22 October 2014 - Philippine Consul General Henry S. Bensurto, Jr., accompanied by his spouse, Madame Ann Mariza Sanchez-Bensurto, and their son Henry Matthew, attended the Filipino-American Heritage Month celebration in Daly City, California, on October 11.

Consul General Bensurto was welcomed by Mayor David J. Canepa and Vice Mayor Carol L. Klatt.  In his remarks, the Consul General thanked Mayor Canepa for inviting him to the event, and said that he was happy to be back in Daly City where he performed his first duty as Consul General at a flag raising to commemorate Philippine independence.

He added that it was fitting that a get-together in celebration of Filipino-American history month is being held in Daly City, given that it is host to the largest Filipino-American community in the Bay Area.

In his remarks, the Consul General said that history is “crucial in the development of a community, as it gives a foundation to stand on, and a context for understanding why and how things are the way they are.  By knowing our own history, and this history of our family and community, our sense of identity is strengthened.”  He thanked the community in Daly City for the invitation and congratulated them in being “a part of the fabric of American culture”.

On behalf of the children of Passi, Ilo-Ilo, Consul General Bensurto and officers of the local government of Passi who were in Daly City for a familiarization visit, received artwork composed of Philippine bougainvillea and California poppies made by the children of Daly City.  The opening ceremony was followed by cultural performances.  Booths were set up at the venue to showcase Filipino artists and talents, while Filipino food such as lumpia, lechon and kaldereta were served to the guests, which was held at the Pacelli Event Center.  END