Silva Awards: A legacy of Fil-Am heroism

Left to right: FAVU President Jerry Perez De Tagle; Vice Consul Levi Malaylay. Awardees: Mayor Ron Falconi; Councilman Ollie Cantos; Deputy Chief Donald Graham. Silva Foundation Chairman Jay Silva and family. CONTRIBUTED

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the diverse cultures and significant contributions to American society, a good antidote in these times of Asian hate crimes. Filipinos began their US presence over 400 years ago, in the Morro Bay, California landing. Now, the estimated Filipino American, FilAm, community of 5 million, plays a significant role in this narrative. In California alone, close to 2 million FilAms reside and contribute to the social and economic fabric of the state.

Many Filipinos have blazed trails, stood against injustice, and effected lasting change, such as the tireless Dr. Amando Silva. A Filipino freedom fighter during World War II, Amando was wounded while serving with the US Armed Forces of the Far East and later became a medical doctor, practicing in Massachusetts, US. Dr. Silva demonstrated his unstoppable courage and selfless service throughout his life.

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In cooperation with the Celebrity Centre International and the Dr. Amando Silva Foundation International, the Filipino American Voice United (FAVU) is proud to continue honoring the valiant spirit of Filipino Americans. We recognize those who serve selflessly, overcoming significant challenges and securing victories for their community and country.

This is the essence of the Dr. Amando Silva Public Service Awards, the “Silva Awards”, which was conferred upon distinguished individuals at a Red Carpet, Gala Event on May 27, 2023, at the Celebrity Centre in Hollywood-LA, California.

Ambassador Jose Manuel G. Romualdez and Guam Congressman Delegate James “Jim” Moylan. CONTRIBUTED

The 2023 Awardees are: Los Angeles Police Department Deputy Chief Donald Graham; Mayor Ronald Falconi of Brunswick, Ohio;Councilman and White House Adviser Olegario Cantos of West Covina, CA.

Guam Congressman Delegate James “Jim” Moylan, the Filipino American voice not only for Guam, but also for all the 50 states gave the closing keynote speech at the awards ceremony, which was opened by Ambassador Jose Manuel G. Romualdez.

The Silva Awards is more than a ceremony; it is a movement that aims to elevate the Filipino American voice by emulating the success of our heroes. This is part of FAVU’s commitment to inspire more Filipino Americans to follow in the footsteps of leaders like Dr. Amando Silva and promote compassionate and courageous communities. Through our concerted efforts, we aim to make Dr. Amando Silva into a widely recognized symbol of Filipino resilience and service, not only in the USA, but also in the Philippines and around the world.

Jorge “Jerry” Perez de Tagle, PhD, was recognized by the US Congress, the City of Los Angeles, and in the United Kingdom for his humanitarian work in 2018; and in 2009 was one of 10 Outstanding Entrepreneurs in the Philippines. He taught at Syracuse University, New York, at the Ateneo, the University of the Philippines, a change management practitioner and a thought leader in the private and the public sector.