The Filipino-American community in New York’s 4th district is planning to build a statue of Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal in Nassau County, one of the highest income counties in the United States and the wealthiest in the state.
The plan came up during a recent meeting between Philippine Consul General Mario De Leon, Jr., accompanied by Filipino-American community members, and New York Representative Kathleen Rice in Garden City, New York.
Currently, there are about 6,200 Filipino-American residents in New York’s fourth district.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), during the said meeting, a Filipino leader suggested that Rep. Rice, a first-term legislator study the life and works of Rizal “to know Filipinos better.”
Consul General De Leon and the Filipino community members also met with the New York legislator to seek her support on issues affecting Filipinos and Filipino-Americans particularly House Resolution (HR) No. 535 on the Philippine Veterans’ recognition and qualification for the Congressional Gold Medal.
The resolution was filed by Representatives Juan Vargas and Mike Thompson, both Democrats representing California seeking to obtain recognition for Filipino and Filipino-American WWII veterans for their services plus entitlement to full benefits, as well as qualification for the Congressional Gold Medal Award.
Consul General De Leon noted that other minority groups like the Navajo Indians, Women’s Corps, the Tuskegee Airmen, and Puerto Ricans have already received said award.
Rep. Rice conveyed her support for veterans’ initiatives and vowed to support HR 535.
Manila Bulletin
