Vallejo, California [January 2020] In a compelling YouTube interview, Norma Placido, former president, and Cris Villanueva, former vice mayor and current vice president of the Filipino Community of Solano County, open up about their decades-long commitment to supporting and enriching the Vallejo community. Their discussion offers a deep dive into the invaluable contributions of the Filipino community, their vision for the future, and the importance of cultivating a new generation of leaders to carry on this legacy.
Placido and Villanueva, both longstanding pillars of the community, share personal reflections on their journey with the Filipino Community of Solano County, highlighting the organization’s impactful initiatives, including outreach programs, cultural celebrations, and advocacy efforts that have positively shaped the city of Vallejo. “Our work has always been about giving back, helping others, and making Vallejo a better place for all,” Placido says during the interview.
The conversation also turns to the pressing need for younger Filipinos to take on leadership roles within the community. Villanueva underscores the importance of ensuring the continuity of their mission by inspiring younger generations to get involved, take charge, and continue building upon the foundation laid by the pioneers before them. “It’s vital that the younger generation steps up so we can secure a future where our cultural heritage and values thrive,” he says.
A key focus of the interview is a fundraising dinner set to honor Placido’s 20 years of dedicated service. The event, aimed at raising financial support for the Filipino Community Center, is critical to the continued success of the organization’s community outreach and cultural initiatives. Placido’s leadership has been instrumental in securing vital resources for the center, but as she prepares to pass the torch, the dinner serves as a celebration of her legacy and a rallying point for continued support.
The speakers emphasize that this dinner is more than just a tribute; it’s a call to action for the broader community to support the Filipino Community Center and its mission. “It’s about securing the future of our community center, ensuring it remains a place of connection, empowerment, and growth for years to come,” Placido explains.
As the conversation winds down, the speakers make a passionate plea for greater Filipino American participation in Vallejo’s civic life. The need for more Filipinos to engage in local government, schools, and various community organizations is ever-present, and both Placido and Villanueva encourage their fellow community members to get involved. “We have the potential to shape the future of Vallejo, but it starts with participation,” Villanueva concludes.
This interview serves not only as a celebration of the Filipino community’s past achievements but also as an important reminder of the need for continued leadership, engagement, and support for future generations. The upcoming fundraising dinner is a chance to be part of that future—honoring the past, supporting the present, and planning for the years ahead.
Watch the full interview on YouTube for more insights and to learn how you can contribute to the Filipino Community of Solano County’s ongoing work.