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Press Release
COOK COUNTY TREASURER MARIA PAPPAS HOSTS PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY RECEPTION HONORING FILIPINO AND FILIPINO AMERICAN COMMUNITY LEADERS
CHICAGO, 10 June 2026 – Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas hosted a Philippine Independence Day reception at the Cook County Building in downtown Chicago on 10 June 2026 in celebration of the 128th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence and in recognition of the achievements and contributions of Filipino and Filipino American leaders in the community.
Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano joined Treasurer Pappas and members of the Filipino community in the special gathering, which brought together civic leaders, professionals, artists, entrepreneurs, journalists, and representatives of various Filipino American organizations.
In her opening remarks, Consul General Diano expressed appreciation to Treasurer Pappas for her longstanding friendship and steadfast support for the Filipino community. She highlighted the significance of the 128th anniversary of Philippine independence and the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the United States, emphasizing that the Filipino American community remains one of the strongest pillars of the enduring partnership between the two countries. She likewise underscored the invaluable contributions of Filipino Americans in the fields of healthcare, business, culture, media, education, and public service, and commended the awardees for exemplifying excellence, leadership, and service to the community.
During the reception, Treasurer Pappas presented awards recognizing outstanding Filipino and Filipino American leaders whose achievements have elevated the profile of the community in Chicago. Honorees included Mr. Joshua Bicoy, President of the Zamboanga del Norte Association of Illinois; Ms. Lou Ella Rose Cabalona, Artistic Director of the SamaSama Project; Ms. Cate Cauguiran, reporter of ABC 7 Chicago; Ms. Mae Espina, President of the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Chicago and Regional Banking Relationship Manager Sr. at Huntington Bank; Ms. Veronica Leighton, Editor-in-Chief of ViaTimes Publication and CPRT; Ms. Ginger Leopoldo, Executive Director of CIRCA Pintig; Ms. Gen Presbitero, Chief Nurse Officer of Thorek Memorial Hospital; Mr. Melvin Reyes, Owner and Founder of Mano Modern Café; Mr. RJ Silva, Artistic Director of CIRCA Pintig; and Ms. Ann Teano, Executive Producer of MJD Productions and Charter President of Chicago Nurses for Diabetes.
Treasurer Pappas also recognized the officers and members of the Philippine Independence Week Committee (PIWC), headed by Overall Chairperson Mr. Reynel Espiritu, in appreciation of their dedication and continued efforts in preserving and promoting Filipino heritage and culture in the Midwest.
The reception concluded with cultural performances that showcased the richness and diversity of Philippine arts and traditions, further highlighting the vibrancy of the Filipino American community in Chicago. END
Photo 2: Consul General Diano, flanked by Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas (2nd from left),
ABC 7 reporter Ms. Cate Cauguiran (right), and Mr. Reynel Espiritu (left) overall chairperson of PIWC
Photo 3: Consul General Diano (center) pose with Treasurer Pappas, Consul Ma. Theresa Alders
(3rd from left), Consul Melvin Almonguera (2nd from left), Consul Ella Karina Mitra (left), and awardees
Ms. Cate Cauguiran (2nd from right) and Ms. Lou Ella Rose Cabalona (right).
CHICAGO, 10 June 2026 – Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas hosted a Philippine Independence Day reception at the Cook County Building in downtown Chicago on 10 June 2026 in celebration of the 128th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence and in recognition of the achievements and contributions of Filipino and Filipino American leaders in the community.
Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano joined Treasurer Pappas and members of the Filipino community in the special gathering, which brought together civic leaders, professionals, artists, entrepreneurs, journalists, and representatives of various Filipino American organizations.
In her opening remarks, Consul General Diano expressed appreciation to Treasurer Pappas for her longstanding friendship and steadfast support for the Filipino community. She highlighted the significance of the 128th anniversary of Philippine independence and the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the United States, emphasizing that the Filipino American community remains one of the strongest pillars of the enduring partnership between the two countries. She likewise underscored the invaluable contributions of Filipino Americans in the fields of healthcare, business, culture, media, education, and public service, and commended the awardees for exemplifying excellence, leadership, and service to the community.
During the reception, Treasurer Pappas presented awards recognizing outstanding Filipino and Filipino American leaders whose achievements have elevated the profile of the community in Chicago. Honorees included Mr. Joshua Bicoy, President of the Zamboanga del Norte Association of Illinois; Ms. Lou Ella Rose Cabalona, Artistic Director of the SamaSama Project; Ms. Cate Cauguiran, reporter of ABC 7 Chicago; Ms. Mae Espina, President of the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Chicago and Regional Banking Relationship Manager Sr. at Huntington Bank; Ms. Veronica Leighton, Editor-in-Chief of ViaTimes Publication and CPRT; Ms. Ginger Leopoldo, Executive Director of CIRCA Pintig; Ms. Gen Presbitero, Chief Nurse Officer of Thorek Memorial Hospital; Mr. Melvin Reyes, Owner and Founder of Mano Modern Café; Mr. RJ Silva, Artistic Director of CIRCA Pintig; and Ms. Ann Teano, Executive Producer of MJD Productions and Charter President of Chicago Nurses for Diabetes.
Treasurer Pappas also recognized the officers and members of the Philippine Independence Week Committee (PIWC), headed by Overall Chairperson Mr. Reynel Espiritu, in appreciation of their dedication and continued efforts in preserving and promoting Filipino heritage and culture in the Midwest.
The reception concluded with cultural performances that showcased the richness and diversity of Philippine arts and traditions, further highlighting the vibrancy of the Filipino American community in Chicago. END
Photo 2: Consul General Diano, flanked by Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas (2nd from left),
ABC 7 reporter Ms. Cate Cauguiran (right), and Mr. Reynel Espiritu (left) overall chairperson of PIWC
Photo 3: Consul General Diano (center) pose with Treasurer Pappas, Consul Ma. Theresa Alders
(3rd from left), Consul Melvin Almonguera (2nd from left), Consul Ella Karina Mitra (left), and awardees
Ms. Cate Cauguiran (2nd from right) and Ms. Lou Ella Rose Cabalona (right).