Video: Hundreds of Supporters and Volunteers Join Leni-Kiko Unity Walk in New York City

Kababayan Media covers the Walk and Rally, for VP Leni Roberedo and Sen Kiko Pangilinan candidates for President and Vice President of the Philippines in the May 2022 National Elections, it’s also a Rally to commemorate the EDSA People Power movement’s 36th year anniversary. Woodside, Queens. Little Manila, New York. 02/26/22.

Video by Lambert Parong Kababayan Media © 2022 All Rights Reserved

Mayor Eric Adams Announces Economic Development Team

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams unveiled multiple new members of his economic development team at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The team — which will be led by Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer — includes several new appointments, as well as a handful of previously announced appointments. Collectively, they will be focused on building an equitable recovery across all sectors of the city’s economy and bringing New York City back following COVID-19.

Andrew Kimball will serve as president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), Lindsay Greene will serve as CEO of the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation, Anne del Castillo will continue to serve as commissioner of the New York City Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME), and Clare Newman will continue to serve as president and CEO of The Trust for Governors Island.

“New York City is the economic engine of the nation and is going to lead this economic recovery, which is why we will need proven leaders who have a comprehensive understanding of the economic landscape of this city, and a track record of ‘Getting Stuff Done,’” said Mayor Adams. “Each member of this diverse group of individuals truly knows the communities they serve, and has the skills, the talent, and the emotional intelligence to shepherd an inclusive and equitable economic recovery for all New Yorkers. Appointing a team like this is how we bring back our city stronger than ever.”

At NYCEDC, Kimball will be responsible for delivering on the mayor’s economic development vision, creating good jobs in burgeoning fields, such as cybersecurity and life sciences, and creatively using the city’s assets to promote equitable growth. Kimball previously served as CEO of Industry City.

At the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Greene will be the first Black woman and the first openly LGBTQ+ person to serve in the role. As CEO, Greene will oversee the workforce development and urban manufacturing campus, which is home to more than 500 businesses and 11,000 employees. Greene will deepen and expand the Navy Yard’s mission, investing in the jobs of the future and creating pipelines for underserved communities to fill these jobs. Greene previously served as chief strategy officer of the NYCEDC.

At MOME, del Castillo will be a crucial partner for the city’s creative economy, from the film sector to the nightlife industry. She will also work with partners in and out of government to aid its recovery, as it was disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. Del Castillo was first appointed as commissioner in 2019.

As president and CEO of The Trust for Governors Island, Newman will build on the remarkable transformation of the island as a world-class public space, with a focus on ensuring all New Yorkers can enjoy the cultural, programmatic, and natural treasures the island has to offer.

“Under Mayor Adams’ leadership, we are fighting every day to drive a recovery for all New Yorkers,” said Deputy Mayor Torres-Springer. “That is why I am so thrilled that we are appointing visionary leaders like Andrew Kimball, Lindsay Greene, Anne del Castillo, and Clare Newman, whose depth of expertise is matched only by their commitment to New York City bouncing back better than before, with a stronger, more equitable, and more resilient economy.” 

“I am honored to be re-appointed by Mayor Adams to continue the important work of recovering and strengthening New York City’s media, entertainment, and nightlife sectors,” said MOME Commissioner Anne del Castillo. “These industries are vital to our vibrant culture and economy — generating $150 billion and 500,000 jobs pre-pandemic — and define our city as a global capital.”

About Anne del Castillo
Anne del Castillo is commissioner of MOME. Del Castillo holds more than 25 years of experience in film and TV production, public media, arts, and nonprofit administration. Since her appointment in 2019, Commissioner del Castillo has focused on bolstering New York City’s world-class arts, entertainment, and nightlife sectors and advanced an economy that works for all New Yorkers.

Prior to her appointment, Commissioner del Castillo served as director of Legal Affairs and then chief operating officer and general counsel of MOME. Since joining the agency in 2014, she has guided the development of numerous initiatives, including Broadway/Off-Broadway in the Boros to bring free live performances to the five boroughs; New York Music Month to provide resources, workshops, and seminars for New York City musicians and industry professionals at various stages in their careers; the Freelancers Hub to create a central resource hub for freelance workers in the creative industries; the New York City Women’s Fund for Media, Music and Theatre; a series of training and educational programs to increase diversity in film and television, theater, music production, and animation; and a deal with Berklee NYC to save the iconic Power Station recording studios.

