SAN FRANCISCO – Philippine Consul General in San Francisco, Neil Frank Ferrer attended a special ceremony to honor the elected Filipino-American officials across the Bay Area, last March 28 at the San Francisco Public Library. With the theme, Hope in Motion: Building a Better Future Together, the event recognizes their remarkable contributions as public leaders.
The honorees were Daly City Councilmember Juslyn Manalo, Dublin City Councilmember John Morada, Newark City Councilmember Julie Del Catancio, Hayward Unified School Trustee Pete Bufete, and San Leandro Unified School Trustee Zachary Borja, Sen. Christopher Cabaldon, Alameda County District 5 Supervisor Nikki Fortunato Bas, and Union City School Board Trustee Patricio Urbi. Expressing pride in representing the Filipino diaspora in their communities, said officials emphasized the importance of having a united and strong community.
Consul General Ferrer congratulated the elected Filipino-American leaders and likewise expressed pride in having second and third generation Filipino Americans represent their community in positions of leadership. He also conveyed appreciation for the partnership with many of these leaders and reaffirmed the Philippine Consulate’s commitment to assisting all Filipino nationals, regardless of immigration status. Consul General Ferrer also emphasized the importance of having established links and connections with different organizations that offer services to those in need.
California State Sen. Scott Weiner expressed deep pride in serving the vibrant Filipino-American community in his District. He is confident that the leaders in the Bay Area will be able to lead in uniting and protecting California’s vulnerable groups and diverse communities.
The keynote address during the event was delivered by Attorney-General Rob Bonta who stressed that it is the people and the voters who will shape the country’s future, and they are the ones to decide how to uphold the constitution and democracy.
