19 April 2006 – Philippine Consul General to Los Angeles, California Willy C. Gaa reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that he formally introduced himself to the LA County Board of Supervisors on 18 April 2006 as the new Consul General of the Philippines and explained his mission to work for the “further development of trade and investment flows and tourism between Los Angeles County and some thriving provinces in the Philippines.”

In his brief remarks before the Board following the formal presentation, Consul General Gaa stressed that, “Apart from reinvigorating the sister city relationships, other possible models for cooperation could be crafted creatively to enhance bilateral cooperation in these areas.  With the support of the Board of Supervisors and the County, we can elevate our mutual ties and make a modest share in further enhancing the strong relations between the Philippines and the United States of America.”

Consul General Gaa also commended the about 800,000 Filipino migrants in Los Angeles County who “helped shape the foundation and structure of American society.”   He noted that his assignment as Consul General comes at a time when Filipinos and Filipino Americans are commemorating the centennial of sustained Filipino migrations to the United States, from 1906-2006.

Although Filipino arrivals in the United States date back to as early as the 16th century, Consul General Gaa said, “the first major wave of Filipino migrants came through Hawaii in 1906” and “(S)ubsequently, many of their descendants went to Southern California.”  The Consul General praised the Filipinos in the US who have helped “to promote agriculture and fought various wars to promote freedom and liberty.”    He noted that Filipinos “are practically working in very field of endeavor and thus help build the strong America that it is today.”

Looking at the record of the Filipinos particularly in the medical and health sectors, Consul General Gaa said “our Filipino compatriots obviously have acquitted themselves well and have put in their due share to their home country, surely encouraged by the continuing openness and adherence of Los Angeles to cultural diversity.”

The five-member Board of Supervisors, created by the state Legislature in 1852, is the governing body for the Los Angeles Country.   The Board has executive, legislative and quasi-judicial roles.

Chief of Protocol of the County arranged the formal presentation of Consul General Gaa to the Board.  During the ceremony attended by about 200 people at the County Auditorium, the Hon. Mayor Michael D. Antonovich – designated Mayor of the Board of Supervisors – presented to the Consul General a Commemorative Plaque of Honor. END