01 June 2016 – The Filipino community in Maine, led by Ms. Tess Cardona, welcomed the delegation of Philippine Consul General Mario De Leon, Jr., who is in Maine to visit the local community, call on US elected and local officials and promote networking exchanges with the local Chamber of Commerce and the state International Trade Center.

Consul General De Leon, accompanied by Consul Felipe Carino and Filipino community members Tess Cardona and Sarah Boothby, called on Mayor Ethan Strimling to introduce local community members and promote exchanges on community issues.  During the discussion, Consul General De Leon mentioned that out of about 3,000 Filipinos living in Maine, 800 Filipinos live in Portland. He also mentioned that the other purposes of his visit are to develop US legislative interests on Filipino veterans and promote commerce between the Philippines and Maine.

Mayor Strimling welcomed Consul General De Leon’s visit and invited community members to avail of the city’s services on matters of concern to them.  He also promised to be more visible in community events.  Mayor Strimling is a first-term Mayor who is hugely popular as a public figure and radio commentator before jumping into politics.

During discussions, community members brought to Mayor Strimling’s attention important matters relating to immigration and visa issuance to immediate family members in the Philippines, medical services and housing issues for senior citizens, and expanding opportunities for foreign immigrants in Maine.  Mayor Strimling promised to look closely into their concerns.  

A day earlier, a salo-salo, consisting of Maine lobsters and potato salad, was held at Days Hotel where Filipino community members coming from different parts of Maine came to see Consul General De Leon.  Even community leaders from as far away as New Hampshire joined to the pleasant surprise of Consul General De Leon who is ending his tour of duty by the end of June after five productive years of serving the community in the US Northeast.

Consul General De Leon took the opportunity to thank community members and their coordinator, Tess Cardona, for their support during his term and for hosting the annual consular outreach in the area for the benefit of many community members.  The next scheduled outreach in Maine is on August 6.  He also mentioned the success of the political and economic outreach in Maine - a first time for the Consulate General and Filipino community - where leading community members joined to engage their elected officials to air concerns which included medical health benefits for seniors, visa issuance for family members, and other immigration-related matters. END