22 January 2015 - The Philippine Consul General in Honolulu extended New Year greetings and a message of unity to the “United Laoaguenos of Hawaii” on the organization’s 34th Anniversary and Coronation Ball held on January 10 at the Ala Moana Hotel in downtown Honolulu. The “United Laoaguenos of Hawaii”, is only one of almost 300 Filipino organizations in Hawaii.

In her speech, Consul General Gina Jamoralin, praised the organization for its scholarship projects for deserving Filipino-American students to finance university studies as well as outreach projects meant to help needy families back home in Ilocos region. However, she added that this spirit of charity and civic-mindedness should come together with the spirit of unity among the Filipinos in Hawaii regardless of geographical region or ethnic origin. The Consul General also reminded the Ilocanos of their civic duty to vote in the forthcoming Philippine national elections in 2016 and enjoined them to register for overseas voting at the Philippine Consulate General before the 31 October 2015 deadline for registration.

Other guest of honor present during the event was Hawaii State House Representative Bob McDermott representing the Ewa Beach District in Oahu. END