ingat” means to them. Especially in this time of uncertainty, we encourage you to be mindful of self-care and mental health, and how it relates and interacts with others.

FIND, Inc.  encourages everyone to stay healthy and keep the people around them safe by staying informed and keeping up with healthy habits. For more information on how to do so, go to https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

We would like to thank everyone for their patience and continued understanding as the situation evolves. With Northeastern University and many FIND, Inc. member schools cancelling in-person classes and large-scale events, the planning board deemed it appropriate to not follow through with the hosting of Conference. 

For further updates related to Conference, stay connected to FIND, Inc.’s social media platforms.

For any questions related to FIND, Inc. 2020 Spring Conference, please email 2020springconference.ingat@gmail.com.

Mag ingat kayo!

Instagram: @findinc
Twitter: @findinc
Facebook: @findincorporated

About FIND, Inc.
Founded on April 11, 1992, the Filipino Intercollegiate Networking Dialogue, Incorporated (FIND, Inc.) stands as a symbol to the Filipino and ethnic consciousness presently seen on collegiate campuses. Currently, its network actively links over 82 East Coast colleges, universities, vocational, and technical schools.

FIND, Inc. Announces 2020 Spring Conference Theme, Age Requirements, Logo, and Date

March 6, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: 

Nesanne Mae Tam & Esmé Bonnin Farrales
National Co-Public Relations Officers
tam@findinc.org & bonnin-farrales@findinc.org

FIND, Inc. Announces 2020 Spring Conference Theme, Logo, and Date

Boston, MA (March 6, 2020) —

The District I Conference 2020 Planning Board and FIND, Inc. are proud to announce that this year’s Spring Conference will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2020, hosted by District I. We are also proud to present the theme of this year’s Spring Conference: “Ingat”, as well as its logo. 

Ingat is the Filipino word for “take care.” This year, delegates will be asked to focus on taking care of themselves and the community that surrounds them. Learning to take care in a number of life contexts is crucial to one’s personal development, identity, and community. FIND, Inc. challenges delegates to be mindful of self-care and mental health, how it relates and interacts with others, and how it handles conflicts in the community as well as facilitate community conversation and engagement.

logo.jpg

The idea of self-care can be broken down to taking care of one’s body and mind – simply achieved by eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and doing what is needed for the benefit of the individual. These actions of self-care were conveyed onto the design for the logo. The design is characterized by the centered moon and three stars. The moon, a major motif in the logo, is associated with nighttime and is a symbol of rest and rejuvenation. The three stars surrounding the moon represent the three stars of the Philippine flag, symbolizing the three major islands of the country. Moreover, the design of the moon itself is reminiscent of childhood stories told before one is put to bed, alluding to the idea of storytelling that emphasizes the overarching theme of conference – a transfer of stories and experiences between individuals.

Established in 1993, District One (D1) is a student-run intercollegiate organization dedicated to promoting awareness of issues pertaining to Filipinos nationwide, preserving and promoting Filipino culture, and providing the means for initiating action and dialogue within the community. District One consists of 10 member schools: Boston College, Boston University, Brown University, Harvard University, Northeastern University, Colleges of the Fenway, Tufts University, UMass Boston, UMass Lowell, Wellesley College. The district has grown throughout the years and hopes to continue expanding and collaborating with the greater community. The member schools of D1 come together annually for many events including Kamayan Showcase and Sosyal. This year, we are proud to announce that 2020 Spring Conference will be an addition to the current event timeline.

Lastly, 2020 Spring Conference is reserved for individuals 18 years of age and older. All attendees are required to provide one form of government identification (including but not limited to: a valid driver’s license/learner’s permit, birth certificate, passport) to be able to attend 2020 Spring Conference. Any minor under the age of 18 or any individual without a valid government ID will be denied entry to the event.

For more further updates related to Conference, stay connected to FIND, Inc’s social media platforms.

For any questions, please email tam@findinc.org or bonnin-farrales@findinc.org.

Instagram: @findinc

Twitter: @findinc

Facebook: @findincorporated

About FIND, Inc.

Founded on April 11, 1992, the Filipino Intercollegiate Networking Dialogue, Incorporated (FIND, Inc.) stands as a symbol to the Filipino and ethnic consciousness presently seen on collegiate campuses. Currently, its network actively links over 82 East Coast colleges, universities, vocational, and technical schools.


FIND, Inc. Welcomes New National Co-Public Relations Officers!

