Skokie Filipina Community Leader Angeles "Jelly" Carandang Recipient Of Philippines' 2008 Banaag Award

Skokie resident Angeles "Jelly" Carandang traveled to Philippines in December to receive a 2008 Banaag Award bestowed by Philippines President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at the Malacañan Palace in Manila.

Carandang was among 31 honorees from across the globe, and the only one from the U.S. Midwest. "Jelly," as she is widely known, was honored for her efforts in advancing the political and social welfare of Filipinos and Filipino-americans through her work with numerous organizations. 

The Banaag Awards are conferred on Filipinos living abroad who have advanced the cause of overseas Filipino communities.

Carandang has been a Skokie resident since 1986. She is an active participant in the various activities of the Skokie Caucus Party, such as the annual picnic and the annual golf outing. Jelly represents the Filipino American Community at the Skokie Festival of Culture, and serves as the Recording Secretary of its Executive Board. She has served on the Skokie Human Relations Commission and currently is a commissioner on the Plan Commission.

As one of the founding directors, Carandang was instrumental in the incorporation of the Coalition of Asian Communities in Skokie, where she is currently the secretary. She is the current secretary of a national advocacy group, the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), Midwest Region, and recently elected Vice Chair of NaFFAA Illinois Chapter. She has a B.S. Degree in Commerce, Banking and Finance major from the University of Santo Tomas and is retired as a Corporate Tax Auditor/Program Specialist from the State of California.

We congratulate Jelly on her well-deserved honor! For more information on the Banaag Awards, visit http://www.cfo.gov.ph/pres_awards.htm