NEW YORK – A historic moment has unfolded as the Federated States of Micronesia has confirmed its first-ever Filipino Justice Secretary!
Through Congressional Resolution No. 23-214, the country’s Congress officially appointed Leonito Bacalando Jr., a Filipino lawyer, to serve as the Secretary of the Department of Justice. This important announcement was made on September 25, 2024.
The resolution proudly states:
“Be it resolved by the Twenty-Third Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia, Fifth Regular Session, 2024, that Congress hereby confirms the nomination of Mr. Leonito M. Bacalando Jr., Esq. to serve as the Secretary of the Department of Justice.”
Leonito Bacalando, who is originally from Biliran, Leyte in the Philippines, was handpicked by President Wesly Simina last year due to his outstanding work and dedication. He studied law at the University of San Carlos in Cebu before moving to Micronesia in 2002, where he began his career with the Attorney General’s Office. Bacalando has since worked his way up, proving his exceptional skills and commitment by serving as Chief of Law and Assistant Attorney General.
In an interview with GMA Integrated News, Bacalando expressed how honored he feels to be given this chance to make a difference in his second home. He shared, “I feel very good about it, not because this is the first time. I feel good because this sends a strong message to the world about what Filipinos can achieve. I’m proud of my family, the Filipino community, and the new home where I belong now.”
With this significant achievement, Leonito Bacalando Jr. is not only representing the Filipino people but also promoting justice, fairness, and humanity in Micronesia!
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