PH Consul General to Chicago Speaks Before US-based Bicolanos

Group photo with Consul General to Chicago Gina A. Jamoralin (fifth from left), Eighth Legislative District, Illinois State Senator Ram Villivalam (fourth from right), Bikol USA officers and members. (Chicago PCG photo)

CHICAGO 26 December 2019 — Bicolanos from the US Midwest gathered together to celebrate Christmas, complete with the region’s famous culinary delights such as laing and Bicol express at Seafood City’s Elston Mix Mall on 14 December 2019.

After a hiatus, the newly-revived “Bikol USA of the Midwest”, led by its President Evelyn dela Rosa Tolledo, once again brought together fellow Bikolanos from the Midwest to show their love for their beloved, “Bikol Philippines”. In her remarks, Philippine Consul General to Chicago Gina Jamoralin congratulated the Bikol USA president and officers, for forging unity among Bikolanos and for showcasing the region’s traditions and cuisine.

Consul General Jamoralin also urged the Filipino citizens to exercise their right to vote by registering as a Filipino overseas voter for the upcoming elections in the Philippines in May 2022. She also reminded them of their civic duty to vote in general and local elections in the United States if they are qualified to do so. She stressed that there are more than four million Filipinos in the whole of US which represent a significant voice.  She also invited the members and guests  to join next year’s Very Important Pinoy Tour to the Philippines in July 2020 with destinations to Manila, Iloilo and Boracay.

Illinois State Senator Ram Villivalam of the Eighth Legislative District, son of first-generation immigrants from India, spoke about his advocacy for minorities in his district including the Asian Americans and to make sure that their voices are heard by their political leaders. END

Consul General to Chicago Gina Jamoralin (right) delivers her remarks and thanking “Bikol USA of the Midwest” president Evelyn Tolledo (left) for taking the organization out of its hiatus. (Chicago PCG photo)

For more information, visit https://www.chicagopcg.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.chicagopcg.com or https://www.facebook.com/PHinChicago/.