ABC7 Eyewitness News journalists Tony Cabrera, Irene Cruz, and Denise Dador were honored with a City of Carson proclamation during the July 1, 2025, City Council meeting in celebration of Filipino Friendship Day.
Pictured with the honorees are Filipina Councilwoman Arleen Bocatija Rojas (far left), Councilmember Jawane Hilton (second from left, back row), Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes (center), Councilmembers Cedric Hicks (second from right) and Jim Dear (far right). The recognition celebrated the journalists’ impact in broadcast media and their role in elevating Filipino American representation in Southern California. (Photo courtesy of Adrian Lecaros, President of the Filipino American Press Club of California)
CARSON, CA — The City of Carson honored three Filipino American journalists from ABC7 Eyewitness News with a city proclamation during its July 1 City Council meeting, recognizing their contributions in advance of Philippine-American Friendship Day.
Denise Dador, Tony Cabrera, and Irene Cruz were recognized for their achievements in broadcast journalism and their role in elevating Filipino American visibility in Southern California media.
The proclamation was formally presented by Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes and Filipino American Councilmember Arleen Bocatija Rojas during the regular session held at Carson City Hall. Other members of the Carson City Council were also present for the public recognition.
Carson issued a proclamation recognizing Philippine-American Friendship Day during its July 1 City Council meeting, honoring the longstanding ties between the Philippines and the United States. The holiday was established in 1963 by former Philippine President Diosdado Macapagal and continues to be observed on July 4.
Councilmember Rojas expressed pride in the journalists’ visibility and their role in representing the community.
Dador, ABC7’s Health Specialist, has long reported on public health issues including medical research, wellness, and health equity. Her coverage has helped inform Southern Californians on critical health topics for more than two decades.
Cabrera anchors ABC7’s weekend morning newscasts and covers stories across Orange County. Known for his community-driven features and human interest stories, he has become a trusted voice for viewers throughout the region.
Cruz, who joined ABC7 in 2022, anchors weekend morning broadcasts and contributes general assignment reports. A native of Orange County and fluent in Tagalog, Cruz represents a new generation of Filipino American journalists helping to shape the future of Los Angeles media.
Carson is home to one of the largest Filipino populations in California and regularly hosts events that celebrate Filipino heritage, civic leadership, and cultural contributions.
The proclamation ceremony underscored the collective impact of the three journalists and their ongoing contributions to community-centered storytelling.
