If Eduardo J. Navarra had been born a painter, he would be a realist. His writings illustrate real experiences and current issues of Filipinos who immigrated to the United States. He believes that “the power of the written word cannot be underestimated. As such, we perceive our role in the community as the harbinger of the good and sometimes ugly realities as we go about our daily lives.”

     Having served as a columnist for Illinois-based Philippine TIME-USA, California-based Philippines News and Manila Chronicle, Mr. Navarra has been the moving force in communicating various concerns affecting the Filipino American community, and educating his readers on issues relevant to their lives as immigrants, their rights and privileges, as well as their social and political responsibilities.

     A community leader and activist, Mr. Navarra serves as the chairperson of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) - Region 3, covering nine Midwestern States from Michigan to Missouri. His ability to mobilize and lead the Filipino American community in this vast part of the US is evidenced by the success of the NaFFAA 6th National Empowerment Conference that was held in Chicago in 2004. The convention was not just attended by Filipino American leaders from other regions. It also galvanized the Midwest to action in support of Filipino American issues as well as raised the level of concern for assistance to the Philippines. For four years, he also served as chairman of the Filipino American Community Council (FILAMCCO), the umbrella organization of over 52 Filipino American organizations in Michigan. Among his accomplishments as head of FILAMCCO include spearheading the 1998 Centennial Celebration of Philippine Independence and Rizal Day celebrations in Michigan. He is also affiliated with various organizations such as Philippine American Community Center of Michigan, Filipino American Political Association of Michigan, National Federation of Filipino American Republicans, Council of Asian Pacific Americans, and Overseas Filipino Council, among others. He has led many initiatives in helping the less fortunate through fundraising activities, scholarship programs, housing projects, food and clothing drives, and legal and medical assistance.

     Truly an artist and a lover of the arts, Mr. Navarra is a staunch advocate of Filipino culture and traditions. In one of his writings, he says, “Our artistic heritage is a product of the many cultural influences that came to the Philippine shores. The soul of the Filipino is imbued with aesthetic expressions.” His passion for Philippine arts and culture is evidenced by his promotional work, such as showing of award-winning theatrical movies from the Philippines and presenting concerts and cultural shows, mostly for fund raising and charitable causes. Since 1988, he has been instrumental in inviting to Michigan performing artists and groups such as Lea Salonga, Gary Valenciano, Anthony Castelo, UP Concert Chorus, Ateneo Glee Club, Music Theater Foundation of the Philippines, Ballet Manila, and Lahing Kayumanggi Dance Ensemble, among others. He is also active in diversity cultural activities at Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, where he has worked for over 25 years. He wrote the biography of New York-based Filipino artist of note, Venancio lgarta.

     A featured journalist in Isabelo T. Crisostomo’s book Filipino Achievers in US and Canada, Mr. Navarra is also a composer, dramatist and an art collector. He is happily married to surgeon and soprano singer Victoria, also a recipient of a Presidential Award in 2000. They are blessed with three children.

     In conferring the Banaag Award to Eduardo J. Navarra, the President recognizes his having vigorously promoted the interests of Filipino Americans in the Midwest, and the advancement of Philippine culture and arts.