PH Consul General Celebrates with United Bacarreneos of America on its 85th Anniversary
Consul General Henry S. Bensurto Jr. accompanied by Mrs. Ann Mariz Sanchez-Bensurto, receives plaque of appreciation from officers and members of the United Baccareneo Association of America. (San Francisco PCG photo)
SAN FRANCISCO 07 September 2018 — Philippine Consul General in San Francisco Henry S. Bensurto Jr. attended as guest of honor and speaker the 85th founding anniversary of the United Bacarreneos of America (UBA) at the Double Tree Hotel in Pleasanton, San Francisco Bay, California.
Consul General Bensurto, accompanied by his wife Mrs. Ann Mariza Sanchez-Bensurto and Consul André Peter C. Estanislao, also inducted the new set of officers of the UBA.
In his keynote address, the Consul General harked on the experiences of Bacarreneo Apolinar Sangalang, who was elected as Mayor of Lathrop in Stockton, California in 1992 and holds the title of the first Filipino mayor in California.
The Consul General called on all UBA members to uphold the legacy of Mayor Sangalang, and continue to contribute positively to community-building in the U.S. and the Philippines.
He also invited the UBA to be part of the Consulate General’s Spark*Connect*Empower movement that enjoins all Filipinos to be a bridge that connects Filipino-Americans in the U.S. and the Philippines.
Also in attendance were Lathrop City Mayor Sonny Dhaliwal and Council Member Paul Akinjo. Lathrop City is the sister-city of Bacarra, in Ilocos Norte Province.
According to Mayor Akinjo, city officials from Lathrop and other members of the community are planning on visiting Bacarra this year or next year.
One of the many highlights of the evening was the crowning of the 2018 Queen of UBA Beverly Viernes Cadiente, who was able to generate financial support and donations toward the anniversary celebration.
Atty. Cesar Albano, a prominent Filipino-American Community leader and member of the San Beda Law School Lex Taliones fraternity, was also present at the event and introduced the Consul General.
Atty. Albano also awarded a plaque of recognition to Consul General Bensurto for his participation in this momentous occasion.
Founded in 1932, the UBA aims to unite all Filipinos with roots in the Municipality of Bacarra, Ilocos Norte who are now based in the United States.
The group also works “to help each other” morally, financially and spiritually in time of need and sorrow, to promote and encourage educational, cultural and social activities that are beneficial to the membership and the community at large, and to cooperate with other organizations to promote collective Filipino-American welfare in the U.S. END
For more information, visit www.sanfranciscopcg.dfa.gov.ph/ www.philippinessanfrancisco.org or https://www.facebook.com/PHinSF/
Consul General Henry S. Bensurto Jr. delivers his keynote address at the 85th founding anniversary of the United Baccareneos Association of America at Double Tree Hotel in Pleasanton, California. (San Francisco PCG photo)
Newly-elected officers of the United Baccareneos Association of America is inducted to their respective offices by Consul General Henry S. Bensurto Jr. (San Francisco PE photo)