Fil-Am appointed to Obama's advisory board on Asian-Americans

A Filipino-American has been appointed to US President Barack Obama's advisory board on issues relating to Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced Tuesday.

The appointment of Chicago-based Billy Dec and 13 others to the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) was announced last April 24.
 
Chicago-based Filipino-American Billy Dec. DFA photo
“As Commissioners, they will serve as the eyes and ears of the AAPI Community for the Obama Administration,” the DFA said in a statement.

It said the commission is charged with working to improve the quality of life of AAPIs through increased participation and access to federal programs.

“These members will advise the President on innovative ways to engage AAPIs across the country and to improve their health, education, environment, and well-being,” the DFA said.

Dec, CEO and founder of Rockit Ranch Productions, a hospitality and entertainment development company, has been  involved in several charity groups, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Lookingglass Theater Company, and Maggie Daley's After School Matters, the DFA said.

He also co-hosted a fundraising event for Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) victims at Sunda, one of his restaurants, in 2013.

A White House press statement said more than a sounding board for grievances among the community, the commission “will advise the president on appropriate programs which will advance the inclusion of the AAPI community and to uplift the community’s contributions to America.”

“I am pleased to announce that these experienced and committed individuals have agreed to join this Administration, and I look forward to working with them in the coming months and years," Obama said in a press statement last Thursday.

Other notable members of the AAPI commission include Maulik Pancholy, an actor and an LGBT advocate who is active in non-profit, social policy organizations; and Nina Ahmad, the first Bangladeshi appointee in the Obama administration. —Rie Takumi/KBK, GMA News

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