Filipino community in New York gets $1.6-M grant from US Congress

NEW YORK CITY—US Representative Grace Meng has secured a groundbreaking victory for the Filipino American community in New York, obtaining over $1.6 million in Federal Community Project Funding for the National Federation of Filipino American Associations New York Chapter (NaFFAA NY).

The allocation is part of the fiscal appropriations recently passed by the United States Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden.

The funding will serve as the cornerstone for the establishment of a multicultural, multipurpose community center, a long-anticipated initiative led by NaFFAA NY.

The community center is designed to function as a hub for educational, cultural, and social services with a core mission to empower Filipino Americans through leadership development, civic engagement, and community building.

"This funding will enable us to expand our collective reach and impact, providing a dedicated space for our community to come together, celebrate our Filipino heritage, and access valuable resources." said Rachelle Ocampo, President of NaFFAA NY.

The grant represents the largest federal allocation ever awarded to a Filipino-led and serving organization in New York State.

Filipino-American and New York State Assemblymember Steven Raga also expressed gratitude to Congresswoman Meng.

"This historic $1.6 million investment for a multicultural community center in Assembly District 30 addresses the increasing need for a venue for smaller community-based organizations to convene, collaborate, and provide culturally competent services to all," Raga stated. —VAL, GMA Integrated News