HONORABLE XAVIER BECERRA VISITS THE PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN LOS ANGELES

Los Angeles, 26 August 2010 – Representative Xavier Becerra, D-31^st District of California, met with members of the Filipino-American community in Los Angeles particularly the World War II veterans and advocates of the Save Our Industries (SAVE) Act at the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles.

During the small group meeting at the Office of the Consul General, Consul General Mary Jo Bernardo Aragon requested the support of Congressman Becerra for the SAVE Act.

Also in attendance were Deputy Consul General Daniel R. Espiritu, Trade and Investment Representative Archimedes Gomez and members of the Southern California Pilipino Chamber of Commerce.

The SAVE Act, which is now pending in the U.S. Congress, is expected to generate thousands of jobs in the US textile industry and the Philippine garments sector.

Introduced by Representative Jim McDermott (D-WA) and co-sponsored by Representative Brian Bilbray (R-CA) in June 2009, SAVE Act essentially grants duty-free entry to the U.S. of certain Philippine-made apparel products which used U.S. fabrics.  If enacted, the program will facilitate higher levels of trade in textiles and apparel between the United States and the Philippines which would enhance the commercial well-being of the US textile industry and Philippine apparel industry.

After the meeting on SAVE Act, Consul General Aragon accompanied Representative Becerra to the Conference Room where the group of World War II veterans and other guests await Becerra’s message to the Filipino-American community.

In his message, Becerra assured the Fil-Am community, particularly the veterans, of his unwavering support to all the veterans and their families.  He also ascertained that his office is open to assist all Filipinos and Filipino-Americans, especially those under his jurisdiction.

Towards the end of the meeting, the Consul General presented Representative Becerra with a Certificate of Appreciation for his exemplary leadership and support in securing the legislation which extended to Filipino veterans the United States’ recognition and due benefits for their services in the Second World War and for his dedicated service to the Filipino-American community in Los Angeles.

He also proudly showed the attendees The Order of the Golden Heart with the Rank of the Grand Cross which was bestowed upon him by former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for championing the Philippine veterans’ cause.  ###end