On Wednesday, June 9th, the National Flag of the Philippines was raised at the Colma Community Center. The Town was honored to host Mr. Neil Frank Ferrer, the Consul General of the Republic of the Philippines in San Francisco, as well as Deputy Consul General Raquel Solano, Consul Jed Martin Llona, Consul Vanessa Bago-Llona, Consul Dominic Xavier Imperial, Trade Commissioner Celynne Layug, Tourism Director Soleil Tropicales, Social Security System Representative Maritess Marin, Philippine Center Management Board Administrative Officer Genevieve Ferrer and Cultural Officer Ethel May Castillo from the Philippine Consulate. Mayor Diana Colvin presented Consul General Ferrer with a proclamation recognizing the 123rd anniversary of Philippine Independence Day on June 12, 2021.
Consul General Ferrer made poignant remarks that, not only paid homage to those who fought on the frontline for Philippine independence, but to the countless frontline workers who have stood steadfast in their fight to save lives throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. As a community, we also stand in unity with Consul General Ferrer’s hope for systemic changes to overcome the rise in anti-Asian hate.
The event was a wonderful celebration of the remarkable contributions that the Filipino and Filipino American community has made, not just to Colma, but to the whole country.