Filipino community commemorates PH Independence Day

Filipinos on Saipan became one with Pinoys all over the world as they observed Philippine Independence Day on June 12, Friday, through a flag-raising ceremony.

Various organizations under the United Filipino Organization gathered at the flagpole area in McDonald’s Middle Road for the simple yet meaningful ceremony.

Philippine Honorary Consul Eli Arago reads his speech during last Friday’s flag-raising ceremony commemorating Philippine Independence Day at McDonald’s Saipan Middle Road.(Frauleine S. Villanueva)

“Celebrating our freedom, our independence, will always be important and paramount. It reminds us of an important period in our nation’s history,” Arago said.

“Let this celebration be a reminder to all of us, my fellow Filipinos, and those who embrace the character and attitude of what and who we are, to continue to be an inspiration to others, that we better ourselves, and let not indifference, jealousy and animosity ridicule or ruin the strength of our being one community,” he added.

Members of the CNMI Legislature such as Rep. Edwin Propst (Ind-Saipan), Rep. Edmund S. Villagomez (Ind-Saipan), and Rep. Angel A. Demapan (R-Saipan), as well as other government officials like Saipan Mayor David Apatang were present.

Messages from the Philippines’ Consul General of Agana, Guam Marciano de Borja, Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Vice President Jejomar Binay, and President Benigno Aquino III were read by Bayani president Mario Mayuga, Olive Yana, Butch Ordas, Minda Castro, and Arago, respectively.

“Though the tides of fate have brought us to different shores, our rallying cry resonates with the same dream for our countrymen: an inclusive, progressive nation,” the message from Aquino noted.

“Happy Independence Day, and though you are in other shores, may you always uphold the values that mark your noble heritage,” Binay’s message read.

In his speech, UFO president Bong Malasarte thanked the CNMI’s leadership for making Filipinos feel like they are home.

“I want to thank the CNMI for joining forces with us Filipinos,” he said.

The Filipino community was also thankful for McDonald’s for letting them celebrate the special event in the area. After the ceremony, they gathered at the fast-food chain for a hearty breakfast.

The theme for this year’s Independence Day is “Kalayaan 2015: Tagumpay sa pagbabagong nasimulan, abot kamay na ng bayan” (Independence 2015: Triumphs through reforms, within nation’s reach).