DALY CITY, California - Filipino-American Juslyn Manalo calls it a dream come true.

After being born in San Francisco and moving to Daly City at the age of eight, Manalo has been voted in as the first Filipina-American council member for Daly City.

"I think it's long overdue actually and I'm really honored to be in this place and to serve," said Manalo.

With a background working for non-profit organizations in San Francisco such as the Veterans Equity Center and the Bill Sorro Housing Program and in the private sector as a Community Engagement Associate for Forest City Enterprises, Manalo said she will fight against the fear of gentrification while still finding appropriate ways to bring about new housing in Daly City.

"I think there are possible areas for responsible development in Daly City that will bring forth more jobs, housing and also revenue to make sure we don't cut services that we need," said Manalo. "Also looking at building a hotel with a conference center so that we'll be able to use that hotel tax for our community."

With the rise of fear in the immigrant community in the wake of the election of Donald Trump as president, Manalo, a Clinton supporter, calls for unity and strength.

"We have been communities that have been able to push through struggle and stand together and always ensure that now is a time more than ever that as communities of color, immigrants that have paved the way and really built this nation to show that we are not afraid and we will continue to stand for our families and communities," said Manalo.

Manalo said she remains optimistic in the future of the country and that she will focus on bringing progressive changes to her hometown.

"Without your support, your belief in me as a leader I wouldn't be here today and I'm ready to serve the city that I was raised in," she said.

Manalo will be officially inaugurated as a Daly City council woman on Monday, December 12th.

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