On January 13, 2018, concerned community individuals in North Texas area, as well as leaders and officers of the different Filipino organizations came together to unite and form a historic coalition. In a strong display of unity and cooperation, 55 community leaders in the fast-growing Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex representing 24 organizations met in Carrolton Texas and voted unanimously, with one declination, to form the coalition to work together and speak as one voice on projects that are critical to the community. A total of 90 community leaders attended the organizational meetings.
The North Texas community leaders agreed on a multitude of objectives for the new alliance and to serve more than just a central clearing house of projects and information. The coalition organized as a 501 C-3 non-profit organization which will , among others; create a coordinated rapid-response mechanism for quickly sending aid to victims of natural disasters both in Texas and in the Philippines; support all member organizations and advocate programs that will foster the Filipinos’ rich cultural heritage and values, especially among the youth and mainstream communities and through the North Texas Education system; align with, and support Filipino empowerment movements of such national Federations as the NaFFAA; work closely with the Philippine Embassy, the Consulate General, and the offices of the Departments of Trade and Tourism of the Philippine government in promoting government and business relations between the two countries; lead the celebration of important Filipino holidays like Philippine Independence Day; coordinate the visits of important dignitaries from the Philippines; and assist the new Philippine Consulate in Houston in addressing the needs of Filipinos in distress in North Texas.
Adopting “Kapit-Bisig” as its theme, the well-attended historic gatherings of leaders were convened and hosted by Honorary Consul Ethel R. Mercado. Gus Mercado, who envisioned the coalition idea, chaired, and moderated the organizational meetings of the Filipino leaders coalition.
The new By-Laws were finalized, and the 13 new At-Large (elected from the body) members of the Board of Governors of the coalition were elected during the second meeting on March 10, 2018, which was attended by 64 community leaders who adopted the name FILCON.
According to the coalition founder and organizer, Gus Mercado, the enthusiasm and practically the unanimous support expressed by the North Texas community leaders were overwhelming. Mercado added: “The fact that almost half of the new Board of Governors came from the millennial sector, the coalition bodes well for the future of the Filipino-American community in North Texas.” The North Texas Filipinos followed the lead of the National Federation of Filipino-American Associations (NAFFAA) in the U.S. which recently voted millennial leaders to the top national leadership of the 22-year-old Federation of some 3,700 Filipino organizations in the country. (It has been noted that the last decade has seen a strong influx of new Filipinos into North Texas as more multinational companies decide to relocate to the Metroplex).
In the same second organizational meeting, the 90 community leaders who supported the stated missions of FILCON include: Rev. William Baradi, Rev. Bernard Bassig, Madonna Bennett, Gigi Cain, Myrna Carreon, Izaac Costiniano, Nieva Cua, Efren Dato, Chito De La Cruz, Minda De La Cruz, Alice Decker, Grace Evangelista, Dr. Leo Capili, Dr. Angie Rivero, Ercleo Esquejo, Jerry Faminia, Enrico Frando, Linda French, Bill Gabay, Sunny Graham, Shirley Griffin, Gal Jumaoas, Lopar Lopez, Lou Losanes, Nina MacDonald, Richard MacDonald, Elna Mallari, Rev. Pastor Herman Martir, Edith McCoy, Emilie McSweeney, Tom McSweeney, Carlos Narvais, JadePaule, Husband of Jade Paule, Gina Prudencio, Husband of Gina Prudencio, MaryBeth Ratzloff, Daniel Riecker, Gerlie Riecker, Jaime Rivadelo, Carol Smith, Aristotle Sunio, Cecile Victoriano, Remel Victoriano, Josie Villanueva, Tess Villoria, Rowena Watters, Dr. Armand Wiltz, Dr. Leilani Wiltz, Flora McManus, Carlos Cuyugan, Emelda Valcarcel, Mary Ellen Wright, Mercedes Del Mar, Buddy Del Mar, Harvey Decena, Honey Decena, Dr. Jing Ordinario, Vangie Ordinario, Conrad Alagaban Jr., Julius Catral, Mario Talatala, Romil Amar, Manny Malana, Tess Malana, Rex Liquigan, Edwin Jabillo, Lenie Jabillo, Yuri Gonzales, Wilma Gonzales, Clemence Unating, Arlyn Unating, Edgar Malicdan, Phenjie Villasin, Hubert Pezce, Marnie Lopez, Milette Dolores, Dr. Alfred Llave, Joe Felipe, Beth Felipe, Cesar Collada, Vilma Rice, Bing Lim, Edgar Dacpano, Ricky Grijaldo, Nelia Africa, Arvin Bernabe, Becky Estrella, Sherwin Macalintal, Dr. Asuncion Acosta, Gus Mercado, and Hon. Ethel Mercado.
