17 June 2014 – Philippine Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim received the City Council Proclamation honoring the 116^th Anniversary of Philippine Independence from the Council members in session at the John Ferraro Council Chamber, City Hall of Los Angeles on June 13.

District 13 Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell presented a resolution declaring the City’s commemoration of 12 June 2014 as the 116^th Anniversary of Philippine Independence and was signed by all members of the LA City Council including former District 13 Councilmember and present City Mayor Eric Garcetti. 

In Consul General Herrera-Lim’s remarks to the City Council, he said he was deeply honored in representing the Philippines and the Filipino-American community in Los Angeles and recognized the best support from District 13 of Councilmember O’Farrell in honoring and recognizing the Philippines as the first Republic in Asia with the biggest Asian community in Los Angeles.  He also said that Filipino-Americans found Los Angeles a welcoming home, sharing a lot of values with the United States of America.

This event was organized by the Los Angeles Filipino Association of City Employees (LAFACE), headed by its President Linda Granados, and was sponsored by the office of Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell.

The council session was followed by an Independence Day celebration organized by LAFACE at the City Hall’s Historic Spring Street Steps.  The program included a parade of historical flags of the Philippine revolution and cultural performances and food for everyone. 

During the celebration Consul General Herrera-Lim was invited by Ms. Granados to deliver his Independence Day message before the Filipino community at the City Hall Forecourt.  The Consul General noted the Filipino-Americans’ continuing support for their families and relatives back in the Philippines and their actively participation in the civic and national life in the US. END