HAFE Historical Background
The idea of forming a professional organization for Filipino educators in Hawai‘i was first conceived in October 2019 by Dr. Francisco P. Dumanig, an Associate Professor at the University of Hawai‘i and native of Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte, in collaboration with Mrs. Diwa Conner, a grade school teacher at Naalehu Elementary School from Davao City. Their vision was to gather Filipino educators and promote visibility, leadership, and educational advocacy within the Filipino community.
Although plans were in place to launch HAFE in 2019, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic delayed its formation. In early 2022, Dr. Dumanig revived the initiative by reaching out to Filipino educators across the Big Island, including university professors, school teachers, retired educators, research scholars, and community leaders.
Following months of consultation and outreach, the first election of officers was held on May 7, 2022, marking the official launch of HAFE.




