IVC hosted Orange County’s Philippine Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, June 17, commemorating the declaration of Philippine Independence from Spain in 1898. The event was organized by Filipino Influential Leaders and Mentors (FILAM), Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Orange County (FACCOC), Filipino-American Lawyers of Orange County (FLOC), and IVC’s Equitable Learning Experience Valuing Achievement, Transfer and Empowering Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (ELEVATE AAPI).
In addition to food, music, comedy, dance and a vendor fair, the day’s festivities included a performance by IVC’s ELEVATE AAPI students.
Orange County dignitaries in attendance included Consul General of the Philippine Consulate Edgar Badajos, City of Irvine Mayor Farrah Khan, City of Irvine Vice Mayor Tammy Kim, City of Lakewood Vice Mayor Ariel Pe, City of Bellflower Mayor Sonny Santa Ines, City of Cerritos Councilmember Frank Aurelio Yokoyama, former City of Cerritos Mayor Mark Pulido, City of Artesia Councilmember Melissa Ramoso, City of Claremont Councilmember Jed Leano, and City of Santa Ana Councilmember Phil Bacerra.