Previously, del Castillo worked as vice president of development and business affairs at American Documentary, producer of the award-winning PBS documentary series POV, and associate director of the Austin Film Society.

She holds a BA in English Literature and a BS in Mass Communications from Boston University, and a JD from Brooklyn Law School. A native New Yorker, she grew up in Stuyvesant Town, where she is raising her son.

Del Castillo will report to Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer.

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Opinion | Ten Filipino Catholic Priests and a Nun Call for Critical and Prayerful Discernment in Selecting Candidates

Organizing Committee Members of the Pink Caravan on March 6 in Bergenfield, New Jersey.

ON MY WATCH

BY MANUEL L. CABALLERO

In a video tape which became viral in social media Sunday, 10 Filipino Catholic priests and a nun challenged Filipino voters to discern in an intelligent and prayerful manner in selecting the candidates they will support and vote in the May 9 elections.

Citing the "unprecedented crisis" faced by Filipinos due to bad economy, health issues because of pandemic and destructions brought by typhoon Odette, a nun said many families are struggling between hope and despair.

One by one. the prelates laid down the premIses of their talks and cited guides,

without mentioning names, which candidates to reject and which to support.

The priests said the voters must reject candidates who:

1) have platforms of lies and historical distortions of Marcos' dictatorship and martial rule;

2) don't value justice;

3) engage in massive disinformation;

4) support EJK;

5) support China's aggression against the PH and those who reject the Hague ruling;

6) support the culture of impunity.

Concluding their talks, the priests said the candidates to support and vote on election day are:

1) those who do not have record of corruption;

2) those who have campetence in participatory government (democracy);

3) those who have shown transparency in public service;

4) those who have truly demonstrated love for the poor;

5) those who believe in moral gospel values.

Explaining their involvement in PH political affairs, some church people say it is a form of community engagement and spiritual formation in line with the Church social responsibilities.

***

The "Pink Caravan For LENI Robredo-KIKO Pangilinan" in Bergenfield NJ on March 6 is all set. Its organizing committee met Sunday and finalized the details of the much-anticipated activity in the borough where some 5,000 FilAms live and a FilAm, Atty. Arvin Amatorio, sits as its popular mayor.

The enthusiasm of the committee heads, Hector Fonacier and Flora Villanueva deserves praise. Equally enthusiastic committee members are Nida Gonzales-Chan, Manny Chan, Eduardo Dela Cruz, Amira Allahh, Jujo Conol, Yves Yves, Resy Dilag , Agnes Fonacier, Jessa Bonafe and Chris Phan. This columnist is also in the committee.

Confirmed speakers during the fellowship part of the Caravan are Atty. Loida Nicolas Lewis, co-founder of Global Filipinos For LENI and regarded as "Mother of Filipino-Americans in the US" because of her long-time involvement in FilAm and PH causes in this country .

Dr. Joyce Robredo also confirmed as speaker, according to Angelita Pena. She is sister-in-law of VP Leni, being sister of the late Sec. Jesse Robredo. VP daughter Jillian Robredo was also invited. She has not replied yet.

PH co-organizes UN forum on water access at International Day of Women and Girls in Science

PR Enrique Manalo (left) emphasizes the Philippine’s solidarity with the international community in celebrating the Women and Girls in Science. Speakers from the Philippines, Dr. Josefina Abilay (lower right) and Engr. Lorvi Pagorogon (upper right), representatives of the Department of Science and Technology, highlight best practices in achieving SDG 6 on clean water and sanitation in the areas of STI and education while empowering women and girls. (Photos from  New York PM)

NEW YORK — Ambassador Enrique A. Manalo, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations in New York, reported that the Philippines co-organized the 7th International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGIS ) Assembly together with the Royal Academy of Science International Trust and 14 other Member States.

The forum, titled “Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: Water Unites Us,” held on 11 February 2022, focused on the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 and addressing water-related challenges that beset society.

Ambassador Manalo described the theme of the forum as a very timely issue in the context of the pandemic.

