City of Alameda inaugurates Bohol Circle...

PAGE 9 past and present, who have now become an essential part of the economic, social and cultural fabric of these United States,” and cited the contributions of Filipino Americans in U.S. history and society.

Consul General Ferrer said, “From the Filipino World War II veterans who gallantly fought in the tropical jungles of Bataan 80 years ago, whose heroism was immortalized through the conferment of America’s highest civilian award, the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal; to the Filipino American farmworker movement led by people such as Larry Itliong and the Delano manongs, who used their voice to amplify the call for better and fairer labor conditions in California and the rest of the nation; and to the Filipino doctors, nurses, first responders, and economic frontliners who have shown grit and determination to save lives during the COVID-19 pandemic: May their example and legacy serve as a guiding light for the community to remain united and resilient in the face of challenges in these unprecedented times.”

Consul General Ferrer gave a Certificate of Recognition on behalf of the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco to BCI President Myrna Cajilog and Past President Robert Balandra. For their contributions in Alameda, the BCI also received similar commendations from U.S. House Representative Lee, California State Senator Skinner, California State Assemblymember Mia Bonta, and Alameda County Supervisor Lena Tam.

According to FANHS National Board Member and City College of San Francisco’s Philippine Studies Department Chair Dr. Lily Ann Villaraza, the Bohol Circle Immigrant Park in Alameda is the first park in the U.S. that was named after a Filipino American community organization.

Other parks in the U.S. that were named after a Filipino or Filipino American are all located in the Bay Area and the Pacific Northwest: the Jose Rizal Park in Seattle, Washington;