SAN FRANCISCO – Filipino-American pop star Olivia Rodrigo has joined fellow FilAms in endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for president.The multi-awarded singer and composer who was born and raised in California like Harris earlier showed a clip of Harris talking about restoring reproductive rights should she win in the November US Presidential election.

 The 21-year-old Fil-Am star recently used her celebrity to support reproductive rights with her “Fund 4 Good” advocacy project, a global initiative committed to building a just and equitable future for women, girls and people seeking reproductive health freedom.  

Meanwhile, some 450 Filipino-Americans across the United States attended  the successful virtual launching of Filipino Americans for Harris (FAFH) now renamed Filipino Americans for Harris and Walz last month. The event drew raised $7,000 in small dollar donations to support the campaign, said National Co-Chair Hon. Melissa Ramoso, councilmember and former mayor of Artesia. 

“We have to protect our democracy. Our goals are very simple. We are going to elect Vice President Kamala Harris for President and reach out and energize Filipino American voters especially in battleground states,” Ramoso said.

Former Cerritos Mayor Mark Pulido, National Co-Chair in 2020 of the Filipino Americans for Biden Harris, emphasized the stakes: “We need to continue political empowerment of our Filipino American community, the continuing representation of all our Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ communities, and the state of our democracy and, most importantly, the soul of our nation.” 

The event was held to encourage volunteers to increase Filipino American voter registration and turnout, and to mobilize support for Vice President Kamala Harris. 

Government affairs executive and National Co-Chair Mario Salazar provided key data and insights on voter participation: “Asian Americans have been the fastest-growing group of eligible voters in the United States over the past two decades. As Filipino American voter turnout increases, we have a larger pot to persuade. We’re working very closely with the Democratic National Committee and the President for Harris campaign to ensure that our volunteers are calling into Filipino American voter lists again this Presidential cycle—as affinity organizing has consistently been proven to be incredibly effective.”

 A dynamic line up of Filipino American elected officials shared their insights and rallied the community. Also in attendance supporting the launch were Filipino American appointees to President Biden’s Administration, including Nani Coloretti, Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget, andGina Ortiz Jones, former Under Secretary of the Air Force. 

A k e y t h e m e o f t h e event was the importance of representation. Nevada State A s s e m b l y m e m b e r E r i c a Mosca stated, “That is the type of person we have at the top of the ticket—someone who sees us, who cares about us, who sees The speakers during the virtual launch of the Filipino Americans for Harris on July 30, 2024. 450 join US-wide virtual launching of Filipino Americans for Harris our community.” 

New York State Assemblyman Steven Raga added, “You can see why a lot of this really matters to our community. It impacts us on a very regular basis, and we need a person sitting in the Oval Office who can represent us and knows our struggles and issues.” 

California Attorney General Rob Bonta shared his personal connection with Vice President Harris, noting their parallel paths as Attorney Generals of California.

“I’ve had a front-row seat to her trajectory, and I’ve supported her at every turn because she’s got the experience, the expertise, and the energy this country needs, especially now. Kamala Harris is the antidote to Trump,” Bonta said. 

U . S . R e p . B o b b y Scott emphasized the critical role of this election, stating, “Our job is to make sure that we get everybody registered to vote, make sure they turn out to vote, and we will elect the next President of the United States, Kamala Harris.” 

Together, the speakers underscored that Kamala Harris is the answer to defeat Trump and protect voters’ rights. Battleground swing states were also a focus of the discussion.

Alaska State Representative Genevieve Mina shared insights on the shifting political landscape in Alaska: “The tides are turning in Alaska, particularly in our urban centers, and we want to keep the momentum going.” 

North Carolina State Representative Maria Cervania emphasized the urgency in her state: “We know our assignment here in North Carolina for 2024: to get out the vote for Kamala Harris and win for her.” 

Hawaii State Representative Trish LaChica and Arizona State Representative Junelle Cavero  highlighted the unique strengths and call to action within the Filipino community. LaChica urged, “I want to challenge you to leave behind the passive acceptance of bahala na, or ‘let it be,’ because the future of our Filipino community, of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community, is at stake with this presidency. So let’s turn bahala na, ‘let it be,’ into laban na, ‘let us fight!’” 

Cavero added, “Filipinos, let me tell you, we’re known for execution, at the end of the day, we make it happen. Our neighbors may be apathetic to politics, but each of you can be the spark to ignite their interest again.” 

Maryland State Delegate Kris Valderrama highlighted the value of women in leadership, stating, “Studies have shown that when women are in leadership, whether in an elected position or otherwise, they help increase productivity, enhance collaboration, inspire dedication, and improve fairness. Empathy is very important, and women as leaders carry it. We see that in the role she has as Vice President. She empathizes not just with women, not just with children, but with everyone.” 

The event concluded with next steps for volunteers, including upcoming training sessions focused on voter engagement, overcoming voter apathy and voter suppression, and finally getting out the vote. National Co-Chair Genevieve Jopanda outlined these efforts, and volunteers can sign up at bit.ly/ FAFHVolunteer. 

N e w H a m p s h i r e St ate Representative Luz Bay encapsulated the spirit of the event, “It’s the promise of America—a promise that transcends borders, backgrounds, and barriers. That’s why I’m with her. That’s why we’re all with her.” Filipino Americans for Harris (FAFH) is the officially recognized AANHPI affinity group by the