PRESS RELEASE
SFPCG-PR-024-2021
PHILIPPINE CONSUL GENERAL IN SAN FRANCISCO CALLS ON CALIFORNIA LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR ELENI KOUNALAKIS
Newly arrived Consul General of the Philippines in San Francisco Neil Frank R. Ferrer called on California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis virtually via Zoom on 29 March 2021.
Lt. Gov. Kounalakis is the first woman elected to serve this position in California. In addition to her duties as Lt. Governor, Kounalakis is California’s Representative for International Affairs and Trade, appointed by California Governor Gavin Newsom by executive order. Previously, from 2010 to 2013, she served as U.S. Ambassador to Hungary.
Lt. Gov. Kounalakis extended a warm welcome to Consul General Ferrer and looked forward to closer interactions in the future.
Lt. Gov. Kounalakis acknowledged the great contributions being made by Filipinos in California at this time of pandemic and recognized that Filipinos have taken on jobs in the frontlines, including in healthcare, manufacturing, and other essential sectors. Consul General Ferrer expressed thanks for the recognition extended to the Filipino community and likewise expressed pride for the work that they do and the sacrifices they have made during this time of pandemic.
Lt. Gov. Kounalakis also acknowledged the hate crimes against the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, including Filipino Americans, and said that California state officials are using their platforms to speak out against the “disturbing rise in violence and discrimination” against the AAPI community. She expressed hoped that Governor Newsom’s recent nomination of CA Assemblymember Rob Bonta, a Filipino-American known for his strong stance against the issue, would be instrumental in protecting the AAPI community. Consul General Ferrer remarked during the call that he “looks forward to an active and vibrant engagement with Lt. Gov. Kounalakis, especially in taking action to curb recent incidents involving violence against Asian Americans, including Filipinos.” / END