Press Release

CONSUL GENERAL PAYS COURTESY CALL ON FIRST FILIPINO-AMERICAN MAYOR OF OHIO

Consul General Diano receiving a City Proclamation from Mayor Falconi (Chicago PCG photo)

CHICAGO 23 March 2026- On 19 March 2026, Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano called on Mayor Ronald Falconi at Brunswick Municipal Center in Brunswick, Ohio. She was joined by Dr. Susan Gumabao-Flores, PHL Honorary Consul in Ohio, Consul Melvin Almonguera and Filipino-American Joy Kouns-Lewis, President and Executive Director of Asian American Commerce Group (AACG) of Central Ohio.

The Consul General congratulated Mayor Falconi on his re-election last year and commended his efforts to elevate the profile and representation of Filipino Americans in the region. During the meeting, the Consul General Diano also promoted the 2026 U.S. Business Mission to the PHL, which will highlight the Luzon Economic Corridor and Palawan as key areas for investment.

Mayor Falconi expressed his appreciation for the visit and shared his pride in his Filipino heritage. He likewise offered his services to the Consulate including his expertise as a resource speaker on civil law, based on his professional experience. In recognition of the occasion, Mayor Falconi presented a City Proclamation congratulating the Consul General on her appointment and commemorating the 80th Anniversary of PHL-U.S. relations this year.

First elected in 2013, Mayor Falconi is widely acknowledged as Ohio’s first Filipino-American mayor. He was born in the state to parents who migrated from the PHL. END

Consul General Diano posing with Mayor Falconi, joined by Honorary Consul Gumabao-Flores (3rd from the right),

Consul Almonguera (3rd from the left) and Dr. Kouns-Lewis (rightmost) (Chicago PCG photo)

Consul General Diano presenting a token of appreciation to Mayor Falconi (Chicago PCG photo)