FAPAGOW of WA State

Filipino American Political Action Group of
Washington (FAPAGOW) is making a difference

By Richard Gurtiza, President, FAPAGOW

Filipino Americans in Washington State and the greater Seattle / Tacoma areas have a
wonderful opportunity with an organization like the Filipino American Political Action
Group of Washington (FAPAGOW). FAPAGOW was founded in January 1952 as the
Filipino-American Citizens. FAPAGOW is considered one of the oldest Asian Pacific
advocacy groups in Washington State. The original group members understood that in
order to make a difference in the political arena it meant that a community needed to do
everything in its power to be recognized as an equal partner in the eyes of politicians. The
strategy was basically to deliver as many votes from the community or to provide a
significant amount of voter participation in major elections. Unfortunately the field of
candidates has become so diluted that it has become very difficult to ascertain the best
possible candidates. There is so much involved in running a successful political campaign
that candidates will woo large groups of constituents to the polls for their cause, regardless
of their true beliefs. Voters need to be more knowledgeable and astute as to the issues and
needs of their particular community. Consequently, the biggest reason Filipino Americans
in Washington State and perhaps nationally are not a major political force is their apathy
and indifference to engage in the process. Despite some of these obstacles Filipino
Americans have become visible because a handful of Filipino candidates have been
successful in their run for public office.

FAPAGOW’s mission is to enable Filipino Americans across the State to become more
aware of the issues and candidates that affect their best interest. Filipino Americans need
to change their mindset and take ownership of being part of the American political
process. They need to allow themselves the opportunity to become part of the solution and
not be brainwashed into thinking that they are the cause of the problem. FAPAGOW can
provide the tools necessary to make intelligent choices in providing the analysis on issues
and candidates. FAPAGOW is determined in doing the necessary outreach to our base in
developing the crucial components to a state wide Filipino voting base.   Filipino’s are
normally passionate about their politics being indoctrinated by the political climate of their
homeland. Filipino’s seem to have taken a more passive interest in the American system of
democracy.   However, we cannot fall victim to our own short sidedness. We can
overcome these obstacles simply by organizing ourselves into a far reaching political
machine. Filipino’s are notorious organizers, but we sometimes fall short due to the lack of
prioritizing our goals and having a set program.

Filipino’s are a very unusual demographic from which they draw their political capital. As a
whole they draw their resources from associations and community groups, in which there
are many. Filipino’s may be spread so thin given the large number of community groups.
But we cannot blame our cultural upbringing for our lack of assertiveness. We can however
adopt the mission that FAPAGOW is committed to forging the means for a meaningful
dialogue with candidates and issues that effect the entire Filipino community as well as other
minority groups. The plan of opening up communication and engaging our community is the
best way to foster success and accomplishment for Filipino voters. We need to understand
the rules of the political game in order to be successful. Therefore, we need to look to be
more accepting and trusting in the system. Please, join us in empowering yourself and
others in taking an active role in securing a promising future for FilAm’s in the State of
Washington. Let us all become more vigilant and accepting as we exercise our Bayanihan
spirit. Let us march together in unison as equal partners in establishing a political voice that
reflects a more united and vibrant community.