Carson honors Filipino media during Philippine Independence Day observance

Honorees and city officials pose for a photo following a recognition ceremony at Carson City Hall ahead of the city’s Philippine Independence Day celebration. The City of Carson recognized Filipino media professionals and community leaders for their contributions to public information, cultural awareness and community engagement. – photo courtesy of Prosy Abarquez – Dela Cruz

CARSON, Calif. — The City of Carson recognized Filipino and Filipino American media professionals during its June 3 City Council meeting, honoring their longtime coverage of the city’s Philippine Independence Day celebration and broader civic life.

The recognition was part of the council’s proclamation marking the 128th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day. It took place during the June 3 City Council meeting at Carson City Hall, ahead of the city’s annual Philippine Independence Day celebration at Veterans Park.

The media honorees were Adriano Lecaros, president of the Filipino American Press Club of California; Lydia V. Solis, chief correspondent for Southern California of Philippine News; Cora M. Oriel, publisher of Asian Journal Publications, Inc.; Stephen A. Angeles, correspondent for ABS-CBN Corporation; Val G. Abelgas, publisher of Philippine Post; Joy Marino of U.S. Asian Post; Luchie Allen, publisher of Weekend Balita; Nimfa U. Rueda, editor and bureau chief of Inquirer.net USA; Ruben V. Nepales, correspondent of Inquirer.net USA; and Janet R. Nepales, correspondent and reporter for GMA Network.

The recognition was spearheaded by Filipino American Councilwoman Arleen Rojas, who thanked the honorees for documenting Carson’s Philippine Independence Day events and helping bring the city’s Filipino American stories to audiences across the region.

City officials cited the honorees’ commitment to community journalism and their role in promoting cultural awareness, community pride and public understanding of one of Carson’s most visible Filipino American traditions. Their work, the city said, has helped preserve and share stories that reflect Carson’s diverse community.

The recognition added a media dimension to Carson’s Philippine Independence Day observance, underscoring how community journalism has helped document the celebration’s place in the city’s civic and cultural life.