The General Assembly of the State of New Jersey, headed by Assemblyman

The General Assembly of the State of New Jersey, headed by Assemblyman Chivukula, honored Filipino Express publisher Lito Gajilan Jr. for his leadership and service to the Asian-American community in his capacity as proprietor and publisher of the esteemed newspaper.

In an Assembly Resolution last Monday, the State Assembly, in observance of Asian-American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, said that Mr. Gajilan’s “depth of knowledge and the breadth of his experience have immeasurably enhanced the success and acclaim of this enterprise.” Furthermore, the resolution stated that Mr. Gajilan “established a model to emulate and set a standard of excellence toward which others might strive.”

Mr. Gajilan founded the Filipino Express in 1986 and since then it has become the most trusted Filipino-American community newspaper. In January 2009, it was the only Asian-American newspaper selected by the Senate Press Gallery to cover the historic presidential inauguration of Barack Obama. It has also covered big mainstream events such as the International Emmy Awards, and the Tribeca Film Festival.

Mr. Gajilan is also an active leader of the community being an esteemed member of the order of the Knights of Rizal and other civic organizations. ?

By Ted Reyes, Flipino Express, 16 May 2011