Senator Portantino Introduces Resolution Establishing Sister State Relationship with the Philippine Province of Bulacan
For Immediate Release: May 15, 2023
Contact: Lerna Shirinian, (818) 409-0400
Senator Portantino Introduces Resolution Establishing Sister State Relationship with the Philippine Province of Bulacan
Sacramento, California – Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – Burbank), authored Senate Concurrent Resolution 57 (SCR 57), which establishes a sister state relationship with the Philippine Province of Bulacan. The measure was introduced on the Senate Floor today and will promote mutually beneficial educational, economic, and cultural exchanges between the State of California and the Province of Bulacan.
“I am proud to introduce this resolution that launches the start of a special friendship between our state and the Province of Bulacan,” stated Senator Portantino. “The sister state relationship will encourage our regions to develop partnerships and provide opportunities for mutual prosperity.”
SCR 57 extends an invitation to the people of the Philippine Province of Bulacan to join with California in a sister state relationship. The resolution aims to promote the prosperity of both regions and to improve international understanding and goodwill between both regions.
“The Filipino-American Business Association of Glendale (FABAG-GLAC) and the Fil-Am community of Glendale and Los Angeles County are very humbled and honored to receive Senate Resolution SCR 57, authored by Senator Portantino,” commented Edith M. Fuentes, Past President and Executive Board Member of FABAG-GLAC. “We are thankful to him for choosing the historical and rich in heritage, arts and culture Province of Bulacan as the Sister Province of California. This is a perfect recognition especially during Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month. This recognition affirms the many contributions of Filipino-Americans to the history, culture and achievements of California and the United States. We appreciate the chance to further our friendship and relationship with the State of California. I look forward to many years of a great sister-province relationship.”
Comprised of more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines has a total population of 3.7 million and is California’s 27th largest export partner. Bulacan, the largest province of the Philippines, started with small fishing settlements along the coast of Manila Bay and was one of the first eight provinces to rise against Spanish rule. The Province of Bulacan has a high literacy rate and highly educated and trainable workforce. According to the most recent United States census, there are approximately 4,000,000 Filipino Americans living in the United States, with one-half, or about 2,000,000, living in California, many of whom are American citizens or dual citizens.
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