Austria Urges Unity

February 3, 2009
Written by News Team, in Articles/Stories

By Lito Katigbak
WASHINGTON D.C. – Steve Austria, the newly-inducted first generation Filipino American Republican congressman from Ohio, Jan. 19 called on all Filipino Americans to involve themselves more in mainstream politics and speak with one voice so they can make a difference.
In a passionate speech during the presidential inaugural reception hosted by Ambassador Willy C. Gaa at the Philippine embassy, Austria echoed President Barack Obama’s famous campaign mantra, “Yes we can.”
He spoke of the Filipino heritage passed on to him by his father, the late Dr. Clemente Austria of Tiaong, Quezon, a World War II veteran who came to the US to study medicine and said he was very proud of this.
“It was so important in my family, and especially to my father, that we knew and understood Filipino traditions and customs,” he said.
He said he was looking forward to working with the Philippine embassy and Ambassador Gaa “on issues near and dear to us” and hoped to visit the Philippines soon. His last visit was in 1977 a high school graduation gift by his father to him.
Austria arrived at the tail end of the reception when many guests had already left because he was caught in a two-hour traffic jam while driving the less than five-mile distance from Capitol Hill to the Philippine embassy.
Gaa, for his part, made special mention of “the recent outstanding achievement” of Congressman Austria.
“Congressman Austria is the first son of a Filipino immigrant and the second Filipino American, after Congressman Bob Scott of Virginia, to become a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. His father, the late Dr. Clement G. Austria, a World War II veteran, served with the guerilla forces in Quezon.
“Congressman Austria has made both Americans and Filipinos proud. Let us applaud him and wish him well.
“I support Congressman Austria’s suggestion that we should encourage Filipino Americans to involve themselves more in mainstream politics by nurturing and expanding Filipino American organizations. A united Filipino American community will give a stronger voice to this big minority group in the U.S.
“There has been much talk about forging a new Filipino American agenda. I am glad our dear friend Greg Macabenta of NaFFAA is leading this initiative and we should also applaud him.