Welcome to Silayan Filipina National Organization

According to a March 13, 2021 report by Paulina Smolinski of CBS News, “A new study based on police department statistics across major U.S. cities found that there is an overall drop of 7% of hate crimes, yet there is a nearly 150% surge in anti-Asian hate crimes in 2020. The numbers reflect a growing trend of discrimination against Asian Americans during the coronavirus pandemic.”

Silayan Filipina is saddened and appalled about the rise in hate crimes against Asians, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders in our country. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families on the most recent news of attacks against our Asian sisters, brothers, and elders. As a fellow history teacher, we teach students about the events and stories of the past regarding discrimination and unjust treatment so that we can learn from them, but yet, hate crimes still exist. Why?

We must continue to educate children, adults, and the broader community that there is no place for hate. We must continue to announce to the rest of the world that anti-Asian violence (or any crimes involving racism) and killings such as what recently occurred in Atlanta, Georgia, must not and will not be tolerated. The impact of many voices singing together speaks volumes. Our heartfelt pleas must be heard as we cannot be silenced by the injustices we see and experience. We must shout from the mountain tops that racism, xenophobia, and scapegoating must be eradicated from our great nation.

It is important that the power of our voices also send the message of Hope and Love. Hope that one day our world no longer experiences tragedies that involve hate. And Love for who we are as people of all ages, shapes, sizes, and colors.

On behalf of Silayan Filipina, we vow that we stand in strength for what we believe in and we stand with Love in our hearts for all people from all walks of life. Know that we can lean on each other because it’s hard to do it alone. Know that we have a whole community of support standing together. Know that we are Silayan Strong.

Please join Silayan Filipina as we plan to walk in unity to continue to amplify, advocate, and work to help create a world that is free of hate, that is equitable, and that is safe for ALL. Our message is simply this: Love one another. Please stay tuned for more details on this ‘Walk for a Cause’ event. In the encouraging words of fellow Silayan Sister and Director of Public Relations, Gretchen Almazar, “Stand in power and strength. Don’t be afraid to use your voice, for your community will stand beside you.” Change happens when voices unite. Bayanihan!

With the deepest gratitude,

Evelyn M. Leano
President, Silayan Filipina National Organization

ABOUT US

The Silayan Filipina National Organization (a.k.a. Silayan Filipina) is a Filipina-American Women’s service organization dedicated to educational outreach, community service, and cultivating the Philippine heritage.

This dynamic sisterhood builds networks and relationships between multi-generations, fosters professional development and personal growth, and strives to positively impact society by empowering our members, providing positive Filipina-American women role models, and through community service.

Silayan Filipina is supportive of diversity regardless of age, gender, race, religion, language, abilities/disabilities, sexual orientation (LGBT), gender identity, socio-economic status or geographic region. Silayan Filipina’s national board of directors, officers and extraordinary members share the core set of values of education, empowerment and celebration.

EDUCATION

We provide a positive learning environment in order to share our collective knowledge and model success. We provide members with tools and resources for career advancement, and professional development. We award scholarships to deserving minorities. Our Youth Leadership Training Programs nurture well-rounded individuals and future community leaders. Our Professional Development Program offers networking and mentoring opportunities, and features speakers who share their expertise. Silayan Filipina seeks to build relationships between our members and the community, representing diverse backgrounds such as medical, health &well-being, civic, veteran, arts & culture, media/broadcast, and corporations.

EMPOWERMENT

We create opportunities for personal growth and well-being. We nurture the bonds between generations and hold informal Round Table Discussions/workshops/programs to help address today’s challenges, such as self-esteem, peer pressure, graduation, career change, pursuing your passion, getting married, raising a family, caring for aging parents, getting divorced, empty nesting, bereavement, and retirement. Silayan Filipina performs community service and community outreach in order to inspire and empower underserved minorities to prevail over life’s obstacles.

CELEBRATION

We host an annual Charity Ball Fundraiser to celebrate the unique aspects of our culture through song, dance, music, art and food. Silayan Filipina hosts and sponsors fundraisers and events in order to support our goals and efforts. The Tagalog word “silayan” translates to "a glimpse” or “new dawning.” Silayan Filipina embodies these meanings by celebrating life's journey of the modern Filipina-American woman: intelligent, confident, assertive, empowered, well versed, courageous; and carries herself with dignity, grace, compassion, and self respect. It is this pathway of reflecting on our past, that we can create our future. Together, we share the beauty of the Philippine heritage so our art, culture and traditions may be preserved and cherished for generations.