Senator Risa Hontiveros Speaks at the Kalayaan, Inc. 2019 Grand Ball
Senator Risa Hontiveros delivers her remarks during the Grand Gala. (Los Angeles PCG photo)
LOS ANGELES 08 July 2019 – The Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles attended the Grand Ball hosted by Kalayaan, Inc. to commemorate the 121st Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Philippine Independence with Senator Risa Hontiveros as a keynote speaker at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott Hotel on 01 June 2019.
Consul General to Los Angeles Adelio Angelito S. Cruz introduced Senator Hontiveros during the celebration, which was attended by about 650 guests, composed of Filipino community leaders, members of the Filipino-American media, businessmen, entrepreneurs, local celebrities, elected and appointed local government officials.
Senator Hontiveros praised the bayanihan and sense of community exhibited by Filipino migrant communities and socio-civic organizations, such as Kalayaan Inc. She also paid tribute to the sacrifices of our heroes who fought with incredible courage to secure our freedom as a nation.
She further underscored the importance of continuing to work towards a bright future for our nation, which according to her, may be achieved by upholding the values of democracy, human rights and social change.
The senator shared how legislation she championed aimed at addressing social injustice and inequality, particularly in the areas of health care and women's rights, have put the Philippines at par with global standards and paved the way for better health services for Filipino families. These include the Reproductive Health Law, Cheaper Medicines Law, Universal Healthcare Law, Expanded Maternity Leave, and many others.
For her part, Kalayaan, Inc.’s chair and president Annie Cuevas-Lim took the opportunity to thank the Consulate General for its invaluable support to their organization.
An audio-visual presentation highlighting the achievements of Kalayaan Inc. through the years was also featured during the event.
JLD Cultural Group showcased the richness and diversity of Filipino culture through a suite of dances from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Exhibiting the Filipinos’ world-class talent for singing were Manny Evaldez, Felson Palad and Excelsa De Jesus. END
Consul General to Los Angeles Adelio Angelito S. Cruz introduces Senator Hontiveros as the guest of honor for Kalayaan, Inc.’s Grand Gala, in celebration of the 121st Anniversary of Philippine Independence. (Los Angeles PCG photo)
JLD Cultural Group showcased the richness and diversity of Filipino culture through a suite of dances from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao (right top and bottom photo), and 2018 Miss Republic of the Philippines-International Ms. Excelsa De Jesus (right photo) delighted the guests with her world-class talent. (Los Angeles PCG photo)
Senator Hontiveros with Consul General Cruz, elected Filipino-American local government officials, Kalayaan Inc.s officers and Dilag ng Kalayaan 2019 pose for a photo during the celebration of the 121st Anniversary of Philippine Independence. (Los Angeles PCG photo)
For more information, visit https://www.philippineconsulatela.org or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinLA/.