22 September 2005 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that a throng of wide-eyed, camera-wielding Filipino-Americans enthusiastically welcomed President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on 15 September as she graced two community events organized by the Philippine Consulate General.

Consul General Cecilia B. Rebong said that the two community events were the enshrinement of the first Filipino chapel dedicated to the first Filipino saint, San Lorenzo Ruiz and Holy Mass in Lower Manhattan in the morning, and the opening of a photo exhibit entitled, "The Working President," at the lobby of the Philippine Center in Midtown Manhattan later in the evening. The photo exhibit was followed by picture taking sessions by members of the Filipino-American community with the President and members of her official entourage, which included Ambassador Albert Del Rosario, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo, and First Gentleman Mike Arroyo.

At the San Lorenzo Ruiz chapel, President Arroyo once again extolled the Filipino-American community for continuing to support their less fortunate brothers and sisters back home. Noting that a third of total OFW remittances worldwide originate from the U.S., the President said these dollar receipts contribute immensely to funding critical infrastructure and social development projects. The President also touched on the current political situation in the country. She mentioned the existence of "two" Philippines: one was the Philippines of "economy" which is "moving forward" and the other, a Philippines of "politics" which does not seem to be working for the good of the country.   She sought the support of everybody for needed reforms. She encouraged the Fil-Ams to be unrelenting with their remittances and also requested them to continue to pray for the country.

The President visited San Lorenzo Chapel as special guest on its enshrinement and dedication as new home of the Filipino Apostolate in New York.   She commended Father Erno Diaz, the Filipino Director-designate of the church, and the dedicated men and women of the Filipino apostolate for their commitment and hard work in bringing about this significant milestone for the community.

In the evening, after speaking before the United Nations Plenary Session, the President  proceeded to the Philippine Center in mid-town Manhattan to grace the opening of a photo exhibit and meet with the Filipino-American community. The members of the Filipino community were delighted to be part of history because this is the first time that a President of the Republic is setting foot at the Philippine Center.   President Arroyo’s visit was the first time that a current President had visited the Philippine Center since its establishment in 1973.

The two events were literally filled to the "rafters" by the Filipino-American community. Some of them came all the way from Connecticut and Pennsylvania and other neighboring states, which were a considerable drive to and from New York City. END