Hon. Gunther Emil Sales, the current Philippine Consul General in Houston, is set to be a VIP guest at the upcoming 15th Anniversary Gala and State Awards hosted by the Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce Texas (PACCTX). The event will take place on October 18, 2024, at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas. The gala will honor the contributions and achievements of the Filipino-American community in Texas and across the southern United States.
Consul General Sales assumed his position in Houston in July 2024, and since then has been actively involved in promoting diplomatic and economic relations between the Philippines and Texas. His leadership extends over several states, including Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. His work focuses on strengthening partnerships between the Philippines and U.S. sectors, such as agriculture, energy, minerals, and cybersecurity. Sales’ commitment to fostering cooperation between the Philippines and the U.S. is aimed at boosting trade, investment, and community ties.
Sales has a long and distinguished career in diplomacy. Before his current role, he served at the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., where he played a pivotal part in shaping Philippine foreign relations. He was involved in high-level diplomatic engagements, including representing the Philippines at a session with the Arizona State Legislature. His work at the embassy also involved building economic bridges between the Philippines and U.S. states.
As part of his broader diplomatic career, Sales has worked in other key assignments around the world, including a posting at the Philippine mission in Stockholm, Sweden, and holding a role at the United Nations. His extensive experience in both regional and global diplomacy has earned him recognition for his work in enhancing Philippine interests abroad.
In addition to his diplomatic efforts, Consul General Sales has also been deeply involved in community and humanitarian work. He has partnered with various Filipino-American organizations, including PACCTX, to address issues affecting the Filipino community. One of his notable initiatives includes tackling the exploitation of J1 teachers in Texas and ensuring better protections and support systems for Filipino educators working in the state. His leadership has been instrumental in raising awareness and providing solutions to such challenges, building stronger ties with the local Filipino community.
Sales is known for his commitment to advocating for the rights and welfare of Filipino communities abroad. His tenure as Consul General in Houston is marked by an emphasis on supporting Filipino-Americans, as well as advancing the Philippines’ interests in trade, culture, and diplomacy.
The gala where Consul General Sales will be a guest is part of PACCTX’s ongoing efforts to celebrate and empower the Filipino-American community. The event will begin with a vendor exhibit and mixer at 5:00 PM CST, followed by the main program at 6:00 PM CST. It will include awards that recognize outstanding individuals and organizations that have contributed to the growth and development of the Filipino-American community in Texas and the surrounding regions.
Consul General Sales’ participation in the gala reflects the strong bond between the Philippine Consulate and the Filipino-American community in Texas. His presence is expected to inspire attendees and reaffirm the consulate’s commitment to working closely with Filipino organizations to promote the community’s interests. The 15th Anniversary Gala will offer an opportunity for the Filipino-American community to celebrate its achievements, strengthen networks, and continue fostering cultural and economic ties between the Philippines and the United States.