Bernie Benito – President
LAS VEGAS, NV [July 11, 2025] — Bernie Benito, a well-known leader in the Filipino American community and resident of Las Vegas since 1972, has been voted the next President of Filipino Town Las Vegas by its officers and board of directors. Benito succeeds Rozita Lee, who resigned on July 10, 2025.
“I am deeply honored and humbled to continue to lead the efforts that highlight the historical significance of Filipino Town Las Vegas for the Filipino American community and for all of Las Vegas,” said Benito. “Along with our dedicated officers and board members, our next steps will focus on creating activities that will ensure Filipino Town is not just a landmark but a living, breathing cultural destination for locals and tourists alike, allowing our community’s heritage to be shared and experienced by everyone!”
Ernie Buo has also been voted as the new Vice President of Filipino Town Las Vegas. A senior civil engineer for the City of North Las Vegas Public Works, Buo is also the president of Fil-Am Civic Action International, which caters to the needs of the Filipino American community in Las Vegas.
“Under the new leadership of President Benito, we will transform Filipino Town in Las Vegas into a center of cultural pride and economic opportunity, honoring the contributions of Filipino Americans while strengthening our community for future generations,” Buo said. “Filipino Town will serve as a hub to celebrate Filipino traditions, food, art, and music, making sure the Filipino cultural legacy lives through generations.”
Bernie Benito previously served as Vice President and Ernie Buo previously served as Board Member of Filipino Town Las Vegas.
ABOUT FILIPINO TOWN LAS VEGAS
Clark County approved the cultural designation for Filipino Town Las Vegas on April 15, 2025, ending a 9-month long application process which included public town hall meetings and several hearings in front of the Clark County Board of Commissioners.
Filipino Town Las Vegas cultural designation is along Maryland Parkway between Flamingo Road and Desert Inn Road. The area is home to some of the most recognized Filipino retail, restaurant and medical and professional brands.
The unveiling of the sign markers for Filipino Town has been scheduled for October 9, 2025 in partnership with Clark County.
Current Filipino Town Las Vegas Officers and Board of Directors are as follows:
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Bernie Benito – President
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Engr. Ernie Buo – Vice President
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Corin Ramos – Secretary /Public Relations Officer
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Sam Buban – Treasurer
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Jocelyn Borromeo – Assistant Treasurer
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Virgilio (Bing) Longakit – Auditor
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Connie Benito – Board Director
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Dr. Philip Paleracio – Board Director
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Ron Sumbang – Board Director
