PH Top Diplomat in North America cited by New York, New Jersey Officials

ANGELES CITY -- Top government officials in New York City and Bergen County, New Jersey have recognized Consul General Elmer G. Cato as he wraps up assignment in Northeast America, citing him for his leadership, fight against Covid, racial discrimination on top of his tasks in pursuing the interests and protecting the welfare of Filipinos.

This, even as officials of this city also recognized his efforts in pursuing interests of the Philippines.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams cited the distinguished service of Consul General Elmer G. Cato of the Philippine Consulate General in New York (PCGNY) based in the Manhattan District.

“I applaud your achievements and your work to fortify the ties between our nations and address important issues that impact people in the five boroughs and beyond...” Adams wrote in his letter to Cato dated December 20, 2022.

Cato, who was also at the forefront of protecting Filipinos against racial discrimination that was prevalent the past few years, was also cited for his efforts “to combat the rise in anti-Asian fueled by Covid-19 misinformation”.

“It has been an honor to work with you and the team at the Philippine Consulate General to strengthen our diverse and vibrant communities,” Adams stated.

Cato, who has met with Adams on October 28 to celebrate Filipino-American History month, will be leaving his New York post for a new assignment in Milan, Italy.

In a separate recognition, Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, Representative of the 34th District New York State Assembly issued a Citation that recognizes the achievements of Cato in promoting the shared history and values of US and the Philippines and in the fight against the pandemic and racial discrimination.

In the citation, Rojas also specifically mentioned the efforts of Cato in recognizing Filipino healthcare frontline workers and other caregivers, disaster and emergency response in the 2021 flooding incident in Queens, assistance to Filipino nationals “particularly those in distress and in need of consular services.”

“The City of New York will celebrate Honorable Elmer G. Cato which he has ably represented as Philippine Consul General in New York,” Gonzalez-Rojas wrote in the citation.

Newly-elected New York Assembly Member Steven Raga, the first Filipino-American to be elected to the state legislature, also commended Cato for his performance, particularly his effective outreach efforts among members of the Filipino Community.

In New Jersey, the Bergen County praised Cato for his leadership and for “unwavering dedication by empowering Filipino community.”

This is contained in the Certificate of Commendation issued by Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco, III.

It states: “In honor and recognition of your outstanding leadership, exemplary commitment and your unwavering dedication by by empowering Filipino community and your determination to fight for basic rights, to help build the lives of many and in appreciation of your incredible leadership that gained you respect within the Filipino community.”

Relatedly, the Sanggunian Panglungsod (SP) of Angeles City, unanimously approved a Resolution that recognizes the efforts of Cato, an Angeleno, for helping bond together Filipino-Americans in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and other nearby states.

Mainly authored by Councilor Jay Sangil, the SP cited the work of Cato for the past few years “where he has safeguarded the welfare of Filipinos in the area of coverage of PCGNY”

“Consul General Elmer G. Cato, a proud Angeleno and Capampangan, has always pursued the interest of the country as a Diplomat in his foreign posts,” the Resolution stated.

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