Philippines Elected Anew as President of League of San Francisco Consular Corps

League of San Francisco Consular Corps led by its President Ana Mariza Bensurto of the Philippines, poses for a group photo at the Residence of Consul General Venkatesan Ashok. (San Francisco PCG photo)

SAN FRANCISCO 08 June 2018 - For the second year in a row, Mrs. Ana Mariza Sanchez-Bensurto, wife of Consul General Henry S. Bensurto Jr., was elected as President of the League of San Francisco Consular Corps (LSFCC). Her re-election is demonstrative of the visionary leadership that Mrs. Bensurto has brought to the LSFCC ever since she took office last year.

The LSFCC was founded in 1986 as an informal group by diplomatic spouses and Honorary Consuls to provide assistance to the spouses of the Consular Corps based in San Francisco, and to serve as a friendly forum for members. It was established also with the goal of assisting Bay Area charitable institutions through philanthropic activities. The LSFCC has expanded its membership to include members, partners and spouses of the Consular Corps. 

Activities of the LSFCC include annual holiday and tea parties, docent tours to various museums in the Bay Area, visual and performing arts presentations, informative lectures and discussions with San Francisco city officials.

Hosted at the residence of Indian Consul General Venkatesan Ashok and Madame Usha Ashok, the first General Assembly of the LSFCC year gathered together almost all current and active members of the LSFCC and its US Support Committee. Some prospective members were also present to learn more about the associations mandate and activities.

In her acceptance speech, Mrs. Bensurto expressed her gratitude to the officers and members of the LSFCC, and underscored the importance of building bridges and international understanding through various socio-civic programs and activities that the LSFCC hosts. “I am very thankful to all of you who have trusted me to continue with my mandate as President of this association. It is my hope that we unite even more as a group and that everyone in the LSFCC contribute even further in achieving our common objective of promoting international understanding and cooperation among our different countries.”

After the elections, the LSFCC turned over a donation to the West Bay Pilipino Center, the non-profit, organization in San Francisco. The West Bay Pilipino Center is a resource facility for many recent immigrant families in San Francisco which provides financial, social, emotional, and cultural support to newly arrived immigrant families.

Messages of support outpoured for Mrs. Bensurto after her election. Madam Usha Ashok of India said of Mrs. Bensurto: “You are the wonderful leader that is pulling us all together. You have really done so much to get more countries into the group, this is amazing. You are an awesome, rocking President; the group is really lucky you agreed to continue this year.”

Ms. Martha Hertelendy, Bay Area philanthropist, social influencer and a member of the US Support Committee of the LSFCC said: “I’m really happy you accepted the Presidency of the LSFCC for another year. I’ve been a member for a long time and can tell you that you’re one of our best, if not the best. Not only are you an excellent president, you are a warm, sincere, modest, intelligent, compassionate, gentle, fun, and huge-hearted person. The best of humankind [sic]…it’s my honor to work with you.”

Ms. Heidi Tan, long time member of the LSFCC and part of the US Support Committee, said, “Congratulations, Mariza for always being on top of networking on behalf of the consular corps and making certain everyone feels welcome. God bless your heart…You are so, so nice. Both you and your husband are such wonderful people that you make everyone who enters your home feel your happiness and your graciousness.”

Incoming LSFCC Vice President Penny Oldfield, wife of Australian Consul General and Senior Trade Commissioner to San Francisco Chris Oldfield said of Mrs. Bensurto: “Thank you so much for accepting the role of President for a second term…I know I could’ve done it but I also know that you will do it so much better.” END

For more information on the LSFCC including inquiries on membership, please contact +1 510 912 8882 / email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  / visit www.sanfranciscopcg.dfa.gov.ph / www.philippinessanfrancisco.org or https://www.facebook.com/PHinSF/

League of San Francisco Consular Corps President Mrs. Ana Mariza Sanchez-Bensurto turns over

the LSFCC donation to Ms. Carla Laurel, Executive Director of the

West Bay Pilipino Center. (San Francisco PCG photo)