“Investing in water is necessary for a healthy and productive population and is a prerequisite for the achievement of the 2030 Agenda,” Ambassador Manalo said while speaking about how Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) are fundamental criterion in achieving the goal of universal health care by 2030.

The Philippines, with Hungary and the World Health Organization (WHO) earlier launched a new Group of Friends (GoF) on 10 December 2021 in support of WASH in healthcare facilities (HCF) to raise awareness and profile of the subject matter in discussions and decisions made in the United Nations. This effort was made in recognition of the critical role of WASH services in healthcare facilities for strong health systems, effective COVID-19 response and implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in general.

Representatives of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Dr. Josefina Abilay and Engr. Lorvi Pagorogon, participated as resource speakers in the forum and shared best practices in the Philippines in the areas of science, technology and innovation (STI) implementation and education.

Speaking at the panel on “Women in Science for Water and Society: Bridging Voices to Action,” Regional Director of DOST-MIMAROPA, Dr. Josefina Abilay, emphasized that in order to address the issue of access to safe water, the Philippines works towards ensuring that technologies, such as purification, filtration and desalination systems are optimized. She added that priority is given to remote areas when implementing STI services.

DOST Director and Campus Director of the Philippine Science High School – Bicol Region, Engr. Lorvi Pagorogon, participated in the Cansu Global Media Room Conversation “Moving the Water Conversation Forward” where she highlighted the general momentum in the Philippines towards increasing the number of students in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) program. As an educator, Engr. Pagorogon stressed the need to intensify the provision of safe spaces for pursuing STEM interests while noting that “emphasis should also be given to early training on gender sensitivity that will empower girls and women to prove herself in male-dominated fields, like engineering and IT.”

The United Nations General Assembly adopted A/RES/70/212 in 2015, declaring 11 February as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. The 7th IDWGIS Assembly is co-organized by Cyprus, Kenya, Lebanon, Malta, Morocco, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Rwanda, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Tajikistan. 

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Pink Caravan for Leni-Kiko in Bergenfield, NJ on March 6

PINK CARAVAN FOR LENI-KIKO IN BERGENFELD, NJ ON MARCH 6

By MANNY CABALLERO

Bergenfield, NJ- The fourth pro-LENi Robredo-KIKO Pangilinan Caravan by Filipino Americans in the New York/New Jersey area will be held in this borough on March 6, 2022.

Bergenfield is home to some

5,000 Filipino Americans. The borough has a Filipino American mayor, lawyer Arvin Amatorio.

This was announced by Hector Fonacier and Flordeliza Villanueva, both residents of Bergenfield.

The Caravan is being organized by FilAm community leaders who

helped made the recent Queens NY, Jersey City and Union Township Leni Caravans successful.

The forthcoming motorcade is jointly sponsored by United Filipinos of North America USA; 1SAMBAYAN US Chapter; Global Filipinos For Leni; Union Township Pink Caravan For Leni, Ateneo de Naga Alumni Association and certain members of Eastern Seaboard Bicolandia Association.

For inquiries, please call 512-963-3635 or 201-456-8009.

Mayor Adams Releases Subway Safety Plan, Says Safe Subway is Prerequisite for New York City's Recovery

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams today released the Subway Safety Plan, which lays out how his administration will begin addressing public safety concerns and supporting people experiencing homelessness and serious mental illness on New York City’s subways. The plan includes comprehensive investments in short- and medium-term solutions, including expanded outreach teams with New York Police Department (NYPD) officers and clinicians, additional housing and mental health resources, and outlines long-term systems improvements through changes to state and federal laws to connect more New Yorkers to the care they need. A key component of the plan will also direct NYPD personnel to assist in enforcing certain subway rules, such as sleeping across multiple seats, exhibiting aggressive behavior to passengers, or creating an unsanitary environment.

“It is cruel and inhumane to allow unhoused people to live on the subway, and unfair to paying passengers and transit workers who deserve a clean, orderly, and safe environment,” said Mayor Adams. “The days of turning a blind eye to this growing problem are over, and I look forward to collaborating with the state, the federal government, TWU, advocates, and law enforcement to solve this challenge. It will take time, but our work starts now.”

