On June 25, Congressmember Joe Crowley welcomed the Ambassador of the Philippines Jose L. Cuisia Jr. to the United States at an event with the local Filipino-American community at LaGuardia Community College in Long Island City. “I was honored to welcome Ambassador Cuisia to Queens. The Filipino-American community is not only growing and thriving in our area, but has become an important part of our state’s cultural fabric. It was great to have such a wonderful crowd join me in welcoming Ambassador Cuisia. I look forward to continuing to work with the Ambassador and the Filipino-American community here in Queens,” said Crowley. Cuisia was appointed as the Philippines Ambassador to the United States in February 2011. Before his appointment, Cuisia served as commissioner of the Social Security System, Central Bank Governor and chairman of the Monetary Board. At the event Crowley and Cuisia were joined by Philippines Consul General Mario Lopez de Leon and children from the Foundation for Filipino Artists after school summer program.