SANTA CLARA – For the very first time, the Silicon Valley city of Santa Clara issued a proclamation declaring October as Filipino American History Month.
The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, led by Consul Jed Martin Llona, received the proclamation from Mayor Lisa Gillmor and Vice Mayor Kevin Park in a historic moment during the City Council meeting at the Santa Clara City Hall on 10 October 2023.
On behalf of Philippine Consul General Neil Ferrer, Consul Llona said in his address to the City Council that the proclamation allows the public “to reflect on the struggles and triumphs of Filipinos who have come before us in the United States.”
“The Consulate is proud of the contributions of our community in Santa Clara, especially in the fields of healthcare, hospitality, and high technology, not to mention the Filipino fans of the San Francisco 49ers who flock to Levi’s Stadium,” Consul Llona said.
Consul Llona also expressed hope that Santa Clara will establish its first sister-city relationship with a Philippine city in the near future, with the support of the City Council and the community.
Filipino Community leader and broadcaster Don Orozco also took part in the proceedings and received a copy of the City Council proclamation.
Consul Jed Martin Llona addresses the Santa City Council during its presentation of the city’s very first Filipino American History Month proclamation on 10 October 2023. (San Francisco PCG photo)