“For too long our mental health care system suffered from disinvestment, and the pandemic has only made things harder for New Yorkers with serious mental illness who are experiencing homelessness,” said New York Governor Kathy Hochul. “I am proud to stand with Mayor Adams and share our efforts to boost mental health treatment services for those who lack stable housing, and bring more psychiatric beds online. We must work together to keep our subways — the lifeblood of New York City — safe for all riders, and to get help and services to those in need.”

The plan lays out how the Adams administration, in partnership with the MTA and other state entities, will confront these concurrent challenges on our subways. Investments in people will provide immediate support and protection to New Yorkers, while investments in places like drop-in-centers, safe havens, stabilization beds, and Street Homeless Outreach Wellness vans, as well as policy changes at local, state, and federal levels will provide medium- and long-term solutions. These include:

• Deploying up to 30 Joint Response Teams that bring together DHS, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, NYPD, and community-based providers in high-need locations across our city.
• Training NYPD officers in our subway system to enforce the MTA and New York City Transit Authority’s rules of conduct in a fair and transparent way. 
• Expanding Behavioral Health Emergency Assistance Response Division “B-HEARD” teams to six new precincts, more than doubling the precincts covered to 11. These teams will expand on the already-successful pilot of answering non-violent 911 mental health calls with mental health professionals. 
• Incorporating medical services into DHS sites serving individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness. Expanded DHS Safe Havens and stabilization bed programs will offer on-site physical and behavioral health care to immediately address clients’ needs.  
• Immediately improving coordination across government with weekly “Enhanced Outreach Taskforce” meetings that bring together senior leaders from 13 city and state agencies to address issues quickly.
• Creating new Drop-in-Centers to provide an immediate pathway for individuals to come indoors, and exploring opportunities to site Drop-in-Centers close to key subway stations to directly transition individuals from trains and platforms to safe spaces.
• Streamlining the placement process into supportive housing and reducing the amount of paperwork it takes to prove eligibility.
• Calling on state government to expand psychiatric bed resources and amending Kendra’s Law to improve mental health care delivery for New Yorkers on Assisted Outpatient Treatment.
• Requiring — instead of requesting — everyone to leave the train and the station at the end of the line.

“Today's plan outlines several ways that we can begin to address the challenges of supporting those with mental illness and keep our city safe,” said First Deputy Mayor Lorraine Grillo. “Our administration looks forward to working with our state partners to provide much needed resources for those experiencing homelessness and serious mental illness on our city's subways.”.

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BBM-Sarah Supporters Hold Caravan and Rally in Queens, New York

photo by Noli Pola

BBM-Sara Supporters Hold Caravan and Rally in Queens, New York

By Susan Viorge

New York  - Are you interested in attending a political rally in freezing weather? Yes, it's interesting how more than hundred supporters of former Senator Bongbong Marcos and Mayor Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio  of UniTeam collectively convened  in spite of the snow! It was held at Frank D. O’Connor Playground, Elmhurst, Queens in New York on Feb. 13th.

 

photo by Noli Pola

The Opening Salvo Parade and Assembly was organized by the UNITEAM BBM-SARA East Coast, USA. Die-hard movers/supporters  sporting UniTeam colors (red & green) traveled from New Jersey, Connecticut, Virginia and other states in the East Coast to join the folks in metropolitan New York. They braved the snow and the wind chills just to show their utmost support to their candidates. 

 

About 30 cars had joined the caravan along Woodside Ave, Roosevelt Ave and Broadway and went back to Frank D. O’Connor Playground for a short program, raffle draw while enjoying Filipino delicacies and snacks. The camaraderie and bizarre fellowship drew excitement  around the vicinity thus attracting passersby. Consequently, the  highlight of the event was the community singing of` “Bagong Lipunan'' which overwhelmed the crowd along with the  deafening chanting  of “Bongbong- Sara!

photo by Noli Pola

Mr. Rene Ballenas, Chairman of the Uniteam BBM-Sara East Coast gave emphasis on how members  deal with opponent’s supporters  no matter what political affiliation or colors they belong to. He reiterates that In Uniteam , the supporters must uplift the candidate’s advocacy , respond to the needs of the community, live with integrity then trust the Uniteam Candidates to bring hope for the Philippines aiming for a brighter future.

