Bergenfield Mayor Arvin Amatorio, a Filipino American immigration lawyer who has helped reshape local politics in northern New Jersey, will be honored with the 2026 Empowerment Award for Distinguished Public Service and Community Leadership at the 22nd People’s Ball in Newark this August.
The Empowerment Awards program, presented by the team behind the long-running “Fiesta in America” expo, recognizes Filipino Americans who lead with integrity, inspire others through service, and create lasting impact in their communities.
Organizers said Amatorio is being cited for his “outstanding leadership, unwavering commitment to uplifting individuals and organizations, steadfast support of worthwhile causes, and dedication to fostering collaboration, empowerment, and positive change” — values that mirror the evolution of Bergenfield under his tenure.
Amatorio, born in the Philippines and trained as an immigration attorney, first entered Bergenfield politics as a councilman before winning the mayoralty in 2019, making him one of the few Filipino Americans to lead a municipality in New Jersey. Now in his second term, he has focused on inclusion, infrastructure improvements, public health, and community trust in one of the state’s most diverse suburban boroughs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, his administration drew attention for early drive-thru testing, aggressive contact tracing, and organizing a food bank that became a model cited well beyond Bergenfield.
The 22nd People’s Ball, billed as “an elegant afternoon celebrating leadership, achievement, culture, and community,” will be held on Sunday, August 9, at the Marriott Newark Liberty International Airport Hotel in Newark, New Jersey.
Open to the public, the event features the 2026 Empowerment Award class, cultural presentations, and networking among community leaders, with guests encouraged to come in Filipiniana or “elegantly fashionable” attire. Tickets are available through Philippine Fiesta USA’s website and hotline, underscoring the award’s roots in the broader Fiesta in America ecosystem that has long highlighted Filipino American success across business, arts, and civic life.
Fiesta in America began as a trade and cultural expo showcasing Filipino products, performers, and organizations, and over the years has expanded into a platform for leadership recognition and community-building among Filipino Americans on the East Coast. Its Empowerment Awards align with that mission, shining a spotlight on public servants like Amatorio who bridge immigrant experiences with local governance and policy.
The recognition adds to a growing list of honors for both Amatorio and Fiesta in America.
In 2022, Amatorio received a TOFA (The Outstanding Filipino Awards) award in the Politics category, cited for his pandemic response, inclusive leadership, and role in elevating Filipino representation in New Jersey public office. Fiesta in America’s founder and expo have likewise been honored with a TOFA Heritage Award, acknowledging their contribution to culture, trade, and community engagement in the Filipino diaspora.
CAPTION — Bergenfield Mayor Arvin Amatorio, a Filipino American immigration lawyer now serving his second term, will receive the 2026 Empowerment Award for Distinguished Public Service and Community Leadership at the 22nd People’s Ball hosted by Fiesta in America at the Marriott Newark Liberty International Airport Hotel.
