MANILA, Philippines — A Filipino-American has been elected as member of the Carlisle City Council in Iowa, in the United States.

The Department of Foreign Affairs, citing a report from the Philippine Consul General in Chicago, said that Alma Reed, President of the Filipino-American Association of Iowa, became a member of the council last November 6.

The city, with a population of 3,497, is located five miles southeast of Des Moines. It has a Mayor-Council form of government. The citizens of Carlisle elect a mayor and five council members for four-year terms.

The City Council is the legislative body and policy maker of the city through the enactment of ordinances and resolutions. It also adopts a budget to determine how the city will obtain and utilize its funds.

The DFA said that Reed is the first Filipino American elected to the City Council of Carlisle. She will be involved in the city’s municipal services, public utilities, health facilities and schools.

As a new member, Reed will undergo training at the Municipal Leadership Academy starting next month. The classes cover topics like meeting procedures, municipal law, basics of city revenue and expenditures, city budget, personnel issues, land and zoning issues, community improvement, economic development, and financing methods.

Reed has been chairperson of the Iowa Asian Alliance Advisory Board, a devoted volunteer in numerous community events such as the Asian Heritage Festival, Iowa Mosaic Diversity Conference, and on the planning committee for the “AdmirAsian” and “CelebrAsian” events within the Iowa Asian Alliance.

The DFA said that Reed was inspired to run for a seat on the city council because of her wish for the expansion of infrastructure for development, to promote the city and to encourage business investment in Carlisle. She also wanted to educate the community regarding the different ethnic cultures in Iowa.

Carlsle City does not have a big Filipino population.

“Reed’s election to the City Council is a manifestation that she has earned the respect of the community through her volunteer work, leadership and commitment,” the DFA said.