Lastly, the presence of the patriotic supporters served to propel the community to join the upcoming Big Event at Liberty Park, New Jersey on April 10, 2022.

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Governor Hochul Announces Major Investments to Improve Psychiatric Support for Those in Crisis

Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams hold press conference to announce plans for subway safety and homeless outreach

Governor Kathy Hochul today, at an event with New York City Mayor Eric Adams, announced major investments to help improve access to acute mental health care and hospital psychiatric beds across New York State. The initiatives are part of a plan to provide the necessary support and services for people with serious mental illness experiencing homelessness, as well as others in crisis. The investments include $27.5 million annually to increase funding for inpatient psychiatric beds; $9 million annually to recruit psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners; and $12.5 million annually for 500 additional supportive housing beds to house people experiencing homelessness in their communities.

"For too long our mental healthcare system suffered from disinvestment, and the pandemic has only made things harder for New Yorkers with serious mental illness who are experiencing homelessness," Governor Hochul said. "I am proud to stand with Mayor Adams and share our efforts to boost mental health treatment services for those who lack stable housing, and bring more psychiatric beds online. We must work together to keep our subways — the lifeblood of New York City — safe for all riders, and to get help and services to those in need."

One cause of the shortage of psychiatric beds in New York City and across the state is lower Medicaid reimbursement for inpatient psychiatric care compared to medical/surgical beds. The $27.5 million investment would increase the current Medicaid for psychiatric beds by 20% and would help bring beds back online for psychiatric use, including more than 600 in New York City.  

A second challenge with reestablishing psychiatric beds is the nation-wide shortage of psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners. Governor Hochul is committing $9 million annually to establish a loan forgiveness program to recruit these mental health practitioners into the community-based mental health workforce.  

The investment of $12.5 million annually for 500 additional supportive housing beds will help to more quickly transition those in crisis from the streets, subways and shelters to stable housing. These units will give the State the additional resources it will need as the Governor's Safe Options Support teams come online in the Spring. These additional units will complement the 10,000 units of supportive housing announced in the Governor's $25 billion housing plan.  

These investments will build on the Governor's $10 billion plan to improve the health care system and proposed budget, which includes a historic $577 million (17.2%) increase for critically important community mental health programs and services. These budget initiatives include:   

• $21 million investment to develop 20 new SOS teams comprised of mental health specialists to conduct direct one-on-one outreach with New Yorkers experiencing homelessness  
• $25 billion housing plan with a commitment to create and preserve 10,000 units of supportive housing over the next five years to prevent homelessness  
• workforce investments through a historic 5.4% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for community mental health providers and retention bonuses up to $3,000  
• $35 million investment for FY 2023 that grows to $60 million in FY 2024 to prepare New York for the nationwide launch of 9-8-8, the suicide prevention and behavioral health crisis hotline system, by providing for the expansion of call center capacity.  

New York City Mayor Eric Adams said, "We cannot turn a blind eye when our fellow New Yorkers are in crisis. We cannot continue to accept a system that forces our residents to seek shelter in our subways, left without any other place to turn. It will not continue in New York City. I'm grateful to Governor Hochul for her partnership as we lead with compassion, empathy, and support together. These investments in mental health will go towards those who need it most and help bring our unhoused New Yorkers home."

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Filipinos Counting on New York City Mayor in Making Streets Safe Again

COURTESY CALL. New York City Commissioner for International Affairs, Edward A. Mermelstein pays a courtesy call on Consul General Elmer G. Cato at the Philippine Consulate General in New York on Thursday, 03 February 2022. Also present are (from left to right) Vice Consul Tanya Faye O. Ramiro, Deputy Commissioner Dilip Chauhan, Deputy Consul General Arman R. Talbo, and Consul Ricarte Abejuela III. (Photo by Marianne Olfindo)

NEW YORK—Filipinos are counting on New York City Mayor Eric Adams in making the streets safe again by addressing homelessness and mental health issues that have contributed to the surge in anti-Asian hate violence against Filipinos and other members of the Asian-American Community in the past year.  

This was personally conveyed to New York City Commissioner for International Affairs Edward A. Mermelstein during a courtesy call on Consul General Elmer G. Cato at the Philippine Consulate General on Thursday, 03 February 2022.

