Lamkin joins 3 Fil-Am leaders in state dinner for Obama

From left: Attorney Loida Nicolas Lewis, Dr. Celia Lamkin, and Secretary Imelda Nicolas of the Commission of Filipinos Overseas, Office of the President of the Philippines. (Contributed photo)

On April 28, 2014, Filipino-Americans and overseas Filipinos in the U.S. mainland, CNMI, and Guam were represented by Fil-Am leaders of the US Pinoys for Good Governance during the State Dinner for President Barack Obama at the Malacañang Palace on April 28, 2014.

Only five Filipino-Americans were invited to represent the Fil-Ams in the U.S., CNMI, and Guam. They were US Pinoys for Good Governance national chair Loida Nicolas Lewis, USP4GG spokesperson and legal counsel Ted Laguatan, USP4GG president Rodel Rodis, USP4GG Marianas chapter chair for CNMI and Guam Dr. Celia Lamkin, and USP4GG member from New Jersey Vonz Santos. Only Rodis was not able to attend the dinner.

All Cabinet secretaries, Philippine Vice President Jejomar Binay, former president Fidel Ramos, ambassadors, senators, business executives, diplomats, among others, were among the more than 300-person guests at the state dinner.

In his toast, President Benigno Aquino III said, “Mr. President, on behalf of the Filipino people, I welcome you and your delegation to the Philippines. Though your stay here in our country may be short, I hope that it will allow you to see and experience for yourself how, indeed, it is more fun in the Philippines and that undoubtedly the Philippines works. Your presence here today reaffirms the strong bond between our nations. As a friend and partner of the Filipino people, Mr. President, you have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the growth and development of our nation. It is only fitting, therefore, that your efforts be recognized with the conferment of the Order of Sikatuna. Mr. President, through this brief visit of yours, I am confident that you have witnessed firsthand how such values, our shared beliefs and principles, can transform a society as it has ours.”

In his response, Obama said, “Mr. President, I am deeply honored to receive the Order of the Sikatuna. I accept it in the spirit in which it is bestowed with a commitment to continuing to deepen the bonds between our two great nations. I have only been here one day, but the kindness that you’ve shown and the extraordinary hospitality that’s been extended to us leaves us with very warm feelings and reflects I think the legendary spirit of the Filipino people. I am told that you have a word to describe this—that inner feeling, that core of a person’s being—kalooban. We see this spirit in a family that’s given itself to this country. We also see the spirit of this nation in all that you have overcome—colonialism, and occupations, invasion and dictatorship. Yours is a fierce independence won through sacrifice and renewed with each generation. And we saw that again this year. After Yolanda, Americans grieved with you. But we were inspired by your resilience and your determination to care for those who had been affected. You bring that same strength and solidarity to our alliance. So let me say tonight, on behalf of the American people, we are honored and proud to call you an ally and a friend. Through our Treaty Alliance, the United States has ironclad commitment to defend you, your security, and your independence.

Obama also shared with Aquino their mutual obsession with basketball and mutual admiration for Manny Pacquiao.

Nicolas Lewis said that Obama’s visit to the Philippines, as the last leg of his Asian trip, “signifies how important it is to conserve and strengthen our alliance with the United States in all aspects—political, economic, business, and territorial integrity. It will give pause to China’s aggressive actions against the Philippines vis a vis their bogus claim of nine-dash line ownership of the West Philippine Sea.”

Laguatan states that Obama’s timely visit to South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, and the Philippines gives an important message to these countries as well as to China. “His message to China: We respect and even support your aspirations to be a great country and have a better life for your people but you don’t have to intimidate and coerce your neighbors in order to accomplish these noble objectives. Play by the rules and also respect their legitimate aspiration. Let conflicts be resolved peacefully, and through proper avenues.

“His message to the countries he visited: We will stand by your in legitimate defense of your territories and resources. Obama gives a very strong impression of a world leader who understands that beyond all local interest is the primary interest of the human race to avoid a deadly war that…would devastate our planet,” added Laguatan.

“It was indeed a historic and memorable event for me because I was invited by President Benigno Aquino III to be with the State Dinner for President Obama,” said Lamkin. “As one of the only four Filipino-Americans to be present in this State Dinner for President Obama, I am sharing this pride and honor with all Filipinos in the CNMI, Guam, U.S., and all overseas Filipinos.” (PR)