Frontline Workers Fund
Press Release

 AUGUST 20th, 2020

 Contact: Evelin Weber evelin@thephilippinesfoundation.org

Los Angeles—The Philippines Foundation and Manny Pacquiao Foundation announced today the launch of a new emergency relief and scholarship fund to provide financial support to the families of Filipino frontline workers killed by COVID-19.

There are over 4 million Filipino Americans in the United States. In New York, 34 percent of all Filipinos serve in the health care industry. In California, 20 percent of all registered nurses are of Philippine ancestry.

In large part because of occupational hazards, Filipino Americans are dying at a 40% mortality rate, significantly higher than the overall 3.7% mortality rate in the US according to research by Johns Hopkins. 

Battling a mysterious virus with unknown treatments, these healthcare workers have bravely faced crowded emergency rooms and intensive care units in conditions similar to a war zone.

“Filipino Americans are the soldiers in the American battle against COVID-19. Often serving without appropriate personal protective equipment, Filipino Americans have been on the front lines of this war and have paid a heavy price,” said Evelin Weber, Founder of the Philippines Foundation, “I was near the World Trade Center on September 11th. These nurses remind me of the brave firefighters who ran into that building that day. They are American heroes.”

“Filipino American frontline workers are the unsung heroes and many of them gave their lives so that we could be protected from this terrible virus. We want to do everything we can to honor their amazing legacy. We will never know how many lives were saved because of these selfless servants. May we never forget the sacrifices they made,” said Manny Pacquiao.

“This is the most difficult time in American history,” said Trevor Neilson, Los Angeles-based investor and Co-Founder of the Philippines Foundation, “5.4 million Americans have been infected and 170,000 have died. Without hesitation, Filipino American frontline workers went to war against this virus—setting aside their own safety to save others. Now many of their families have lost a mother, or lost a father, and we must honor their sacrifice by helping their children.”

The initial goal of the fund is to provide support to 100 families and if funds are available that number will be increased.  Tax deductible donations can be made at https://www.thephilippinesfoundation.org/

Family members of Filipino frontline workers killed by COVID-19 are asked to contact the Philippines Foundation at admin@thephilippinesfoundation.org 

Founded by former Wall Street executive and philanthropist Evelin Weber and her husband, impact investor Trevor Neilson, the Philippines Foundation is dedicated to building a bright future for the people of the Philippines through sustainable development programs with a focus on health, education, the environment, and poverty alleviation.

The Manny Pacquiao Foundation, named and founded on behalf of future Hall of Fame boxer Manny Pacquiao, seeks to empower communities and individuals through charitable support and messages of hope and change. The Manny Pacquiao Foundation is committed to fighting for those less fortunate and to spreading hope around the world. By working tirelessly to serve residential areas, hospitals, and schools, and to provide needed resources to individuals and local communities through partnerships around the world, the foundation strives to be a global change agent.