Photo Release

The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago, represented by Consul Ella Karina Mitra, participated in the Annual Lunar New Year Celebration on Saturday, 21 February 2026, at St. Augustine College.

The event was organized by the Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA) and brought together community members, partner organizations, diplomats, and public officials to honor the traditions of the Lunar New Year while celebrating the strength, diversity, and unity of Chicago’s communities.

In attendance were elected officials, including Senator Dick Durbin, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, as well as other prominent State, City, and County officials, underscoring the broad support for CMAA and the communities it serves.

During the program, the elected officials and diplomats were invited to deliver brief messages. In her remarks, Consul Mitra conveyed warm Lunar New Year greetings on behalf of the Philippine Consulate General and the broader Filipino and Filipino American community, emphasizing shared values among Asian American and immigrant communities.

Founded in 1981, the Chinese Mutual Aid Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering immigrants and low-income families through comprehensive social services, including workforce development, immigration assistance, youth and senior programs, and community education. CMAA plays a vital role in helping new Americans achieve self-sufficiency while strengthening the social and economic fabric of the greater Chicago area.