AAP’s Outreach in Olongapo was successfully held last November 25, 2006 in partnership with the City Government of Olongapo. A short program was held at the FMA Hall located at the 2nd Floor of the Cityhall, prior to the screening, to give the participants an idea about the AAP and the Outreach itself. Fifty-two (52) Fil-American children and wives of American servicemen registered in the event. Another 30 to 40 more guests came in participants, as they represent the different barangays and residential care centers in Olongapo City.

According to the City Social Welfare & Development Officer, Eugenia Eclarino, the number is too small compared to the previous outreach programs conducted by other organizations. It was believed that unavailability/absence of pertinent documents caused this small attendance. Mr. Tommy Newman, President of Filipino-Americans Association, Olongapo Chapter, who was also present during the outreach, said that there are about 2,000 Amerasians in Olongapo and majority of them do not have documents. At present, their major concern is job placement.

AAP Vice President, Sandra Tockes, and Membership Committee Chairman, Reynaldo De Jesus, and 4 AAP staff members were present. Mr. De Jesus introduced the AAP to the participants through its Audio Visual Presentation (AVP). Two of AAP’s beneficiaries, Michael Allan Fortes and Stephanie Nicole Latina were also present to give their heart-warming messages on how AAP has helped them.

The numerous calls from Amerasians in Olongapo prompted AAP to conduct this Outreach Program. Reporting to AAP’s office in Makati for an interview is quite costly for these people. In most cases, they borrow money from their friends or neighbors just to get to AAP. At times, these people lack pertinent documents which make them not eligible for AAP’s help. Lessening their burden is AAP’s main concern for having this outreach program. We aim to bring AAP closer to people who we think are deserving of our programs.

The success of this program would not be made possible without the help of the following persons and organizations which the American Association of the Philippines is indebted to:

• Olongapo City Mayor, Hon. James “Bong” Gordon, for providing the Outreach venue and equipment and for the use of their tri-media network– radio, T.V. and print, to disseminate the information. He has been very supportive of AAP’s program, and has been very accommodating to our requests.
• City Social Welfare & Development Officer, Eugenia Eclarino, for helping us coordinate with the City Mayor’s Office and for providing manpower for the set-up.
• Assistant City Administrator, Ernie Hernandez, for being the main coordinator for the equipments used.

And to the following persons for helping us in our information campaign;

• St. Joseph College’s Guidance Counselor, Lourdes Domingo
• 17 Barangay Captains of Olongapo
• US Embassy’s Warden in Olongapo, Ms. Trish Hart

Ms. Gene Eclarino, head of the CSWDO, welcomes the AAP group to Olongapo City.	AAP Membership Committee Chair and Board Member Mr. Rey DeJesus introduces AAP through its Audio-Visual Presentation	Stephanie Nicole Latina, a 4th yr high school student beneficiary from Olongapo, expresses her heartwarming testimonial for the AAP to the attendees.
The AAP Staff carefully reviewing the documents presented and attentively listening to prospect clients’ stories. Also present was AAP Vice President Sandra Tockes who provided support to the AAP staff, and was on hand to talk to some of the applicants. The audience while viewing the AAP’s audio visual presentation