6 January 2015 - “Northern California, particularly the Bay Area, is the seedbed for future Filipino American leaders,” declared Philippine Consul General Henry S. Bensurto, Jr., during a reception he hosted at the Philippine Center on 15 December 2014 for Filipino American officials who were elected last November. “Filipino Americans are the largest Asian American ethnic group in California, we have talented and dedicated leaders with proven track records, and several Filipino-Americans were recently elected,” he added.
The Consul General said that with a more politically active and empowered Filipino American community, “the voices of the community would be heard in the halls of the State Assembly, city councils, school boards, and even in high offices in Washington D.C.”
The event was welcomed by many community leaders as a celebration of the Filipino community’s growing desire to be politically empowered and take a more active role in policy making. Twenty- three (23) Filipino American officials were elected into office last 04 November 2014, adding to the long list of Filipino Americans who are currently serving in their elective or appointive capacities in the Bay Area and beyond.
The elected officials present included Assembly Member Rob Bonta; Mayors Ray Buenaventura, Joanne del Rosario and Jose Esteves; Council Members Garry Barbadillo, Michael Guingona, Dianne Martinez, Gabriel Quinto, and Myrna de Vera, School Board Members Thelma Boac, Katherine Zarate-Dulany, Hydra Mendoza-McDonnell, Noelani Sallings, Rosie Tejada and Dr. Tony Ubalde (President of the Board), and Commissioners Robert Bernardo and Mae-Cendaña Torlakson.
Also honored but were not present were Mayors Pete Sanchez and Christopher Cabaldon, Council Member Pat Gacoscos and Marico Sayoc, and School Board Member Linda Canlas.
Consul General Bensurto also paid tribute to elected officials’ family and loved ones for their full support and hard work during the campaign and throughout the years of their public and community service.
He presented Certificates of Recognition to the officials, who were given the opportunity to address the gathering. They thanked the Consulate General for the honor and recognition bestowed upon them, which was very empowering. They vowed to do their best in their respective positions to underscore the capabilities of Filipino Americans as excellent public servants. END
