PAMAS History

The Pilipino-American Association of New England, Inc (PAMAS) was formed in November, 1978 to fill a vacuum in the social life of Filipinos living in the greater Boston area. Its initial goal was simply to establish an association accessible to Filipinos and their families serving in the Armed Forces of the United States. Other goals and objectives delineated in its constitution and by-laws were then added. Its manifesto and accessibility became popular and spread throughout New England. Soon they were joined by Filipinos from the private sector of all walks of life as it held social functions to satisfy the need for a social calendar, and conducted various programs to benefit the filipino community.

The growing number of children born to Filipino couples and Filipino-American parentage presented an initial challenge to PAMAS. The difficult task of educating the children and making them aware of their roots and heritage, knowing the great influence of peer pressure in school and in the neighborhood, became almost a full time job for parents and teachers alike.

Through the years, with strong leadership and determiniation, PAMAS emerged as one of the most active Filipino organization to advocate the preservation of Philippine culture in New England. Although its critics only gave PAMAS a year before it will fall flat on its face and break up, its proud members stood firm and persisted. Its grass root ideals, civic and humanitarian efforts, found their ways in the hearts of the community.

The establishment of the PAMAS Dance Troupe as an instrument to promote Filipino heritage and to maintain inter-relationship with other ethnic groups; Caroling to raise funds for an annual Christmas party with gifts for children and senior citizens; Sports teams as ambassadors to reach other Filipino organizations in Canada and the United States; a Humanitarian program, Extend-A-Hand, that send cash and care packages to the sick, poor, and needy in the Philippines; a Scholarship program that promotes academic excellence through financial awards; and a Newsletter to inform its members and the public; and as a pictorial history of events...are PAMAS contribution to the Filipino community. An effort to influence the new generation of Filipino-Americans to learn more about and get involved in the preservation of their heritage.