Philippine Ambassador to the United States and Mrs. Willy C. Gaa was hosted with a welcome reception on 11 May 2007 by the Filipino American community groups from North Bay and Sacramento areas at the Vallejo Filipino Community Center.

            Over 100 Filipino American community leaders, elected officials, and representatives from the various chambers of commerce attended the reception for Ambassador Gaa. Present during the reception were representatives from US Congressman George Miller and Congressman Mike Thomson’s offices; State Senator Pat Wiggins and State Assemblywoman Noreen Evans; Solano County Supervisor Chairman of the Board Mike Raegan, Vallejo Vice Mayor Gary Cloutier, Suisin Mayor Pete Sanchez, American Canyon Mayor Leon Garcia and West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon along with other former and present public officials of Solano county.

            Ambassador Gaa expressed his gratitude to the warm welcome he and his wife Mrs. Linda Gaa received and the strong attendance from local government officials. He gave recognition to the elected Filipino American officials for keeping the interest of the Filipino American communities, and called on them to address the challenges Filipino Americans are facing particularly the issue of the WWII veterans. He also honored the Fil-Am communities of North Bay and Sacramento, one of the oldest in the US,  for being one of the most politically-influential in California.