Historic Filipinotown honors mothers and caregivers at Mother’s Day tribute

Mothers, caregivers and community leaders were recognized for service, sacrifice and contributions across generations

LOS ANGELES — Mothers, caregivers and women community leaders were honored during a Mother’s Day Tribute celebration held Saturday, May 9, at the headquarters of Search to Involve Pilipino Americans in Historic Filipinotown.

The event was hosted by the International MoTHER Movement and co-hosted by the TLC Family Caregiver Support Group. SIPA sponsored the venue and provided logistical support. Organizers said the annual tribute recognizes mothers and caregivers whose sacrifices, service and guidance have strengthened families and communities across generations.

This year’s program centered on two recognitions: the International Mother Milestone Achiever Award and the Mother’s Golden Heart of Caregiving Award.

Honoring mothers across generations

Now in its fifth year, the International Mother Milestone Achiever Award recognizes mothers whose devotion and perseverance helped shape children who have made meaningful contributions in their professions and communities.

Among the 2026 honorees was Marcelina Taganas, who joined virtually from Salinas, California. She was honored through her daughter, Celina Taganas Duffy, founder of a Los Angeles-based creative design agency whose work has included projects for the City of Los Angeles, the Smithsonian Institution, USC, UCLA, Deluxe Media and the Roy and Patricia Disney Family Foundation, among others.

Duffy has also worked with Filipino American and cultural organizations and currently serves as board chair of the Filipino American Service Group, Inc. In her tribute, she reflected on the sacrifices her mother made as an immigrant farmworker raising a family in a foreign land, describing the resilience of mothers whose work helped open opportunities for the next generation.

Also honored was Josie Harrison, mother of Filipino American comedian Jo Koy, who joined virtually from Las Vegas. Jo Koy is known for comedy rooted in Filipino family life and immigrant experiences, and starred in Easter Sunday, a film centered on a Filipino American family.

Harrison was introduced during the program by Honorary Consul Amy Bemonte of Las Vegas, who represented Jo Koy while he was traveling for an overseas engagement. Organizers recognized Harrison for her resilience, compassion and community involvement, including outreach efforts for underserved families and assistance to the Payatas community in the Philippines.

The program also recognized Asuncion Diaz Ojeda posthumously. Her daughter, Carol Ojeda-Kimbrough, accepted the recognition and shared the story of her mother’s determination and devotion to family.

While raising six children, Ojeda worked two jobs and pursued small business ventures to support her family. She also helped relatives in the Philippines through balikbayan boxes and financial assistance.

Ojeda-Kimbrough later became a professor at several state universities in Los Angeles and served on county commissions and nonprofit boards, including SIPA and the Filipino American Library.

Recognizing caregivers

The celebration also honored family caregivers through the Mother’s Golden Heart of Caregiving Award.

Among those who personally received recognitions were Linda Arboleda, Lourdes Capati, Veneranda Liban, Lucy Mejia, Tess Nones, Remy Pascual and Beth San Diego. Organizers noted that several other awardees remained at home caring for loved ones, reflecting the continuing responsibilities often carried by family caregivers.

Raquel Mejia, a 2024 International Mother Milestone Achiever awardee, delivered congratulatory remarks and described mothers as “heroes” whose sacrifices and compassion shape families and communities. Drawing from her years as a nurse, she also paid tribute to caregivers and recognized the patience, strength and emotional commitment required in caring for others.

Cris Liban, son of 2025 awardee Veneranda Liban, delivered a tribute to his mother and to all mothers present. He recalled that his father worked overseas as an Overseas Filipino Worker, leaving much of the responsibility of raising the family to his mother.

Liban described his mother as the family’s caregiver, decision-maker, disciplinarian and guide. He also shared that after his father suffered a serious fall and became bedridden about a year and a half ago, his mother again devoted herself to full-time caregiving.

Community program

Cynthia Bonta, a 2025 International Mother Milestone Achiever awardee, delivered the keynote address virtually from Alameda County, reflecting on the Filipino American farmworker movement and the role of women and families in strengthening communities.

The guest of honor was Maria Alnee Gamble, deputy consul general of the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles, who delivered remarks on behalf of Consul General Adelio Angelito Cruz. Gamble shared that her mother, Asuncion Arugay, a 2024 International Mother Milestone Achiever awardee, was deeply honored by the recognition she had received. She was introduced by Dr. Art Flores, an adviser of the group.

The invocation prayer was delivered by Lilia Tabafunda, while the national anthems were performed by Tess Nones and Beth San Diego. Opening and welcome remarks were given by Kimmy Maniquis, executive director of SIPA.

Perla Santos, founder and president of the International MoTHER Movement and TLC Family Caregiver Support Group, presented the history and mission of both organizations. Santos said MoTHER began as a women’s empowerment and self-defense initiative while she was working as an overseas Filipino worker in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, before later evolving in Los Angeles into a broader movement focused on empowering women, mothers and caregivers.

Santos said the International Mother Milestone Achiever Award is one of MoTHER’s signature programs, while the TLC Family Caregiver Support Group has grown into an advocacy initiative promoting awareness and support for family caregivers. Organizers also held a signature campaign in support of the Family Caregiver Initiative.

The program included cultural presentations, musical performances, floral offerings, raffles and Filipino delicacies, including biko, siopao and cheese pimiento sandwiches. Organizers described the event as a tribute to mothers and caregivers whose service continues to inspire the community.

Fe Destura, Ph.D., served as one of the emcees. Rosito Go, Mayette Bacalso, Hiedel Cano, Nena and Jess Ruiz, Gloria Resurreccion, Myndy Pascual and Phil del Rosario served on various committees.