“We welcome the plans of Mayor Adams to address homelessness and mental health as these concerns are inextricably linked to the rise in anti-Asian hate incidents in New York City,” Consul General Cato said.

During the meeting, Consul General Cato said he is hoping to see a downtrend in race-based violence in the coming months based on the plans of Mayor Adams to devote more resources to the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and increase police visibility, especially in the subways.

COURTESY CALL. New York City Commissioner for International Affairs, Edward A. Mermelstein pays a courtesy call on Consul General Elmer G. Cato at the Philippine Consulate General in New York on Thursday, 03 February 2022 to give assurance that addressing anti-Asian hate is a top priority of Mayor Eric Adams. (Photo by Marianne Olfindo)

According to crime statistics released by the NYPD last month, anti-Asian hate incidents went up 367 percent from 28 incidents in 2020 to 131 in 2021. The NYPD also reported arresting 58 suspects in these incidents.

Consul General Cato said at least 23 members of the Filipino Community were among the victims, including a 61-year-old church worker whose face was slashed while riding the subway; a 65-year-old woman who was violently attacked while walking to church; and a 67-year-old nurse who was assaulted while distributing face masks also in the subway.

For his part, Commissioner Mermelstein assured consulate officials that addressing the surge in anti-Asian hate crimes is a top priority for Mayor Adams, a former police officer who, he said, has zero tolerance for race-based violence.

Aside from anti-Asian hate, Consul General Cato and Commissioner Mermelstein also discussed possible collaboration between the Consulate and New York City on cultural exchanges; services that could be made available to members of the Filipino Community; and trade, investment, and tourism promotion, among others. 

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Mayor Adams Creates new Office of Faith-Based and Community Partnerships

New Office Will Be Led by Pastor Gilford Monrose

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams created the Office of Faith-Based and Community Partnership (OFCP). The office — created with the signing of an executive order by Mayor Adams — will be led by Pastor Gilford Monrose, who will serve as a conduit between city government, the faith-based community throughout New York City, and nonprofit organizations. OFCP will seek to improve the welfare of all New Yorkers and will be housed within the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit (CAU).

“Our faith community has gone above and beyond the past two years, working tirelessly to keep our people fed, safe, and healthy, mentally and physically,” said Mayor Adams. “It’s past time that the city recognized the critical role they play in uplifting people across our city. I have had the privilege of working alongside Pastor Monrose for several years and have gotten to witness firsthand his talent for building bridges between diverse communities. I thank him for joining our administration in this newly created office and look forward to working with faith leaders across our city to ‘Get Stuff Done.’”

“The faith-based community is a fundamental partner in the work that our office does every day,” said CAU Commissioner Fred Kreizman. “I’m thrilled to be working with Pastor Monrose in order to continue this partnership and work together towards our shared goals.”

“I am humbled to join the administration as head of OFCP,” said Pastor Gilford Monrose, executive director, Office of Faith-Based and Community Partnerships. “Mayor Adams has always recognized the important work faith leaders across our city do to help the most vulnerable New Yorkers, and this new office will engage these communities to address issues affecting our city, from gun violence to hate crimes, and uplift people across the five boroughs.”

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New York PCG Constitutes Overseas Election Teams

Consul General Elmer G. Cato (far left) swear in members of of the Special Ballot Reception and Custody Group (SBRCG) led by Consul Ricarte Abejuela III (2nd from left).

New York – The Philippine Consulate General in New York has constituted and sworn in the members of the various teams that will oversee the participation of kababayan in the United States northeast in the national elections in the Philippines scheduled on 9 May 2022.

 

Members of of the Special Board of Election Inspectors (SBEI) led by Deputy Consul General Arman R. Talbo (2nd from left).

Consul General Elmer G. Cato swore in the various members of the Special Board of Election Inspectors (SBEI) and the Special Ballot Reception and Custody Group (SBRCG) who will ensure the successful conduct of overseas voting that will begin on 9 April 2022. 

Consul General Cato said approximately 39,000 registered overseas voters within the jurisdiction of the Philippine Consulate General in New York are expected to participate in this year’s elections.

Members of of the Special Board of Election Inspectors (SBEI) led by Vice Consul Paolo Marco Mapula (2nd from left).

