A coalition of Filipino-American leaders has called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to allocate part of a $250 million U.S. humanitarian aid package to support an estimated 50,000 Filipino Amerasians—children born to American military personnel and Filipino mothers during the era of U.S. bases in the Philippines.

In an open letter dated October 10, the Filipino Amerasian Coalition appealed for formal recognition of these individuals, many of whom were left behind following the withdrawal of American forces in 1992. The group proposed two key actions: issuing an executive order to include Filipino Amerasians under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), and earmarking 10% of the U.S. aid package for education, healthcare, and job training programs.

“This is not just a humanitarian act—it is a moral obligation,” the letter stated, signed by prominent figures including philanthropist Loida Nicolas Lewis, former U.S. Consul General Santiago “Sonny” Busa, and advocate Eric Lachica.

The coalition emphasized that the Philippines, despite being the United States’ oldest ally in Asia, was excluded from the Amerasian Act of 1982, which granted benefits to Amerasian children in other countries such as Vietnam and Korea. They argued that addressing this oversight would reinforce the U.S.–Philippine alliance on the basis of shared values and historical responsibility.

Consultations between Filipino-American advocates and Philippine embassy officials in Washington, D.C. have already begun, aiming to explore welfare benefits under EDCA and push for inclusive policies that recognize the unique struggles of Filipino Amerasians.

As the Marcos administration continues to deepen defense and humanitarian ties with the United States, advocates hope this long-overlooked community will finally receive the recognition and support they deserve. (PHILSTAR)