Craving a slice of Filipino history right here in Los Angeles? The Consulate General of the Philippines stands before you a vibrant hub. It represents the Philippines’ interests in Southern California.
The Consulate General of the Philippines has a rich history. It began in 1947 as an extension office of the San Francisco consulate. The office was located at 355 South Broadway. Dr. Roberto Regala was the first Philippine consul to San Francisco. He served as titular consul. Marcelo T. Boncan, a former Congressman, administered it as vice-consul.
In 1955, President Ramon Magsaysay made it its own mission. Los Angeles then had its 17th consulate general. The Consulate General of the Philippines has moved several times since 1947. It moved to its current location at 3435 Wilshire Boulevard in 2015. Before that, it was at 3600 Wilshire Boulevard.
The Consulate experienced a tumultuous period in 1986. During the People Power Revolution, protestors demanded the resignation of its employees. Later, staff urged President Ferdinand Marcos to resign. After Marcos was ousted, Corazon Aquino’s supporters celebrated there. They hung her portrait in the offices.
Even today, the Consulate General of the Philippines remains a place for demonstrations. In 2016, people protested Marcos’s burial. In 2018, they protested the arrest of Senator Antonio Trillanes.
The Consulate provides assistance to Filipinos. Imelda Marcos, Nora Aunor, and others have received help here. It also supports Filipino culture. The Consulate hosted screenings for “Ploning” during the Academy Awards.
Adelio Angelito S. Cruz heads the Consulate General of the Philippines. He assumed his position on December 23, 2024. He had previously served as Consul General from 2016 to 2021.
The Consulate’s jurisdiction includes Southern California, Southern Nevada, and Arizona. It also oversees the honorary consulate in San Diego. It once had an extension office in Ventura. From 1947 to 1952, it was located at 355 South Broadway Ave. From 1953 to 1967, its location was 448 South Hill St. From 1967 to 1974, it was located at 3075 Wilshire Boulevard. From 1975 to 1987, the address was 3250 Wilshire Boulevard. The address from 1987 to 1995 was 3460 Wilshire Boulevard. From 1995 to 2003, it was located at 3660 Wilshire Boulevard. From 2003 to 2015, its address was 3600 Wilshire Boulevard. Since 2015, it has been located at 3435 Wilshire Boulevard.
From providing essential services to celebrating Filipino heritage the Consulate General of the Philippines is more than just a building. It is a bridge. It connects the Philippines to its diaspora in Southern California. It stands as a testament to the enduring ties between two nations.