Consul General in LA Graces Kalayaan 2018 Ball in Southern California
Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz delivers his keynote speech at the Kalayaan Grand Ball on 18 June 2018. (Los Angeles PCG photo)
LOS ANGELES 28 June 2018 — Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz of the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles was the keynote speaker at the Kalayaan Grand Ball hosted by Kalayaan Inc. in its commemoration of the 120th anniversary of the proclamation of the Philippine independence on 18 June 2018.
Kalayaan, Inc., a non-profit umbrella organization of Filipino-American community, is recognized as the foremost organizer of the Philippine Independence Day in southern California since 2000. Its Executive Officers and Board Directors are composed of active and distinguished leaders of various Fil-Am Organizations who have been involved in the community in Southern California for many years.
Organized on an annual basis with the support of the Consulate General, the celebration, which was attended by about 800 Filipino Community leaders, members of the Filipino-American media, businessmen, entrepreneurs, local celebrities, and local government officials, showcased Filipino culture and heritage and drew attention to the contributions that Filipinos and Filipino-Americans have made to the community.
Reflecting on this year’s theme, “Pagbabagong ipinaglaban, alay sa masaganang kinabukasan,” Consul General Cruz appealed to the Filipino community to remember and uphold the valor and sacrifices of our heroes by continuing to work towards a bright future of our nation.
Consul General Cruz shared the undertakings of the current administration to sustain the rule of law, dismantle terrorist organizations, reduce poverty and achieve inclusive economic growth.
The Consul General announced the good news about the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, which provides free tuition to students of state universities and colleges; the Tax Reform Program which gives the minimum-and small-wage earners to have a larger take-home pay; the “Build, Build, Build” Program improving our roads, railways, bridges and ports which boosts economic activity by creating jobs, facilitating the movement of people, goods and services and promoting trade; and the opening of the new Mactan-Cebu International Airport Terminal 2, dubbed “the Philippines’ first resort airport” which can serve up to 12.5 million travelers.
He also took the opportunity to thank the community for its valuable support to the programs and projects of the Consulate General and affirmed that the Consulate General in Los Angeles will continue to work hard to improve its services to the public.
“Our freedom is our shared legacy and achievement while our sustained progress and future, our collective accountability. This is a call to all Filipinos, back at home and across the world,” the Consul General said.
As has been the tradition for many years, Kalayaan Inc.’s celebration has a central motif based on the province where its incumbent chair hails from. This year’s motif was focused on the history of Bohol, in particular the “blood compact” marking the first treaty of friendship between the Philippines and a foreign power which took place in the province where Chairman Susan Dilkes was born and raised. A video-message from Bohol Governor Edgar M. Chatto was also featured.
Famous ABS-CBN personalities Jona and Sam Milby, who attended the annual Independence Day Parade and Festival at the City of Carson, also graced the gala with their presence. END
For more information, visit www.philippineconsulatela.org or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinLA.
Kalayaan, Inc. Executive Officers and Board Directors. (Los Angeles PCG photo)
Ms. Susan Dikes presents the Awards of Recognition to Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz witnessed by ABS-CBN Stars Sam Milby and Jona Viray. (Los Angeles PCG photo)