New York, NY (March 13, 2020) – In the interest ot public health and safety in relation to the coronavirus pandemic, the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) will host the Census Filipino American Community Engagement Launch in partnership with the U.S. Census Bureau through a livestream broadcast on their Facebook page @NaFFAA.National instead of at the Philippine Center in New York.

The digital broadcast is scheduled on Saturday, March 21st at 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm Eastern Time and will be shared on the official Facebook pages of community partners including the Philippine Consulate General New York's, @PHLinNY. 

“In light of this rapidly changing situation, it is important to prioritize everyone's health and safety. As we keep safe with our loved ones at home, we can still fulfill our civic duties and go online at my2020census.gov to be among the first to complete the U.S. Census until July 31st. Many of us will be receiving our Census ID number in the mail this week," said National President and Chairman Brendan Flores.

The online event will emphasize the importance of a complete count for Filipinos in America no matter their age, affiliation, residency or status. NaFFAA reminds the community that there will not be a citizenship question on the U.S. Census, and all answers will be kept confidential as mandated by law. The law also requires all living persons in the U.S. to fill out the Census.

NaFFAA also shares U.S. Census' statement about responding to the U.S Census in at this time.  "It has never been easier to respond on your own, whether online, over the phone or by mail—all without having to meet a census taker. From March 12-20, households will receive the first of several invitations to participate in the 2020 Census. We are encouraging everyone to respond online as soon as you receive your invitation with the provided instructions to go online. Instructions include the web address for the online questionnaire in English as well as where to respond online in 12 additional languages – ensuring over 99% of U.S. households can respond online in their preferred language."

The program will include a Q&A opportunity with the Regional Director of the N.Y. Census Bureau, Mr. Jeff T. Behler, who will be the Keynote Speaker.  A simultaneous online action where the community is enjoined to fill out the Census together is also set at 3:00pm EST.

All are invited to participate in the Census Community Engagement Launch event on social media by watching and engaging using the hashtag #KabilangKaPabilangKa, or submitting questions live or in advance at info@naffaa.org. The public may also follow on Instagram @naffaa.national, or Twitter @naffaa_national by tagging us and using the same hashtags followed by #EveryFilipinoCounts and #2020Census

This event is being organized with the support of the following partners: U.S. Census Bureau. Philippine Consulate General in New York, Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC), AT&T, Why We Count by Next Day Better, GMA Pinoy TV, The Filipino School of New York and New Jersey, Philippine Community Center Services for the Aging (PCCSA),  Association of Philippine Physicians in America (APPA),  Philippine American Foundation for Charities (PAFC), The Ilocano Association of America, Inc. (IAAI), Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO), Agusan Association of America, New York Ram Guardian Brotherhood, Inc,  and JCI Philippine-New York.

For more information, call 202-803-1353 or email info@naffaa.org.

To fulfill your civic duty and be among the first to complete the U.S. Census, visit my2020census.gov.