[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 8 (Wednesday, January 15, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E35-E36]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING DR. ROZZANA VERDER-ALIGA UPON HER RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN GARAMENDI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 15, 2025

  Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Rozzana Verder-
Aliga, EDD, LMFT, on the occasion of her retirement. Dr. Verder-Aliga's 
unwavering commitment to our community and her remarkable contributions 
to Vallejo, Solano County, and beyond have been invaluable to our 
community.
  For nearly three decades, Dr. Verder-Aliga has served with 
distinction as a community organizer, educator, mental health 
professional, and public servant. A role model for aspiring leaders, 
especially young women and girls, she has exemplified the values of 
representation, diversity, inclusion, and equity. Her dedication to 
serving children, seniors, veterans, and families in need has been the 
cornerstone of her work.
  Dr. Verder-Aliga made history as the first Filipino American woman 
elected to public office in Vallejo and Solano County. She began her 
public service career on the Vallejo School Board in 1993, where she 
served three terms as Board President during her 12-year tenure. She 
later served on the Solano County Board of Education Area 7, for six 
years, including a term as Board President. In 2013, she was elected to 
the Vallejo City Council, where she served for 11 years, earning the 
distinction of being the longest-serving Vice Mayor in Vallejo's 
history.
  Born in Manila, Philippines, Dr. Verder-Aliga immigrated to the 
United States in 1981, bringing with her a passion for service and a 
vision for a better future. She and her husband, Nestor Aliga, a 
retired U.S. Marine Corps and Army Colonel, raised three sons,

[[Page E36]]

all of whom graduated from California public universities. The Aligas 
recently welcomed their first grandchild, Nestor III.
  As a mental health professional, Dr. Verder-Aliga dedicated 28 years 
to Solano County Behavioral Health, providing critical services to 
children, seniors, veterans, and families. It is a pleasure to 
celebrate Dr. Rozzana Verder-Aliga as a trailblazing leader, dedicated 
public servant, and champion of equity and empowerment. On behalf of 
the constituents of California's 8th Congressional District, I wish Dr. 
Verder-Aliga best wishes in her well-earned retirement and extend my 
sincere gratitude for her many years of service to the community.

                          ____________________