Cook County Treasurer Hosts Independence Day Reception
Christiana J. Santiago (right) leads the singing of the Philippine national anthem during a reception tendered by Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas for the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago and the Filipino community at her office in downtown Chicago. (Chicago PE photo)
CHICAGO 04 July 2019 – Consul General to Chicago Gina A. Jamoralin led the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago as well as leaders and members of the Filipino community at a reception hosted by Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas in observance of the 121st Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.
Ms. Pappas presented a congratulatory message to the Consul General honoring the most important date in the history of the Filipino nation. In response, Consul General Jamoralin conveyed her appreciation for the generous gesture of the Treasurer, recognizing the significance of the Filipino community’s presence and contributions in the second largest county in the U.S.
The Cook County official, who was first elected to the position of Treasurer in 1998, made a brief presentation on the highlights of her latest report, including the impact of local government debts and liabilities on taxpayers’ bills. In accordance with the Debt Disclosure Ordinance passed, at the Treasurer’s request, by the Cook County Board of Commissioners, her office is mandated to collect and release financial information from all taxing districts in the county.
She encouraged the use of the Treasurer’s Office website, translatable in 103 languages including Filipino, for online payments, verifying refunds and tax exemptions, and updating personal records. It can also be used for searching the financial condition of any taxing district, which is helpful when planning to purchase a property. Services for seniors, including exemptions and real estate tax deferral program, are also available on the website.
Ms. Pappas also took the opportunity to announce the designation of Veronica Leighton, founder, publisher and chief editor of Via Times, as Honorary Deputy Treasurer of Cook County. The award of said title adds a strong voice to the Treasurer’s Office that will help promote its programs and services among and disseminate updates to Filipino taxpayers, especially the seniors and new homeowners.
Consul General Jamoralin and Ms. Pappas, who spoke of her solidarity with ethnic communities out of her own experience growing up in a Greek-American family, expressed their keen interest in future collaboration on enhancing outreach service to Filipinos working and residing in Cook County. END
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas presents a congratulatory message to Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin. (Chicago PE photo)
Cook County Treasurer Pappas (second from left) poses with Consul General Jamoralin, Veronica Leighton (second from right) holding her title as Honorary Deputy Treasurer, and Via Times contributor Leslie Sy-Niebar. (Chicago PE photo)
For more information, visit https://www.chicagopcg.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.chicagopcg.com or https://www.facebook.com/PHinChicago/.