MMDA donates Sarao Jeepney to Filipino-American Community in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES – To help keep cultural heritage alive in the hearts of the Filipino-American community, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) donated an authentic Sarao jeepney for the Filipino community, in time for MMDA’s 50th Anniversary celebration.

In a press statement, Philippine Consul General Adelio S. Cruz commended  MMDA and Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Chairman  Romando S. Artes and his delegation’s efforts to nurture a closer relationship with Filipino-American Community in Southern California, noting that this is now the second consecutive visit from the delegation.

The event was held on March 3, 2025 at the Pilipino Workers Center (PWC)’s Larry Itliong Village in LA’s Historic Filipinotown. In front of over 100 guests representing diverse group of Filipino-American organizations, Artes and Cruz led the ribbon-cutting ceremony which was followed by a handover of ceremonial key to PWC operations director Malou Villacisneros.  

In the same press statement, Artes was quoted as saying that the “jeepney is a very recognizable icon of Filipino culture and he expressed hope that the jeepney will help keep alive the Filipino-American community’s connection to the Philippines.

Villacisneros, speaking on behalf of PWC and the community, thanked the MMFF for their generous donation. “Jeepney will help further promote Filipino culture and heritage not only to the younger generations of Filipino-Americans but to the wider community.

District 13 Councilmember Hugo Soto-Mertinez, who has constituency over Historic Filipinotown, also graced the occasion and gave recognition to the importance of diversity and the influence of the Filipino-Americans in shaping their communities.

Photo: PH Consulate General in LA, CA