MEMBERS of the Philippine Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and Metro Manila Mayors converged at the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA) headquarters in Historic Filipinotown last Tuesday, January 30.
Headed by Secretary of DILG Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos, Jr., the Philippine delegation was in Los Angeles to meet with local city officials in Los Angeles and Orange counties and learn about emergency response and disaster risk reduction and management programs that they may be able to implement in their own local districts and areas of jurisdiction in Metro Manila.
Secretary of DILG Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos, Jr. shared with Filipinos present at FACLA the various programs that President Ferdinand “Bonging” Marcos, Jr. and his local government has implemented. The Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) Program aims to reduce drug demand, to promote community-based rehabilitation and to improve awareness by utilizing information, education and communication materials.
DILG Staff were present alongside Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Atty. Don Artes and other MMDA staff.
The Metro Manila Mayors who were present were San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora who is also the president of the Metro Manila Council, Caloocan City Mayor Dale Gonzalo Malapitan, Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval, Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon, Navotas City Mayor John Reynald Tiangco, Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano and Pateros Mayor Miguel Ponce.
They were accompanied by Vice Mayors such as Pasay City Vice Mayor Waldetrudes Del Rosario who also represents the Metro Manila Vice Mayors’ League, Mandaluyong City Vice Mayor Carmelita “Menchie” Abalos, Caloocan City Councilor Carolyn Cunanan who also represents the Metro Manila Councilors’ League and Vice Mayor of Las Piñas April Aguilar Nery.
Philippine Consul General of Los Angeles Honorable Edgar Badajos, his vice consuls, deputies and staff were also present to guide the Philippine delegation and to make sure the program ran smoothly.
City of Artesia Councilmember Melissa Ramoso presented a city pin to Secretary Abalos while Moises “Jun” Aglipay, Jr. presented a certificate of recognition from the office of California Assemblymember Mike Gipson to Secretary Abalos.
Local public officials such as Councilmember Ramoso, City of Santa Ana Councilmember Phil Bacerra, City of Los Angeles Board of Transportation Commissioner Cris Liban, and City of Los Angeles Commissioner of Public Works Susanna Reyes were present.
Representatives of local Filipino American organizations such as Trinity Foliente, Dr. Lourdes Capulong and Mr. Aguayon of FACLA, which hosted the event, Redy Babasa-Thompson of the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce Greater Los Angeles, Lissa Pacheco-Chow of the Filipino American Press Club of California, Jucevi Virtudes of SoCal Filipinos and the Asian American Press Club of the U.S., and Fred Docdocil of Mabuhay Credit Union were in attendance, among others.
Longtime resident and champion for Historic Filipinotown and owner of Park’s Finest Johneric Concordia provided everyone with a sumptuous meal that included Mama Leah’s Coconut Beef Adobo, Baby Back Pork, Salmon and Coconut Jackfruit and Mushroom Adobo.
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Golf enthusiasts from all Southern California assembled at Brookside Gold Club in Pasadena for what is probably Philippine Consul General Edgar Badajos’s last send-off golf tournament on Saturday, February 3.
Organized by tournament director and San Fernando Valley Golf Club president Charlie Bonilla, Bradelinas Foundation Chairman of the Board Felicito Buenagua and Filipino American Community of Los Angeles president Trinity Foliente, this golf meet aimed to raise funds for a nonprofit organization, Bradelinas Foundation.
The foundation intends to accelerate the reduction of extreme poverty, to reverse the polarizing effects of social media by disseminating facts and to restore trust through community service and dialogue, feeding programs, medical and dental missions, and supporting learning centers.
Consul General Edgar Badajos, as he completed his “18th hole,” urged attendees to “continue being connected to our homeland and to never tire of helping countrymen back home.”
To augment Bradelinas fundraising efforts, a Close to the Pin Fundraiser awaited the golfers at Par 3.
This fun-filled event presided by Bonilla welcomed golf contenders from various organizations such as Philippine Military Academy of Southern California and Rotary Club of Historic Filipinotown led by Macky Fortu, United Fil-Am Golf Association led by Freddie Castañeda, Birdie Buddies led by Jigs De Guzman, University of the East Alumni Association led by Frank Vergara, Lions Brilliant Club led by Nick Delicana, and United Pinoy Association led by Angelo Hernal.
Bradelinas Foundation Board of Directors members Mark Anthony Bonnet, Cesar Canonizado and Floraine Domingo lent a helping hand with the program and snacks for everyone while media practitioner and board member of the Filipino American Press Club Mic Diaz hosted the pre-game ceremonies.
The board members of Bradelinas Foundation invite everyone to visit www.bradelinas.com to learn about the foundation’s undertakings.
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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
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