Dr. Quismorio is a faculty member of the University of Southern California’s College of Medicine and is a collector of Filipino historical memorabilia. He is also a charter member of the Philippine History Group of Los Angeles. He hails from Candon, Ilocos Sur. The Filipino-American awardees were Dr. Francisco P. Quismorio, Jr., Dr. Robinson Villaverde Baron, Ms. Mila Velasquez, Ms. Lydia Roblow-Jimenez, Dr. Rolando Mercader, Dr. Noli Soza, Dr. Arnel Joaquin, Dr. Erwinn Sistoza, Dr. Mariedel Leviste-Mosqueda, Ms. Violeta Unabia, Dr. Edgar Bañez, Dr. Delia Cabansag, and Ms. Josie Jones. Councilmember Tom Labonge (District 4) echoed his colleagues’ high praise for Filipinos in helping the United States meet its healthcare needs. In her response to the Councilmembers, Consul General Aragon expressed her profound appreciation to the Los Angeles City Council for recognizing Filipino Americans who have distinguished themselves in the field of healthcare services in the City of Los Angeles. She added that over the years, Fil-Am healthcare workers have established a solid reputation in many parts of the world, particularly in the United States, in the services sector. She said the awardees were given certificates of commendation during the council’s meeting on December 14 by LA council president Eric Garcetti and council member Richard Alarcon. Councilmember Garcetti thanked Filipino Americans for looking after the well-being of Los Angeles residents. Council President Garcetti is the recognized father of the Historic Filipinotown in Los Angeles. He sponsored the resolution that was passed by the City Council on Aug. 2, 2002, which recognized the vibrant and colorful history of the Filipino community and their positive contributions to the city. The early Filipino pioneers settled in the Temple Street-Beverly Boulevard corridor of what is now the Historic Filipinotown. Councilmember Bill Rosendahl (District 11) proudly recognized the Filipino Americans as the backbone of the American nursing industry.