February 13, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: 

Nesanne Mae Tam & Esmé Bonnin Farrales
National Co-Public Relations Officers
tam@findinc.org

FIND, Inc. Welcomes New National Co-Public Relations Officers!

Boston, MA (February 13, 2020) —

On Wednesday, January 29, 2020, the FIND, Inc. National Board held elections online due to vacancies in the Co-Public Relations Officer positions on the FIND, Inc. Executive Board. We would like to congratulate the following on their respective positions:

  • National Co-Public Relations Officer: Nesanne Mae Tam

  • National Co-Public Relations Officer: Esmé Bonnin-Farrales

Both roles pertaining to the National Co-Public Relations Officer positions have been filled by two members of District One’s National Team, who have continuously done exceptional work in serving their regional community along with the greater Filipino-American community.

We would like to thank Janrei Villavicencio of District 8 and Alessandra Vicente of District 5 for their previous work in serving FIND, Inc. and the Filipino-American community as they continue to move forward in their future endeavors.

Check out the website below to view the FIND, Inc. National Executive Board’s newest members!

http://www.findinc.org/executive-board

For any questions, please email tam@findinc.org.

About FIND, Inc.

Founded on April 11, 1992, the Filipino Intercollegiate Networking Dialogue, Incorporated (FIND, Inc.) stands as a symbol to the Filipino and ethnic consciousness presently seen on collegiate campuses. Currently, its network actively links over 82 East Coast colleges, universities, vocational, and technical schools.

FIND, Inc. Welcomes New National External Vice-Chairperson & National Co-Public Relations Officer!

December 18, 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: 

Alessandra Vicente & Janrei Villavicencio
National Co-Public Relations Officers
vicente@findinc.org & villavicencio@findinc.org

FIND, Inc. Welcomes New National External Vice-Chairperson & National Co-Public Relations Officer!

JACKSONVILLE, FL (December 18, 2019) —

On Saturday, November 23, 2019, the FIND, Inc. National Board held elections in-person at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) due to vacancies in multiple positions. We would like to congratulate the following on their respective positions:

  • National External Vice-Chairperson: Jaeanne Vicencio

  • National Co-Public Relations Officer: Janrei Villavicencio

The role of the National External Vice-Chairperson is filled by the respected, District 3 National Director, Jaeanne Vicencio. She has shown her dedication and talent both to her district and to the National Board for the past two years. Her previous position of National Co-Public Relations Officer is now filled by Janrei Villavicencio of District 8, the previous National Chairperson 18-19. He currently shares the position with Alessandra Vicente of District 5. 

We would like to thank the previous National Executive Board members for their hard work and dedication in bettering FIND, Inc. and its community.

Check out the website to view the national executive board’s newest members!

http://www.findinc.org/executive-board

For any questions, please email vicente@findinc.org or villavicencio@findinc.org.

About FIND, Inc.

Founded on April 11, 1992, the Filipino Intercollegiate Networking Dialogue, Incorporated (FIND, Inc.) stands as a symbol to the Filipino and ethnic consciousness presently seen on collegiate campuses. Currently, its network actively links over 85 East Coast colleges, universities, vocational, and technical schools.

FIND, Inc. Successfully Hosts The 26th Fall Dialogue at The College of New Jersey in District V!

December 18, 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: 

Alessandra Vicente & Janrei Villavicencio
National Co-Public Relations Officers
vicente@findinc.org & villavicencio@findinc.org

FIND, Inc. Successfully Hosts The 26th Fall Dialogue at The College of New Jersey in District V!

JACKSONVILLE, FL (December 18, 2019) --

On Saturday, November 23, 2019, FIND, Inc. hosted more than 400+ students at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) for the 26th Annual Fall Dialogue. This year’s theme was “Barangay: Fostering Community” and was carried out by a joint collaboration between District 4 & District 5.

Barangay is the Filipino term for “neighborhood.” This year, delegates were asked to focus on their community and to understand how the people and places that surround them are crucial in contributing to one’s development, one’s self, and moreover, one’s survival. The individuals that make up a community are just as important as the community as a whole is to each individual.

Delegates were challenged to be mindful of who or what they consider their communities to be, what connects these communities together, and the overall importance of the community that we surround ourselves with.

FIND, Inc. would like to extend its gratitude to the following:

  • The 2019 District IV Planning Board and its Tri-Chairs for carrying out this event from start to finish.

