ABC7 Eyewitness News journalists Tony Cabrera, Irene Cruz, and Denise Dador are honored with a City of Carson proclamation during the July 1, 2025, City Council meeting in celebration of Filipino Friendship Day.
Pictured with the honorees are Filipina Councilwoman Arleen Bocatija Rojas (far left), Councilmember Jawane Hilton (second from left, back row), Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes (center), Councilmembers Cedric Hicks (second from right) and Jim Dear (far right). The recognition celebrated the journalists’ impact in broadcast media and their role in elevating Filipino American representation in Southern California. (Photo courtesy of Adrian Lecaros, President of the Filipino American Press Club of California)
CARSON, CA — The City of Carson honored three Filipino American journalists from ABC7 Eyewitness News with a city proclamation during its July 1 City Council meeting, recognizing their contributions ahead of Filipino Friendship Day.
Denise Dador, Tony Cabrera, and Irene Cruz were presented with the proclamation for their work in broadcast journalism and for helping elevate Filipino American visibility in Southern California media.
The proclamation was formally delivered by Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes and Filipina Councilwoman Arleen Bocatija Rojas during the regular council session held at Carson City Hall. Other members of the Carson City Council were also present during the public recognition.
Filipino Friendship Day was established by former Philippine President Diosdado Macapagal in 1963 and continues to be celebrated on July 4 to honor the enduring ties between the Philippines and the United States.
Councilwoman Rojas said the journalists’ presence in local news is a source of community pride.
Dador, ABC7’s Health Specialist, has long reported on public health issues, including medical research, wellness, and health equity. Her work has helped Angelenos stay informed on critical health developments for more than two decades.
Cabrera serves as ABC7’s weekend morning anchor and reports on stories across Orange County and beyond. He is known for his coverage of community news, feature stories, and local events that resonate with diverse audiences.
Cruz, who joined ABC7 in 2022, anchors weekend morning broadcasts and contributes general assignment reports. A native of Orange County and fluent in Tagalog, Cruz is part of a new generation of Filipino American journalists helping shape the future of Los Angeles media.
Carson is home to one of the largest Filipino populations in California and regularly hosts events that recognize Filipino heritage, leadership, and civic engagement.
The proclamation ceremony highlighted the collective achievements of the three journalists and underscored their ongoing contributions to community-centered storytelling.
