New York City Mayor, other key officials laud outgoing ConGen Elmer Cato
New York City Mayor Eric Adams and other officials of New York and New Jersey commended outgoing Consul General Elmer G. Cato, for his crucial role in looking after the Filipino-American Community during the COVID-19 pandemic and the surge in anti-Asian hate.
Cato is preparing for his next overseas posting as Consul General of the Philippine Consulate General in Milan.
In his letter to Cato dated December 20, Mayor Adams wrote, “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 also cited Cato for his efforts “to combat the rise in anti-Asian bias 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.
With a citation, New York State Assembly Representative Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas commended Cato for promoting the shared history and values between the United States and the Philippines and in the fight against the pandemic and racial discrimination.
In the citation, Gonzales-Rojas wrote “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 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.”
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.
Cato also received praise from officials of Bergen County in New Jersey for his “unwavering dedication by empowering the Filipino community.”
In the commendation, which was presented by Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco, III, Cato was lauded “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.”
Meanwhile, back in the Philippines, the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) of Angeles City also commended Consul General Cato for his achievements during the one year and eight months he had served in New York.
The SP of Angeles City unanimously approved a Resolution recognizing the work of Cato in New York and nearby states.
In the Resolution, which was mainly authored by Councilor Jay Sangil, the City Council cited Cato’s efforts “where he has safeguarded the welfare of Filipinos in the area of coverage of PCGNY.”
The resolution stated, “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.”
Last Thursday, the Filipino Community feted Cato with a send off event attended by some 200 members of the Filipinos from New York and New Jersey at the Charthouse Restaurant in New Jersey.
