Meet Honorary Consul Jenny Ho-Vijungco
Gilbert, Arizona – Community leaders and representatives from Filipino organizations from across the Valley gathered to meet Jenny Lynn M. Ho-Vijungco, newly sworn in as the Philippine Honorary Consul for Arizona, and to hear a few words about what this moment means for the state.
According to the official press release from the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles, Ms. Ho-Vijungco took her oath on July 21, 2025, administered by Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz. The appointment establishes the first Philippine Honorary Consulate in Arizona, supervised by the Los Angeles post with jurisdiction covering the entire state. She was joined at the ceremony by her husband, Dr. Joseph David Vijungco.
Location and opening
The Honorary Consulate will be based in Chandler. A grand opening and ribbon cutting is set for September 21, with the office open sometime thereafter. That timing gives space for final coordination and setup so services can begin in an orderly way.
Services and what to expect
The consulate announcement also outlines the starting point for honorary consulates: consular notarization, mortuary certificates, and emergency travel documents, along with helping protect and promote the welfare of Filipinos in Arizona. A comprehensive local services list has not yet been announced. The complete list will be communicated following the grand opening, once details are finalized.
Los Angeles mobile consular outreach to Arizona will continue. The local office adds a nearby point of contact. It does not replace the larger service missions run by LA.
Questions and notes from the room
- How to connect. After opening, Ms. Ho-Vijungco will set aside time for one-on-one conversations with organizations and individuals who want to introduce their work or ask about services.
- Finding each other. A community website directory is planned to list Filipino organizations and businesses across Arizona. Groups were encouraged to share their details so people can find help more easily.
- Service scope. Some functions will still route through LA or through outreach events. What can be handled locally will be clearer once final details are in place and the office opens.
- Community needs. Ideas mentioned included support for relocating professionals such as teachers and better connections with local health resources and safety programs. These are areas her office plans to continue exploring as it gets established.
Background on the new Honorary Consul
Ms. Ho-Vijungco has roots in both the Philippines and the United States and has worked in real estate development and medical administration. She founded Project J.O.Y., known for medical missions to underserved communities in the Philippines. With this appointment, she joins other recently appointed honorary consuls in the U.S. Southwest under the Los Angeles post, part of a broader effort to extend support where Filipino communities live and work.
Community sentiment and why this matters
Throughout the afternoon, lines like “let’s build bridges” and “we can do more when we work together” drew nods around the room. It felt like a start: measured, hopeful, and focused on making things easier for Filipinos in Arizona.
Community response. The announcement of her swearing-in on the LA Consulate’s official social media page drew a wave of congratulations. Messages ranged from “Proud to have an Honorary Consul in Arizona” to “Mabuhay and congratulations”. Others asked how to stay updated. The plan is to share final service details and appointment information at opening and to invite organizations to book one-on-one time.
Why this matters. For years, many in our community have relied on LA’s outreach missions for passports, documents, and other help. Having a Philippine Honorary Consul based in Arizona is a milestone. It means clearer pathways, fewer unknowns, and a local point of contact who understands the community and can work with partners here at home.
