Press Release

The Zamboanga del Norte Association of Illinois (ZAMNAI), led by its President, Mr. Joshua Amado Bicoy I, called on Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano on 19 February 2025 at the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago. They were joined by Consul Melvin Almonguera, Consul Ma. Theresa Alders, and Consul Ella Karina Mitra.

Mr. Bicoy introduced ZAMNAI to the Consul General and presented possible activities which the Consulate and the organization could collaborate in in the future. The Consul General also fielded questions from the group, mostly on the various programs of the Philippine government such as social security, reintegration, and welfare assistance.

ZAMNAI is officially registered as a 501(c)(3) organization (non-profit organization) in Illinois, and is engaged in numerous social, civic, religious, and cultural activities, the biggest of which is their annual Hudyaka Festival. The organization was established in 1989 and currently has over 1,000 members.