Consulate marks 114th PH Independence Day

The Philippine Consulate General on Saipan led the commemoration of the 114th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence last Sunday, the last time it will be able to host the celebration as it closes down this year.

Consulate staff and Filipino community leaders were accompanied by the island’s government and business leaders in a simple and solemn ceremony at the Marianas Business Plaza grounds on June 10.

Sunday’s ceremony began with the parade of the Philippine flag by female Consulate personnel composed of Philippine Overseas Labor Office officer-in-charge Julia Fabian, Lauren Arce, Nerisa Anastacio, Hazel Manahan-Mendoza, Antonette Rosario Ocon, and Rowena Tolosa.

Consulate officer-in-charge Jose Sto. Domingo led the raising of the flag, joined by Gov. Benigno R. Fitial, Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos, CNMI Delegate Gregorio Kilili Sablan, and United Filipino Organization vice president Apollo Madriaga.

Other guests were first lady Josie Fitial, Andrea Sablan, Japan Consul and Mrs. Tsutomu Higuchi, businessman Joe Ayuyu, and United Workers Movement president Rabby Syed.

Consulate’s Tolosa led the Panunumpa sa Watawat [Pledge to the Flag] while Rose Lazaro sang the Philippine national anthem.

The rest of the program saw the reading of messages from Philippine President Benigno Aquino III, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario, Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Cuisia Jr., Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, and Overseas Workers Welfare Administrator Carmelita Dimzon.

All messages echoed calls for Filipinos throughout the world to take pride in their heritage, to uphold the ideals of freedom and democracy—the very ideals that gave their forebears the strength to fight for the nation’s independence—and to bear in mind the great lessons of history.

Consul General Medardo Macaraig, who was unable to join the celebration “as my wife’s critical condition continues to require my presence in Manila,” wrote a message for Filipinos in the CNMI read by Sto. Domingo.

Macaraig expressed not just gratitude but also optimism that the Filipino people will look forward to their “uncertain future with grace, perseverance, hard work and confidence that our past has prepared us well for our future.”

Fitial said in a statement that the people of the CNMI and the Philippines share “so much in common” that the Independence Day celebration is a fitting time to reflect on these commonalities as well as accomplishments.

Fitial also pointed out the imminent closure of the Consulate, the last day of operations for which is on Oct. 31. “Nonetheless, the administration assures everyone that the friendship between the two jurisdictions will remain strong throughout the years to come,” he added.

Inos reaffirmed the governor’s assurance. “We as a government, as a local community, will extend whatever support and assistance that we’ll be able to give to our fellow kababayans,” he told Saipan Tribune.

Both Inos and Delegate Sablan acknowledged the significance of Filipinos who have stayed in the CNMI for years and have contributed to the islands’ economic growth and development.

“I will make it a point to be here on Oct. 31 when they open the door for the last time,” said Sablan, adding that he looks forward to seeing Macaraig in Washington, D.C. where the consul general will be next assigned.

Marianas High School Glee Club’s Lady Dominique Canape provided an intermission number before guests were treated to breakfast prepared by the Consulate’s culinary arts class, known as the Alternatibong Kagalingan na Angkop sa Pamayanang Pinoy or AKAP Pinoy.