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AASC-058- 2019

Senator Risa Hontiveros Speaks at the Kalayaan, Inc. 2019 Grand Ball

Los Angeles, 03 June 2019 – The Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles attended the Grand Ball hosted by Kalayaan Incorporated to commemorate of the 121st Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Philippine Independence, held at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott Hotel on 01 June 2019. Senator Risa Hontiveros was the Keynote Speaker of the event. Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz introduced Senator Hontiveros during the celebration, which was attended by about 650 guests, composed of FilCom leaders, members of the Filipino-American media, businessmen, entrepreneurs, local celebrities, elected and appointed local government officials. In her remarks, Senator Hontiveros praised the bayanihan and sense of community exhibited by Filipino migrant communities and socio-civic organizations, such as Kalayaan Incorporated. She also paid tribute to the sacrifices of our heroes who fought with incredible courage to secure our freedom as a nation. She further underscored the importance of continuing to work towards a bright future for our nation, which according to her, may be achieved by upholding the values of democracy, human rights and social change.

Left: Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz introduces Hon. Senator Risa Hontiveros as the guest of honor for Kalayaan, Incorporated’s Grand Gala, in celebration of the 121st Anniversary of Philippine Independence held at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott Hotel on 01 June 2019. Right: Hon. Senator Risa Hontiveros, delivers her remarks during the Grand Gala.

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The senator shared how legislation she championed aimed at addressing social injustice and inequality, particularly in the areas of health care and women's rights, have put the Philippines at par with global standards and paved the way for better health services for Filipino families. Said legislation includes the Reproductive Health Law, Cheaper Medicines Law, Universal Healthcare Law, Expanded Maternity Leave, and many others.

Sen. Hontiveros with Consul General Cruz, elected Fil-Am local government officials, Kalayaan Incorporated’s officers and Dilag ng Kalayaan 2019.

Left: Sen. Hontiveros with Consul General Cruz and some officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles. Right: Sen. Hontiveros with Kalayaan Inc. President and Chair, Ms. Annie Cuevas-Lim and Vice Chair/President-Elect, Ms. Lydia Solis.

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For her part, Kalayaan, Incorporated’s Chair and President Ms. Annie Cuevas-Lim, took the opportunity to thank the Consulate General for its invaluable support to their organization. An audio-visual presentation highlighting the achievements of Kalayaan Inc. through the years was also featured during the event. JLD Cultural Group showcased the richness and diversity of Filipino culture through a suite of dances from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Exhibiting the Filipinos’ world-class talent for singing were Mr. Manny Evaldez, Mr. Felson Palad and Ms. Excelsa De Jesus. END.

Above: 2018 Miss Republic of the

Philippines-International Ms. Excelsa

De Jesus delighted the guests with her

world-class talent.

Left: JLD Cultural Group showcased

the richness and diversity of Filipino

culture through a suite of dances from

Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.