September 2018 - FILCON held a booth during the Jubilee of Cultures to provide support and participate at the festivities of international cultures, cuisine, music and entertainment, hosted by the Mayor of Carrollton, Kevin Falconer
Oct. 1, 2018 - FILCON sponsored the National Night Out Against Crime hosted by Dallas Police in Tyrone, Farnsworth Texas. The event served to heighten crime awareness and to generate support for local anti-crime efforts
January 2019 - FILCON received an Award as an Outstanding Organization for Humanitarian & Community Service in North Texas. Award given by Panama Foundation based in Allen Texas.
February 2019 - The “Singing Boholanos,” a group of Dominican and Jesuits priests from the Visayas region of the Philippines showcased their singing prowess in a mini concert attended by Filipinos in the North Texas areas in February in time for Valentines. The group performed their pop and gospel music to the delight of the audience. Filcon first fundraising concert was hugely successful that the group was requested to perform the second time 6 months later. Even as an incredibly young organization, FILCON already has an impressive number of special accomplishments under its belt. Aside from the two consecutive concerts of the Singing Priests from Bohol which benefited the reconstruction of churches destroyed by an earthquake. In early 2020 a, campaign fundraising for the victims of the Taal Volcano eruption, was launched, and before the campaign could start its implementation, the covid 19 pandemic began in March, nary a meeting was held, and the zoom meeting began.
June 12, 2019 - The Flag Raising event was held at the Seniors Center of Carrollton City, Texas. The audience was treated to a variety of Filipino food fare and Philippine folk Dances and singing of patriotic songs. FILCON launched the Philippine Flag Raising Day. The intimate yet solemn observance of Philippine Independence on June 12 have become a “to-do for most Filipinos in the area.
August 2019 - FILCON joined a fundraising movement to raise funds for Alyssa, a mail-order bride who was murdered and mutilated by her husband in Arlington, Texas.
November 2019 - FILCON sponsored Adobo Festival Fundraising and Cultural Awareness for Asian Communities in North Texas in Garland City, Texas.
November 2019 - FILCON gave monetary donation to assist and find the missing Filipina last seen at the DFW Airport Texas. The sisters, Yolly and Lenore del Mundo received the check form the Pres. Myrna Carreon.
Also, in November 2019 - FILCON President gave a heartfelt message to Pastor William Baradin during the 10th Anniversary of the All-Nations Worship in Ft. Worth TX, for his outstanding contribution as VP for Humanitarian Services at FILCON.
January 2020 - The officers and members of FILCON gathered to welcome the New Year and meets at the cosmopolitan. A new officers were elected. Edgar Santiago was elected Executive Vice President, Cecille Victoriano, the new Secretary.
April 2020 - FILCON gave $500.00 to the Arts Relief Mobile Kitchen to enable the organization to continue feeding program for the victims of the disastrous volcano eruption. FIlCON’s monetary donation was wired transferred to the Pres. Alex Bailout and Princess Leano.
June 4, 2020 - FILCON received its certificate as a non-profit 501 C-3 organization by the by IRS (Internal Revenues Services).
June 12, 2020 - The very first broadcast of Kalayaan 2020 in a virtual celebration with ABS-CBN TFC
The launching of “Mask is a Must” Campaign in response to the COVID 19 pandemic. Masks were distributed to the frontliners (nurses, physical therapist, and a few doctors in Various parts of Dallas-Fort Worth areas and in Tyler, Texas
Financial support to Filipina victims of domestic abuse and cases of missing Filipinos.
