Celebrate PACCO Gala Remarks

December 12, 2025

Good evening! Aimee and I are so happy to be in community with you tonight.

Thank you to everyone who has made this celebration possible – with a special shout out to the board of the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Oregon. As your Governor, I am proud to have such a vibrant, successful, and forward-thinking organization like PACCO advancing Filipino American and AANHPI businesses across our state.

First, I want to acknowledge the fear that grips so many Oregon communities right now because of the inhumanity emanating from Washington D.C. As an Oregonian it makes me angry, and as your Governor, it makes me resolved to fight back. As the federal government wages attacks on immigrant communities that threaten our state’s values and our right to govern ourselves, I want you to know that I will not back down. 

Oregon remains committed to our strong sanctuary state laws. As Governor, I am committed to the safety and prosperity of every Oregonian, from recent immigrants to Oregonians who have been here for generations. Oregon will not be bullied into abandoning our values. Moreover, the federal administration’s attack on immigrant communities is shortsighted and threatens our local economies. When we talk about our long-term prosperity, we must fully realize the contributions of immigrant communities. We have a moral and practical responsibility to support and protect newcomers to our state. 

Now, to this evening's theme – Back to Our Roots: Building Community, Embracing Tomorrow – couldn't be more fitting. It reminds us that honoring where we come from and building toward the future aren't separate things. They're connected. 

The Filipino American and AANHPI business community is absolutely essential to Oregon's success. Your entrepreneurship, your global networks, your talent and commitment are vital to meeting the challenges and demands of our changing world. When I look at PACCO's work – from supporting small businesses to providing scholarships and youth entrepreneur programs – I see the pathways to leadership and generational wealth that our communities need.

I'm committed to removing barriers faced by immigrant and underrepresented entrepreneurs. That means expanding affordable housing so business owners and workers can live where they work. It means workforce development that creates real opportunity. It means small business support that actually meets your needs.

That is why my office has established a series of listening sessions with the communities outlined in the disparity study, which analyzed state procurement in Oregon and determined that there is underutilization of minority- and women-owned businesses. These listening sessions allow me to hear how I can support Oregon's underserved communities that want to take advantage of state procurement opportunities- not just on paper but in practice. The Conversation with the AANHPI community will be coming up and I look forward to working with key partners like PACCO to make these sessions successful and impactful.

Oregon has an extraordinary opportunity ahead. We can position ourselves as a gateway for international trade and innovation, leveraging our communities’ global networks and Oregon's West Coast location with direct access to the Pacific Rim. Our quality of life – clean air, abundant fresh water, stunning natural environment – makes Oregon not only a smart place to do business, but a desirable place to live, work, and raise a family.

But realizing that opportunity requires partnership. It will take organizations like PACCO, business leaders, and community champions working alongside my office to shape inclusive economic policy.

When I think about programs like PACCO's scholarships and youth entrepreneur initiatives, I'm reminded that you’re not just building businesses – you’re helping to build community wealth through mentorship, business ownership, and financial literacy. That's how we create long-term economic security. That's how we build an Oregon where working families don't just survive, they thrive. Tonight, as we celebrate your cultural pride, your unity, and your achievements, let's remember: we’ve got work ahead of us. And I’m thankful for your partnership.

Together, we build a stronger, more inclusive Oregon. Thank you.