Four Filipino American leaders honoured at the 5th Larry Itliong Leadership Awards in San Francisco
Filipino American Voice United and Caring Hearts Foundation honoured Gayle Romasanta, Juslyn Manalo, Dorie Paniza and Al Perez at the 5th Larry Itliong Leadership Awards on 24 October at Sentro Filipino in San Francisco.
Four Filipino Americans were recognised for their contributions to public service, arts and culture, storytelling and community engagement at the 5th Larry Itliong Leadership Awards, held on 24 October at Sentro Filipino in San Francisco, the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco said.
Filipino American Voice United (FAVU), in partnership with Caring Hearts Foundation, Inc., presented the awards. The event was billed as a dinner and dance at Sentro Filipino: The San Francisco Filipino Cultural Center on Mission Street, according to The Filipino American Post's community events column.
The honourees
- Gayle Romasanta, a writer and artist whose work focuses on the Filipino American experience and who authored Larry the Musical: An American Journey
- Juslyn Manalo, who has served on the Daly City Council since 2016 and has served three terms as mayor
- Dorie Paniza, Daly City's Arts & Culture Commissioner and an active community leader
- Al Perez, San Francisco's Arts Commissioner and president of the Filipino American Arts Exposition, which produces the annual Pistahan Parade and Festival
Messages from officials
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie attended the ceremony to congratulate the awardees. Deputy Consul General Maria Paz G. Cortes delivered a congratulatory message on behalf of Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta, a recipient of the 2023 Larry Itliong Leadership Award, delivered a video message reflecting on the importance of collective action in confronting injustice.
FAVU President Jorge Perez de Tagle gave an overview of Itliong's legacy and his pivotal role in the farmworker movement and the struggle for labor rights, dignity and justice. He said the annual awards honour that legacy by celebrating Filipino American leaders whose contributions advance storytelling, public service, community engagement and the promotion of arts and culture.
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- The 5th Larry Itliong Leadership Awards were held on 24 October 2026 at Sentro Filipino in San Francisco.
- FAVU, in partnership with Caring Hearts Foundation, Inc., presented the awards.
- The honourees were Gayle Romasanta, Juslyn Manalo, Dorie Paniza and Al Perez.
- California Attorney General Rob Bonta, a 2023 awardee, delivered a video message.
Official sources
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