VIA Times – October 2018 Issue Vital News, Vibrant VIews for Asian Americans in Chicago & Midwest
Chicago, 02 October 2018 – On 01 October 2018, the State of Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner, represented by Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti, hosted the kickoff of the Filipino American History Month (FAHM) at the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago signifying the start of a month-long celebration of the FAHM as part of the official Illinois Bicentennial Celebration 2018.
Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin, in her welcome remarks, related how the first few Filipino immigrants settled in the United States in the early 20th century to the professionals – led by doctors and nurses – during the immigration wave of the 1960s and made their mark in many other fields of expertise. She underscored the invaluable presence of the Filipinos in the American society as upheld by the recognition through a Proclamation by Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Skokie Mayor George Van Dusen, Members of the 99th Legislature in Michigan — State Senators Steven M. Bieda of the 9th District, Jim Ananich of the 27th District, Hoon-Yung Hopgood of the 6th District and Vincent Gregory of the 11th District and a greeting message from the Illinois State Treasurer Michael W. Frerichs.
“FAHM is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the contributions Filipino Americans have made to our state and country, including the Filipino veterans of WWII,” Lieutenant Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti said. “It is a privilege – especially during our year-long Illinois Bicentennial celebration — to present leadership and service awards to three Filipino American leaders who have positively impacted Illinois and are helping to build a better future for our state.”
The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of awards by Lt. Gov. Sanguinetti for outstanding service and leadership to Police Department 24th District Sergeant Wilfredo Santos Lapitan, the Philippine American Cultural Foundation (PACF), and U.S. Army veteran Edward M. Brotonel. ABC 7’s Cate Cauguiran emceed the event.
The month-long celebration of FAHM will be observed in cooperation with the Filipino American communities in Chicago, suburban Illinois, and the Midwest. END
Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin during her welcome remarks at the kickoff celebration of the Filipino American History Month (FAHM) Celebration at the James R. Thompson Center on 01 October 2018.
Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin with Ms. Cate Cauguiran of ABC 7 Who was the emcee for the FAHM event and Mr. Thomas Choi of the Office of Governor Bruce Rauner.
Presentation of awards by Lt. Gov. Sanguinetti with Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin for outstanding service and leadership to Police Department 24th District Sergeant Wilfredo Santos Lapitan (upper left), the Philippine American Cultural Foundation (lower middle), and U.S. Army veteran Edward M. Brotonel.
