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Left: Ms. Danilet Fandino is sworn in as South San Francisco Chamber of Commerce President by San Mateo Supervisor Jackie Speier as Ms. Mary Prem, CEO of SSF Chamber looks on. Right: Deputy Consul General Maria Paz Cortes delivers a message before awarding a certificate of recognition to Ms. Fandino. (San Francisco PCG photos).
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco proudly joined the South San Francisco Chamber of Commerce in celebrating a historic milestone at the Chamber’s Annual Business Excellence Awards Gala and Installation held on 16 October 2025, at the South San Francisco Conference Center.
Representing the Consulate General, Deputy Consul General Maria Paz G. Cortes and Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil attended the event and conveyed warm congratulations to Danilet Fandino, who made history as the first Filipina President of the Chamber’s Board of Directors in the Chamber’s more than 100-year history.
On behalf of Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer, a Certificate of Recognition was presented by DCG Cortes to Ms. Fandino, honoring her leadership, creativity, and commitment to excellence which has enriched the community and set a new standard for representation and service.
Deputy Consul General Cortes emphasized the special significance of the event stating that Ms. Fandino’s “achievement is not only a source of immense pride for the Filipino community, but is also a testament to the Chamber’s vision of inclusion, empowerment and shared progress”. The Consulate likewise recognized that Ms. Fandino’s installation symbolizes the growing influence and leadership of Filipinos in the Bay Area and beyond.
The Gala highlighted excellence in business and civic leadership with a cocktail reception, seated dinner, and live cultural performances. The Chamber also paid tribute to retiring City Manager Sharon Ranals for 42 years of dedicated service and recognized major milestones for local institutions: Cal Water (100 years), Kaiser Permanente (80 years), and Genentech (50 years). The Mayor’s Award was presented to See’s Candies for its outstanding contributions to the city.
Award recipients included: Basque Cultural Center (Business of the Year Award), Thai Satay (People’s Choice Award), South San Francisco Scavenger Company, Inc. (Large Business Leadership Award), South San Francisco Conference Center (Customer Service Excellence Award), South San Francisco Women’s Club (Diversity and Inclusion Award), Park Padel (Small Business Excellence Award), The Hangar (Emerging Business Award), Commute.org (Innovation and Business Award), Evolve Training Center (Community Impact Award), and Agilent (Sustainability and Green Business Award).
The Gala also featured the oath taking of the new officers, board members, and ambassadors of the SSF Chamber of Commerce, including its new President Danilet Fandino. San Mateo Supervisor Jackie Speier, who previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives, led the installation.
Senator John Becker, who represents the residents of California’s 13th Senate District, delivered remarks attributing South San Francisco’s success to its spirit of partnership, blending innovation with tradition. He noted the Chamber’s key role in building bridges, connecting large corporate partners with local small businesses and the old town community.
During the event, Mary Prem, CEO of the South San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, was also honored by SSF Mayor Eddie Flores.The Philippine Consulate General reaffirms its commitment to supporting Filipino American leadership and engagement in civic, business, and community affairs across the San Francisco Bay Area.
Ms. Dani Fandino (2nd from left) receives the Certificate of Recognition from DCG Maria Paz Cortes and Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil, and is joined by San Mateo Supervisor Jackie Speier (leftmost) and SSFCC CEO Mary Prem. (Photo courtesy of Mr. Ronnie Magtibay)
DCG Cortes with SSFCC Board President Danilet Fandino, SSFCC CEO Mary Prem and Spouses Edd and Vicky Palomar at the event. (Photo courtesy of Mr. Ed Palomar)
Deputy Consul General Maria Paz Cortes (second from left) and Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil (rightmost) are joined by Ms. Danilet Fandino, President of South San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, and other Filipino American community leaders in South San Francisco. (San Francisco PCG photo)