  • The executive board of TCNJ’s BARKADA for working quickly to secure the venue and ultimately provide a space for our event to take place.

  • The National Board for its oversight and guidance.

  • The volunteers who helped ensure operations were smooth and enjoyable.

  • Our sponsor, The Filipino Channel (TFC) & Kollective Hustle.

  • Our members and delegates who participated in making this event memorable, and transformational.  

You can FIND photos taken by the documentation team on Flickr:  http://tiny.cc/dialogue2k19

For any questions, please email vicencio@findinc.org or villavicencio@findinc.org.—

About FIND, Inc.

Founded on April 11, 1992, the Filipino Intercollegiate Networking Dialogue, Incorporated (FIND, Inc.) stands as a symbol to the Filipino and ethnic consciousness presently seen on collegiate campuses. Currently, its network actively links over 85 East Coast colleges, universities, vocational, and technical schools.

FIND, Inc. Announces 2019-2020 Membership Packet, Form & Dues Deadline Extension

November 11, 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: 

Alessandra Vicente & Jaeanne Vicencio
National Co-Public Relations Officers
vicente@findinc.org & vicencio@findinc.org

FIND, Inc. Announces 2019-2020 Membership Packet, Form & Dues Deadline Extension

VILLANOVA, PA (November 11, 2019) --

Due to recent developments in this year’s Dialogue, National Board has decided to extend the deadline for the Membership Form and Sister School Form.

As stated previously, there are three phases in the process of collecting membership dues this term. Phase I has been successfully completed and the list of membership schools will soon be edited on the FIND, Inc. website. The following two phases remain, completion of which will allow member schools to be fully recognized as schools of FIND, Inc.:

  1. Phase II: Membership stats, organization contacts & database submissions [11/9 - 11/22]

  2. Phase III: Sister School form collection [11/9 - 11/22]

To complete Phase II and III, we ask that all schools applying fill out the membership google form and submit the membership stats to findmembershipdrive@gmail.com by November 22, 2019. For more information, please refer to the membership packet.

The membership packet and form can be found on the FIND, Inc. website at: Membership Application.

Just a reminder, this year, National Board is introducing the Sister School Program. The purpose of this incentive is to connect multiple schools across different districts with each other to provide a platform to share ideas, culture, merchandise, and encourage productive conversations.  The link for participation is here: Sister School Program Form

For any other specific questions, please contact FIND, Inc.’s National Treasurer, Julian Salugao at salugao@findinc.org.

—

About FIND, Inc.

Founded on April 11, 1992, the Filipino Intercollegiate Networking Dialogue, Incorporated (FIND, Inc.) stands as a symbol to the Filipino and ethnic consciousness presently seen on collegiate campuses. Currently, its network actively links over 85 East Coast colleges, universities, vocational, and technical schools.


FIND, Inc. Announces New Venue of Dialogue and Re-Opening of Pre-Registration

November 7, 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: 

Christian Marquez
National Chairperson
marquez@findinc.org

FIND, Inc. Announces New Venue of Dialogue and Re-Opening of Pre-Registration

Ewing Township, NJ (November 7, 2019) --

FIND, Inc. is formally announcing the re-opening of Dialogue pre-registration following a brief, but successful effort made on behalf of FIND, Inc. National Board and Dialogue Planning Board. Due to these efforts, FIND, Inc. Dialogue 2019 will officially be held at District 5’s The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) on November 23rd, 2019.

FIND, Inc. would like to extend its gratitude to the executive board of TCNJ’s BARKADA, but especially:

  • Krishalei Locquiao, President

  • Viane Villanueva, Internal Vice President

  • Jay Lance Guevarra, External Vice President

all of whom were especially proactive in their efforts to work with their administration in securing a venue for the program in a quick, efficient and timely manner.

Pre-Registration will open on 11/7 and close on 11/16.

*All schools that have participated in Phase 1 of the FIND, Inc. Membership Drive are qualified for the Member School rate.

For any questions or interest in assisting Dialogue 2019, please reach out to dialogue2k19@gmail.com.

—

About FIND, Inc.

Founded on April 11, 1992, the Filipino Intercollegiate Networking Dialogue, Incorporated (FIND, Inc.) stands as a symbol to the Filipino and ethnic consciousness presently seen on collegiate campuses. Currently, its network actively links over 85 East Coast colleges, universities, vocational, and technical schools.