SAN FRANCISCO – For the very first time by a sitting Filipino ambassador in Washington, DC, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez — accompanied by Philippine Consul General in San Francisco Neil Ferrer — joined Mayor London Breed and the Filipino American Community in the 20th annual celebration of Filipino American History Month last October 10.
The milestone celebration at the San Francisco City Hall was hosted by San Francisco Film Commissioner and Golden State Warriors “hype man” Franco Finn, and NBC Bay Area anchor Ginger Conejero-Saab.
During the celebration, Mayor Breed presented her proclamation of October 2024 as Filipino American History Month in San Francisco, where she recognized “the Filipino American Community’s vibrant impact to the historic South of Market Neighborhood, (and) invaluable contributions to arts, business and cultural innovation.”
In his remarks, Ambassador Romualdez thanked Mayor Breed for hosting the celebration and noted his time in San Francisco as a resident. “San Francisco is very close to many of us… I used to live here myself many years ago. And it’s always been, as I always say: I left my heart here, and it’s still here up to now,” Ambassador Romualdez said.
The Philippine Ambassador said that at a time when the Philippines is currently facing major challenges in the region, particularly in the West Philippine Sea, “we need our friends here in the United States, our longstanding ally, to stand by us. And they have.”
He also cited the increasing economic cooperation between the Philippines and the US —including the Presidential Trade and Investment Mission to the Philippines earlier this year, where US Commerce Sec. Gina Raimondo announced over $1 billion in American investments in the Philippines.
“Certainly, your role as a Filipino American is very significant in making sure that that relationship remains strong… It doesn’t matter what political color you have, whether it’s green, blue, yellow. Whatever color it is, you’re still a Filipino by heart. And inside you, you know that you want our country to be safe and free and always stable,” Ambassador Romualdez further said.
Meanwhile, Ferrer thanked Breed and the San Francisco City Government for their continued recognition of the city’s 45,000-strong Filipino Community. He also noted that 2024 marks 10 years since the Filipino language was included in San Francisco’s Language Access Ordinance — mandating the translation and interpretation of city government services to Filipino.
For many Filipinos, the ability to comprehend the consequences of decisions that may affect their lives such as in healthcare, education, housing and social security, is served better when they use their mother tongue. Thus, the Language Access Ordinance is an important tool towards equity and justice,” Ferrer said.
“Let us celebrate Filipino American History Month not just every October, but all year round. I encourage you to continue supporting events that celebrate Filipino culture and pride in San Francisco and beyond. In the same vein, let us continue to give back to our homeland, the Philippines, to secure a prosperous and sustainable future for our kababayans back home,” Ferrer further said.
Fil-Am small business and community advocate and San Francisco Board of Supervisors candidate Marjan Philhour keynoted the celebration, while Fil-Am singers Madison Lauren, Jeovani Abenoja and the Saint Augustine Children’s Choir, and Fil-Am cultural group Parangal Dance Company also showcased their talents during the event.
As part of the yearly celebration, recognition was given to exceptional Filipino American leaders in San Francisco: Neil Torrefiel (Emerging Leaders Award), Filipino Arts and Cinema (FACINE) Executive Director; Jason Chan (Community Champion Award), AT&T External Affairs Director, and Appointments Secretary to then-Mayor Gavin Newsom; and Gayle Romasanta (Trailblazer Award), Filipino American Development Foundation Executive Director, and “Larry The Musical” Executive Director and Writer.
Meanwhile, for the second time this year, the San Francisco City Hall was lit up with the colors of the Philippine national flag, in recognition of the vital contributions of Filipino Americans to the city. Previously, the City Hall was also illuminated in blue, red and yellow last June, in celebration of Philippine Independence Day.
