Press Release

02 June 2025 - Consul General Melanie Rita Diano, accompanied by Ms. Janice Kathleen Lobien and Mr. Richard Osea, attended the first ever Filipino Ministry Awards - Araw ng Parangal, organized by the Archdiocese of Chicago, on 01 June 2025 at St. Cletus Parish in La Grange, Illinois. The event was officiated by Bishop Efren Esmilla, an Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Bishop Esmilla is one of the five Filipino bishops serving in the United States.

In her remarks, Consul General Diano congratulated the awardees and thanked them for keeping our cultural heritage and traditions alive by way of continuing our Catholic faith. Consul General Diano also mentioned that Filipino culture, values and traditions and the Catholic faith are deeply intertwined.

The Filipino Ministry Awards - Araw ng Parangal, a celebration of Filipino culture in the Archdiocese of Chicago, aims to honor the Filipinos who, in various ways, contribute their unique presence and witness of faith.END