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Friday, June 30, 2006
5 Amerasians bound for US
By Dante M. Fabian
ANGELES CITY -- Five adult Amerasians are given an opportunity to celebrate the 4th of July, for the very first time, in the United States -- the land they are supposed to have lived in many years ago. They have waited for this moment to be in the country they call their own.
Heather Joy Steinruck, Talena Cee Cee Ann Puskas, Christopher Smith, Sydney Lee Lucas and Ralph Steven Martin -- who grew up in the Philippines are coming to the USA for different reasons -- lack of relatives, homes to stay, and financial incapability.
They will be sent to the US through a non-profit agency -- the Philippines Children’s Fund of America (PCFA). Founded in 1991, the agency provides programs and services to the children of mostly American soldiers formerly stationed in Clark, Subic and other US bases in the Philippines.
"These Amerasians will celebrate the real meaning of American Independence and will have the opportunity to enjoy the American dream that most of us do," PCFA announced.
Two of them will leave behind their young babies, but said they need to go to the USA to build a bright future for their children.
“It's really sad for me to leave my 3-month-old child, but I have to help my mother and establish a great future for my son,” said Puskas.
The men -- who worked in the country as janitor, backyard hog raiser and street vendor to earn money for their families -- are also excited, but they will also have to leave their parents behind.
“I have waited for 21 years and finally, I will be in the place I will call my home; a place where I will not be a stranger, a place where all people can accept my race, my identity -- a place where I belong,” said Lucas, a black Amerasian.
"The group will be joining other Amerasians who were also brought to the USA by the PCFA program, in its shelter in Sacramento California. They will undergo six (6) months of internship to help them know the new society, learn new skills; help them to be independent," PCFA said.
The program also attempts to re-unite them with their long lost fathers whenever it is possible.
Sadly, there are more Amerasians who cannot go because the agency has limited resources in bringing them home to USA. The PCFA said that although America is a free country, not all Americans enjoythis freedom, with some still exiled and outcast in countries.
"Freedom is for everyone but not all have given a chance to be free. Over 56,000 estimated Amerasians carrying their fathers' name, who have not been in their own home for reason that they do not have the source to fly them to freedom. They are just trying to survive and muddle through a distant country like the Philippines," said PCFA.
For information, on how you can help Amerasians in need of help going to USA. Please contact the Philippine Children’s Fund of America at (045) 625 6696/98, (045) 321-0444 or log on to www.pinoykids.com
(June 30, 2006 issue)
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