Utah: A good place in America
I visited Utah last week upon the invitation of the Brigham Young University (BYU) to speak before students taking up International Studies at the David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies.
I had the opportunity to engage with BYU officials led by president Kevin Worthen, international vice president Dr. Sandra Rogers and associate international vice president Jeffrey Ringer. I spoke about the enduring alliance between the Philippines and the US, which I summarized in seven words: stable and moving in the right direction.
BYU is a private university owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I met the members of the church’s governing body known as the First Presidency led by president Russel Nelson, first counselor Dallin Oaks and second counselor Henry Eyring. Also with us during the private meeting were directors of Church Hosting, Elder Kent Richards and his wife Sister Marsha.
Utah’s nickname is “Beehive State” to symbolize the hardwork and industry that Utahns are known for. Its capital Salt Lake City was founded by Brigham Young, who served as the second president of the church and was the first governor of the Utah territory.
With students of Brigham Young University (BYU) and FilCom members at the David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies, BYU.
During my four-day visit, I also met with members of the World Trade Center Utah, a non-profit organization that serves as the voice of international business in the state. In fact, a recent CNBC report named Utah as the third best state for business next only to Texas and Washington.
Utah is often cited as one of the most beautiful states with its magnificent red rock cliffs, majestic mountains, grand canyons and the Great Salt Lake that is used as a reference point by astronauts in outer space. It is home to almost 11,000 Filipino-Americans who form one of the largest Asian communities in the state.
I was pleased to meet Attorney General Sean Reyes, the highest ranking Filipino-American elected official in the US. Sean’s family hails from Zambales and he is in fact a descendant of President Ramon Magsaysay. Filipinos like Sean are a great source of pride because they prove that wherever they may be, Filipinos can become very productive members of society.
