Press Release

CONSUL GENERAL DIANO GRACES FILIPINO AMERICAN COMMUNITY GALA NIGHTS IN IOWA AND HIGHLIGHT PHILIPPINE CONSULAR AND DIPLOMACY PROGRAMS

12 September 2025, Des Moines, Iowa - Consul General Atty. Melanie Rita B. Diano was guest speaker at the 12th Annual Filipino American Society (FAS) gala held at the Sheraton West Des Moines. In her speech, she shared the work being undertaken by the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago in providing consular services through consular outreach missions and the economic diplomacy programs to enhance trade and investments in the Philippines.

(Above) Consul General Diano addresses guests at the 12th Annual Filipino American Society

Gala at the Sheraton West Des Moines

(Above) Consul General Diano (fourth from right) poses with the Board of Directors

of the Filipino American Society (FAS) at the Sheraton West Des Moines.

Ms. Luisita McBurney (fifth from right) is FAS CEO and founder.

(Above) Consul General Diano poses with State Representative

Larry McBurney during the FAS gala night

(Above left) Consul General Diano speaks at the 50th anniversary of the Filipino American Association of

Iowa (FAAI); (above right) Consul General Diano presents a plaque of appreciation to FAAI on the

occasion of its 50th year anniversary, represented by its President, Ms. Alma Coon

(Above) Consul General Diano poses with the officers of the Filipino-American Association of Iowa

and representatives of the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago at the Holiday Inn and Suites

Consul General Diano was also the guest speaker at the 50th anniversary of the Filipino American Association of Iowa (FAAI) at the Holiday Inn in Des Moines, where she recognized FAAI’s service to the Philippines and Filipino people through a plaque of appreciation.

There are 10,461 Filipinos in Iowa, with about 6,347 females and 4,114 males [END]