Filipinos celebrate Independence Day despite tough times

Filipinos on Saipan commemorated the 113th Philippine Independence Day on Sunday amid a frugal celebration marked by prolonged uncertainties and worsening economic conditions.

Consul General Medardo Macaraig led other Filipinos and guests in the flag raising ceremony at the ground floor of Marianas Business Plaza followed by a brief program and a delectable buffet of breakfast for everyone.

Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos, Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan and his wife Andrea Sablan, Public Health Secretary Joseph Kevin and his wife Lina Villagomez, United Workers Movement president Rabby Syed, and Office of Insular Affairs field representative Jeff Schorr joined members of various Filipino organizations in the observance of the time when the Philippines declared its independence from Spain in June 12, 1898.

Macaraig, in his remarks, said Filipinos in the Northern Marianas commemorate the occasion during “perhaps the most difficult in recent memory for the Filipino community” due to the non-release of transitional worker rules and global conditions affecting both the local and the Philippine economies.

“Nevertheless, the essence of independence does not allow us to give up or leave everything to chance. As a nation, we have weathered tribulations throughout our 113 year history,” Macaraig said as he reminded Filipinos that the Consulate will continue to serve and assist “through these inconvenient times.”

United Filipino Organization president Bong Malasarte, who called on all Filipinos to be proud of their contributions to the island community, said the challenges that Filipinos have to deal with will be overcome if they work together with instill values of hard work, respect, generosity, and humility.

Messages by President Benigno S. Aquino III, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario, Labor and Employment secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Cuisia, Jr., and Overseas Welfare Administrator Carmelita Dimzon were also read during the program.
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This year’s Philippine Independence Day program featured the Computer Class which made a video presentation for the guests.

Macaraig said a total of 37 graduates of the class have obtained international certifications for building and fixing computers.

“In return, these Filipinos have assisted communities on Saipan for their computer repair and other needs,” he added.

The breakfast, meanwhile, was prepared by the group Alternatibong Kagalingan na Angkop sa Pamayanang Pinoy or AKAP Pinoy which is also comprised of former students of culinary arts, baking and fruit carving classes.

Inos, in an interview, said he has regularly participated in the celebration of this important event since he considers Filipinos as members of the community.

“I congratulate them again for another year of independence. This is the 113th year; it’s a long time. I wish that those who are here will be able to work together by way of bringing more economic growth so that we can all benefit from it,” he said.

For his part, Delegate Sablan also congratulated the Philippines and its people for the anniversary of their republic.

“America and the Philippines have had a long and very solid relationship and we’ll continue to support the relationship as we stand with one another on good times through difficult times,” he said.

Profiles of various Filipino heroes were also framed and put on display at the program venue.