A Failure to Connect with the Heart of the Community

When Ferdinand Marcos Jr. arrived in the United States, expectations were high—many Filipino-Americans believed this was their moment to be heard. They hoped he would tackle pressing issues like workplace raids, family separations, and the looming threat of deportation that cast shadows over their lives. However, what actually unfolded was a disappointing spectacle. Protesters gathered outside key venues, holding signs that demanded the president’s attention—signs that fiercely accused him of neglect and abandonment. These expressions of disappointment weren’t just words; they were a loud cry from a community feeling betrayed by their own leader. For instance, during his visits, Marcos was seen shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries with top US officials, yet never once took the time to meet with Filipino community representatives. This absence spoke volumes. It sent a clear, unspoken message: their struggles are secondary, or perhaps invisible, amid political and economic negotiations. The contrast between the community’s needs and the leader's actions was stark—highlighting a fundamental gap in leadership where caring for one’s diaspora takes a backseat to diplomacy and profit. Such neglect not only erodes trust but also reinforces the painful reality that many Filipino-Americans are still fighting for recognition and respect—an urgent issue that a true leader wouldn’t ignore.