Page 11 - 2017 JUL -DEC KAAKBAY

11July to December
2017

New York Consulate General Bridges Through Books for Fil-Am History Month

presence of Dr. Jason Baumann, Assistant Director for
Collection Development of the NYPL. The books were
turned over by Consul General Theresa Dizon-de Vega and
Cultural Officer Olive Osias-Magpile.

Among the books donated by the Consulate include
works by National Artist Nick Joaquin.

L-R Mr. Mariano Aquino, Jr. of Knights of Rizal-NY, Consul General Dizon-De The Knights of Rizal-New York Chapter led by
Vega, Dr. Jason Baumann, Mr. Michael Dadap of Knights of Rizal-NY, Mr. current President Michael Dadap also turned over copies of
Cesar Concepcion of Knights of Rizal-NY the Penguin Classics editions of Jose P. Rizal’s Noli Me
Tangere and El Filibusterismo to the Library.
The Philippine Consulate General turned over
books on Philippine history and literature on 16 October The Consulate General is set undertake two more
2017 at a simple program at the New York Public Library book donation ceremonies with the Jersey City Public
(NYPL). Library and the Bergenfield Public Library in New Jersey
during Filipino-American History Month.
The book donation, under the auspices of the
Consulate General’s “Bridging Through Books” program for In handing over the books, Consul General Dizon-
Filipino - American History Month, took place in the De Vega noted that even in an increasingly technological
age, a large segment of the public still value and read
printed books and that the works on the Philippines will
contribute to a greater understanding of Philippine history
and culture in the US.

Bridging Through Books in New Jersey

Bergenfield Library Board Chair Tom Neats & Library Direc. Allison Jersey City Library headed by Board L-R Jersey City Library Board Pres. Kurt Harris, Jersey
Moonitz with Consul General Theresa Dizon-De Vega & Bergenfield President Kurt Harris accepts the City Council Pres. Rolando Lavarro, Consul General
Councilors Arvin Amatorio and Salvador Deauna, Library Board book donations from Consul General Dizon-De Vega, Library Dir. Susan Stewart , & Filipino
Trustee Cely Deauna, & Education Board member Anthony Cortez. Dizon-De Vega. Community members Linda Mayo and Elsa Porto.

The Consulate General’s “Bridging Through Books” donation programs in celebration of Filipino-American History
Month continued in New Jersey with turnover ceremonies at the Bergenfield Public Library and the Five Corners Public
Library in Jersey City on 20 October 2017.

Consul General Theresa Dizon-De Vega and Cultural Officer Olive Magpile turned over Philippine history books,
books on Rizal, and bilingual Filipino-English books to the libraries, in the presence of members of the Filipino-American
Community the localities.

At the Bergenfield Public Library, the books were turned over to Library Board President Tom Neats and Library
Director Allison Moonitz. The donation was likewise witnessed by members of the Filipino-American Community who also
currently serve in the local government of Bergenfield – Councilors Arvin Amatorio and Salvador Deauna, Education Board
Member Anthony Cortez and his spouse, and Library Board Trustee Cely Deauna. The Jersey City donation took place in the
presence of Library Board President Kurt Harris and Library Director Susan Stewarts. Jersey City Council President Rolando
Lavarro and members of the Filipino-American Community in Jersey City were present to witness the ceremony.

Both libraries expressed appreciation for the book donations noting that their readership has become more diverse
in the last few years and that they are striving to build more inclusive and broader resource collections. Both institutions
likewise hold regular story-telling sessions for young visitors and bilingual books in Filipino and English are welcome
additions to their collections.