Donated cash to Fund campaign for the victims of typhoon Ulysses and Rolly in Metro Manila and part of Luzon. Arts Relief Mobile Kitchen
The second production of FILCON, “Pasko sa Texas”. A compilation of Filcon’s achievements in the last 28 months combining the observance of Christmas in Texas by Filipinos, and the sharing the holiday sceneries.
January. FILCON turned 4 years old, and the new Board of Directors and Executive Officers began their term for the years 2021 and 2022.
February. The Heart of FILCON is launched as the card-giving messages delivered by caregivers to seniors in the DFW area as a way of thanking them for doing extra services. (The seniors who were not able to leave their residences due to the snowstorm in Texas). FILCON initiated the campaign, and the cards were created by the Youth Development team. Hosted by Theresa Guck and Edgar Malicdan. Participants: Myrna Carreon, Susan Ordona, Shirley Griffin, Marnie Lopez, Greta Pardue, Lopar Lopez, Marevi Bishop, Steve Guck
Heart of FILCON. The card-giving messages delivered by caregivers to seniors in the DFW area as a way of thanking them for doing extra services to the seniors who were not able to leave their residences due to the snowstorm in Texas. FILCON initiated and created the cards by the Youth Development team. The launched was headed by Ed Malicdan and Theresa Guck
March. The official social media of FILCON were relaunched. Chat Messenger, Facebook, Instagram. Initiated by Michelle Barrera, Conrad Alagaban. With Lalaine Henry, Edgar Malicdan, Hexel Colorado
A new set of banking signatories of FILCON account were installed. Signatories Myrna Carreon, Edgar Santiago, Edgar Malicdan, Michelle Barrera
April. Renewed membership campaign was initiated. Lalaine Henry, Michelle Barrera
May. The FILCON Humanitarian Project. Filcon extended financial and personal items to a Filipina- victim of domestic abuse. The victim, including her children, were eventually endorsed to the Fort Worth City social worker. Facilitated by Marevi Bishop and Rowena Watters.
The FILCON website was officially launched. www. filcon.org The website was under the team coordination of Michele Barrera, Conrad Alagaban, Hexel Colorado, Edgar Malicdan, and Edgard Santiago.
FILCON through its key officers partnered with Philippine Community Center Inc in setting up and providing vaccination to open-to-public vaccine program. Headed by Great Pardue and Lalaine Henry
June. Kalayaan 2021. Observance of the 123 rd Philippine Independence and The Flag Raising Day. Chair: Edgar Malicdan. Co-Chair: Greta Pardue. Myrna Carreon. Edgard Santiago. Michelle Barrera. Linda French. Elvie Sison. Madonna Bennet. Angel Concepcion. The Board and Gus Mercado, founder.
August. The Kalayaan Odes. Revisit of the Kalayaan coverage into various episodes. The Flag Raising. The Brief Philippine History. The mabuhay messages. The Oathtaking of Officers. Edgar Santiago. Michelle Barrera. Susan Ordona. Alfred Lawson. Launch dates October 10, 17, 24, 31
September. FILCON T-Shirt Design Campaign: Chair: Theresa Guck. Greta Pardue. Michelle Barrera. Launch Date: September 27, 2021. Started October 4, 2021
NT Giving day Campaign: Led by Michelle Barrera. Greta Pardue, Melissa
Cunanan, Theresa Guck, Marevi Bishop, Edgard Santiago
October. Our FILCON Christmas Messages: In-Charge: Lalaine Henry.
Greta Pardue. Alfred Lawson. This was shown at the Christmas Party
November. The Music of FILCON: A Saturday Night of Music and Dance Production Head: Edgard Santiago, Greta Pardue, Myrna Carreon. Michelle Barrera. Linda French. Elvie Sison. Edith McCoy. Angel Concepcion. Madonna Bennett. Shirley Griffin. Emile McSweeney, Theresa Guck, Mae Mendoza
December. FILCON Community Holiday Party: December 18, 2021 Chair: Emilie McSweeney. Myrna Carreon. Michelle Barrera. Greta Pardue. Shirley Griffin. Linda French. Conrad Alagaban, Lalaine Henry, Mae Mendoza, Melissa Cunanan, Elna Mallari
Pancit Lumpia initiated by Emilie McSweeney
Donation to Siargao and T shirt campaign
