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Press Release
CONSUL GENERAL DIANO DISCUSSES STRONGER PHILIPPINES-NEBRASKA LINKS WITH SEN. RITA GOMEZ SANDERS
Consul General Diano (middle) and Consul Alders (left) listens to Senator Sanders, as she explains her role on the
return of the Balangiga Bells to the Philippines. Senator Sanders referred to the statement of General MacArthur,
when he said, “I shall return,” but was never able to do so. She said that the return of the bells in 2018 was the United
States fulfilling the promise. Incidentally, the bells were flown aboard a US Air Force C-130 named “The Spirit of MacArthur”
(Photo courtesy of Mr. Richard Osea)
18 August 2025, Lincoln, Nebraska - Chicago PCG Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano paid a courtesy visit to Senator Rita Gomez Sanders on 18 August 2025 at her office at the Nebraska State Capitol.
Senator Sanders noted that it was 125 years ago that the first batch of American “Thomasite” teachers arrived aboard the US Army Transport Thomas in August 1901 to establish a public education system in the Philippines. Juxtaposing the Thomasite arrival in the Philippines at the turn of the twentieth century, the Senator highlighted the arrival of 13 teachers from the Philippines in Nebraska recently to teach in its schools.
The Consul General thanked the Senator for her work to strengthen Philippines-Nebraska relations, in particular in returning to the Philippines the Balangiga Bells in 2018.
Senator Sanders recognized the work that still needs to be done in strengthening Philippines-Nebraska relations, especially in the areas of people-to-people links and trade.
Senator Sanders was joined by Mr. Christopher Frankland, founder of InsurTech Heartland, which has interests in the Philippines.
The Consul General was accompanied by Consul Ma. Theresa M. Alders and Mr. Richard Osea. The visit was facilitated by Mr. Francisco Quevedo, a Filcom leader in Omaha, Nebraska [END].
Senator Sanders (right, standing) shows a history book to Consul General Diano (standing, middle)
(Photo courtesy of Ms. Marites Jacinto)
Consul General Diano (left) presented a scarf from the Philippines to Senator Sanders (right)
(Photo courtesy of Mr. Richard Osea)
Consul General Diano (left) receives a gift from Senator Sanders (right)
(Photo courtesy of Mr. Richard Osea)
Chicago PCG Officials, led by Consul General Diano (6th from left), poses with Secretary Evnen (4th from right),
Senator Sanders (5th from left), Mr. Christopher Frankland (2nd from right), Filcom leaders, and the staffers at the
office of Senator Sanders (Photo courtesy of Mr. Richard Osea)
Consul General Diano (middle) and Consul Alders (left) listens to Senator Sanders, as she explains her role on the
return of the Balangiga Bells to the Philippines. Senator Sanders referred to the statement of General MacArthur,
when he said, “I shall return,” but was never able to do so. She said that the return of the bells in 2018 was the United
States fulfilling the promise. Incidentally, the bells were flown aboard a US Air Force C-130 named “The Spirit of MacArthur”
(Photo courtesy of Mr. Richard Osea)
18 August 2025, Lincoln, Nebraska - Chicago PCG Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano paid a courtesy visit to Senator Rita Gomez Sanders on 18 August 2025 at her office at the Nebraska State Capitol.
Senator Sanders noted that it was 125 years ago that the first batch of American “Thomasite” teachers arrived aboard the US Army Transport Thomas in August 1901 to establish a public education system in the Philippines. Juxtaposing the Thomasite arrival in the Philippines at the turn of the twentieth century, the Senator highlighted the arrival of 13 teachers from the Philippines in Nebraska recently to teach in its schools.
The Consul General thanked the Senator for her work to strengthen Philippines-Nebraska relations, in particular in returning to the Philippines the Balangiga Bells in 2018.
Senator Sanders recognized the work that still needs to be done in strengthening Philippines-Nebraska relations, especially in the areas of people-to-people links and trade.
Senator Sanders was joined by Mr. Christopher Frankland, founder of InsurTech Heartland, which has interests in the Philippines.
The Consul General was accompanied by Consul Ma. Theresa M. Alders and Mr. Richard Osea. The visit was facilitated by Mr. Francisco Quevedo, a Filcom leader in Omaha, Nebraska [END].
Senator Sanders (right, standing) shows a history book to Consul General Diano (standing, middle)
(Photo courtesy of Ms. Marites Jacinto)
Consul General Diano (left) presented a scarf from the Philippines to Senator Sanders (right)
(Photo courtesy of Mr. Richard Osea)
Consul General Diano (left) receives a gift from Senator Sanders (right)
(Photo courtesy of Mr. Richard Osea)
Chicago PCG Officials, led by Consul General Diano (6th from left), poses with Secretary Evnen (4th from right),
Senator Sanders (5th from left), Mr. Christopher Frankland (2nd from right), Filcom leaders, and the staffers at the
office of Senator Sanders (Photo courtesy of Mr. Richard Osea)