PRESS RELEASE
SFPCG-PR-44-2021
PHILIPPINE CONSUL GENERAL IN SAN FRANCISCO PARTICIPATES IN UPAAA WEBINAR ON ANTI-ASIAN HATE
Philippine Consul General in San Francisco Neil Frank R. Ferrer delivered the opening remarks in a webinar organized by the University of the Philippines Alumni Association in America, Inc. (UPAAA) entitled, “Breaking the Silence: Anti-Asian Hate Virtual Forum” on 21 May 2021. The webinar aimed to put a spotlight on the rising incidents of anti-Asian hate and to advocate for actions to stop these racial attacks. It was attended by UP alumni, officials, members of the academe, lawyers, media and other concerned individuals.
Consul General Ferrer remarked that the Philippine government is one with the Filipino-American communities in the U.S. in the fight against anti-Asian hate. Towards this end, Philippine foreign service posts in the U.S. have made representations with officials and called upon federal, state, and local authorities to further ensure the protection of persons of Asian descent, including Filipinos. The Consulate has also made collective efforts with missions from other ASEAN states to condemn all forms of racism and harassment directed towards any particular race, ethnic group or community.
He also recognized the efforts being done by the community to address the issue as overcoming racism and hate that is based on race needs to be driven by bottom-up community efforts. In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the United States, he encouraged the Filipino-American communities to continue to act and serve as the bridge between the two nations and peoples, through shared values and their good works, accomplishments and contributions to the American society, government, and economy.
Participants at the webinar spoke out about the need to continue educating and empowering themselves to address the issue of anti-Asian hate. / END