A Filipino-American hopes to secure a seat in the City Council of La Palma City, Orange County, California in the US elections happening tomorrow, November 3rd.
The 33-year-old political aspirant and registered democrat April Kamilah Bautista, said in an interview with Bombo Radyo that six of them are contending for the 3 vacant seats open in this year's polls.
Bautista is born of Filipino parents - her mother is a native of Nueva Vizcaya and her father is from Ilocos Sur. She said that politics is not new to her since she was raised to possess an open mind. Also, she grew up to be passionate about social issues that affected the community.
With regard to her educational attainment, Bautista graduated with a degree in Political Science and Peace and Conflict Education at the University of Hawaii in Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii. She worked closely with journalists upon graduation. She also worked for a non-government organization assisting the undocumented and out-of-status Filipinos who have problems with immigration.
Labeled as TNT or "Tago ng Tago", Bautista worked under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program of the Obama-Biden Administration in 2012.
DACA helped a lot in keeping many Filipino families in seeking temporary protection and rights as immigrants. This program permitted affected Filipinos and their dependents to legally live, study, and work in America.
Aside from assisting countless TNTs lead better lives, Bautista also advocates for mental health and the environment, Bautista will pursue her ongoing advocacy for a higher voter turn-out in La Palma City if ever she will be elected into office.
Among her commitments are strengthening the ties between the community and the elected city officials. She also envisions a feminist recovery plan to be introduced and accepted in their area.
La Palma, she shared, is home to about 40% Asians, mostly comprised of Filipino health workers and in the academe. Bautista hopes for the support of the Asian community in the November 3 polls.