Registered overseas voters will select the President, Vice President, Senators, and Party-List Representatives for the next term via postal voting.

Consul General Cato said ballots will be mailed to registered voters before 9 April 2022 and should be received by the Consulate by 9 May 2022.

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Uniteam BBM-Sara East Coast USA Parade & Assembly in NYC on Feb 13

New York, USA -  UNITEAM BBM-SARA East Coast, USA cordially invites you to join the OPENING SALVO PARADE & ASSEMBLY to be done on February 13, 2022 at 12PM-4PM  at Frank D. O’Connor Playground at 7901 Broadway, Elmhurst, New York.

This activity aims to bring together supporters of Presidential Candidate former Senator FERDINAND "BONGBONG" MARCOS Jr and Vice Presidential Candidate Mayor Inday SARA DUTERTE-CARPIO . It will also promote our candidates’ advocacy  “SAMA-SAMA TAYONG BABANGON MULI”.

All participants will assemble at Frank D. O’Connor Playground at 7901 Broadway, Elmhurst, New York. A Diamond caravan Parade will start from the playground and  proceed to Woodside Ave, then turn right at  61st Street, then turn right at Roosevelt Ave, then make a final right turn at Broadway moving back to Frank D. O’Connor Playground, which will be the venue of the assembly. The New York Police Department (NYPD) will escort us during the caravan.

We encourage all of you, fellow Filipinos to come and participate in this event so that we will fully understand Bongbong Marcos' statement  why he is running for President  : " It's not about politics, It's about the country. It's about the national interest...TO MAKE THE PHILIPPINES A BETTER PLACE; to make the lives of Filipinos better."

Save the Date, See You All!!!

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Philippine Consulate in New York Welcomes Establishment of Hiraya Foundation

Consul General Elmer G. Cato (3rd from left) flanked from left to right by Mr. Jovito Rabelas, Ms. Nora Galleros-Tinio, Dr. Romulo Aromin, Jr., Dr. Dely Go, and Atty. Lawrence Ira Safran recently sworn in as members of the Board of Directors of the newly-established Hiraya Foundation (Photo by Marianne Olfindo)

New York – The Philippine Consulate General in New York has welcomed the establishment of the Hiraya Foundation for Filipino-American Heritage Preservation, a non-profit organization that aims to promote and preserve Filipino heritage in the United States and in the Philippines. 

“We are truly heartened see kababayan mobilizing themselves in support of our call for more efforts to preserve our identity and culture in the United States,” Consul General Elmer G. Cato said after inducting the five pioneering board members of the Hiraya Foundation at the Philippine Center on Monday. 

“We look forward to working with the Hiraya Foundation in promoting and preserving our heritage through the establishment of the first Filipino cultural center in our part of the United States,” Consul General Cato said. 

Inducted were Dr. Romulo Alcalde Aromin, Jr., Chairman of the Board and President; Dr. Dely Po Go, President-Elect; Atty. Lawrence Ira Safran, Secretary; Leonora Galleros-Tinio, Treasurer; and Jovito De Luna Rabelas: Public Relations Officer. 

Consul General Elmer G. Cato (far left) swears in the Hiraya Foundation’s Board of Directors (L-R) Dr. Romulo Aromin, Jr., Dr. Dely Go, Atty. Lawrence Ira Safran, Ms. Nora Galleros, and Mr. Jovito Rabelas. (Photo by Marianne Olfindo)

A duly registered non-for-profit organization, the Hiraya Foundation aims to complement and support the heritage conservation efforts of the Philippine Consulate General and the Filipino Community by providing resources, sharing networks, and conducting cultural events and projects. 

The long-term legacy project of the Hiraya Foundation is the establishment of a heritage center in the East Coast where members of the Filipino Community could congregate and celebrate their Filipino pride.

The Hiraya Foundation is also the partner of the Philippine Consulate General in the “Gawad Alab ng Lahi” (Flame of Race) awards program that will recognize the outstanding contributions of individuals, businesses and organizations in the second quarter of the year and in the “Sininglahi” Filipino-American Heritage Gala to be held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the last quarter. 

The Hiraya Foundation also seeks to promote and preserve the traditions, skills, and crafts of Filipino cultural communities in the Philippines.

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