Mabuhay Ang Pilipinas At Ang Sambayanang Pilipino!

By: Veronica Leighton

 

Has it been 118 years ago when General Aguinaldo would unfurl the Philippine flag for the declaration of independence that would inspire the Filipino people to fight against the Spaniards, and later on lead other nations to recognize the independence of the Philippines? The 21-page declaration was signed by 97 Filipinos, appointed by Aguinaldo, and one retired American artillery officer, Colonel L.M. Johnson, on June 12, 1898, in an important session that is comparable to Declaration of independence of the United Sates of America from the British at the Constitutional Convention in 1776.

Proudly, since then, the Filipinos of the Philippines and Filipino immigrants all over the world celebrate June 12th in many different aspects…through parades, dances, picnics, programs, church masses, in songs and dances, in showing to the world how much we love the Philippines through its pains and glory, historically.

For this occasion, I gathered some glorious messages from respectable leaders of our community for beautiful thoughts for this celebration, centering around Chicago and the Midwest.

From His Excellency, Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr., Philippine Ambassador to the United States:

We celebrate today the 118th Anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence and remember our forefathers whose bravery, sacrifice and triumph led to the birth of the first republic in Asia.

This year’s commemoration theme Kalayaan 2016: Pagkakaisa, Pag-aambagan at Pagsulong underscores what we can achieve when we all work together.

We have made great strides in the past six years. We are renowned as peace-loving defenders of freedom, democracy and territorial integrity, admired for our indomitable spirit in the face of natural and man-made disasters and esteemed for our resolve to take the difficult path towards moral recovery, structural reform and economic transformation. The administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III renewed international interest and confidence in the Philippines and earned for our nation the respect and admiration it truly deserves. I fervently hope that our deep faith and patriotism would enable us to preserve these gains and build on the fruits of our united and tireless effort.

As we also mark the 70th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Philippines and the United States this year, we must recognize the role and contribution of the Filipino diaspora in the dynamic and enduring ties of our two countries. I express the hope that Pagkakaisa, Pag-aambagan at Pagsulong will continue to be an ideal that guides and inspires the Filipino-American community as it works for a better future and the common good.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas at ang Sambayanang Pilipino!

JOSE L. CUISIA, JR. Ambassador of the Philippines to U.S.

 

From Consul General Generoso D.G. Calonge Chicago Consulate General of the Philippines

I wish to convey my heartfelt greetings to all our kababayan as we commemorate the 118th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence. I especially extend my sincerest congratulations to the officers, members and guests of the Philippine Independence Week Committee (PIWC) for organizing the Independence Day Gala Celebration.

The Declaration of Philippine Independence is a remarkable and significant moment to our beloved country’s history demonstrating the bravery of our forebears to resist colonial oppression and give birth to the first republic in Asia. Once again, in celebrating this momentous occasion, we continue to honor their heroic struggle and reaffirm the values that have shaped our nation by making our own contributions toward a stronger and progressive Philippines.

This year’s celebration is made more significant because of the continued practice of democracy in our country. Let us continue to build upon the gains we have collectively achieved as people and a nation and maintain our continued support for our country and government. While we remain proud of our heritage and diversity, the foundation that distinguish us, we should all be inspired by our heroes and move forward in supporting our new set of leaders to champion the cause of peace, stability and national advancement. It is only with true national unity that we will succeed in establishing a future that is in fulfillment of the true potentials of our people.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Mabuhay ang Sambayanang Pilipino!

GENEROSO D.G. CALONGE, Consul General

From Mercy Matousek, Chairperson 2016, Philippine Independence Week Committee (PIWC)

Independence Day in Pilipino “Araw ng Kasarinlan,” also known as “Araw ng Kalayaan” is an annual holiday in the Philippines, which is also commemorated by Filipinos around the globe.

The original date when Philippine Independence was proclaimed in El Viejo, now Kawait, Cavite, by General Emilio Aguinaldo was on June 12, 1898. It was a result of the Philippines winning the revolution against Spain. However, the Declaration of Philippine Independence was recognized neither by the United States nor any other country. At the Treaty of Paris, Spain sold the Philippines, along with Guam and Puerto Rico to the United States for $20 million, thus made America owning the Philippines.

On July 4, 1946, the United States granted the Philippines her Independence and was then recognized as a sovereign country after 381 years; 333 years from Spain and 48 years from the US, respectively. As such, the Philippines celebrated Independence Day on July 4 until 1964. With the Philippine Republic Act No. 4166, the date was changed to its original date of June 12, proclaimed by then President Diosdado Macapagal.

Now, Filipinos can be proud to say that the Philippines is an independent and sovereign nation, recognized by all countries across the world.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation and sincere gratitude to the PIWC 2016 executive committee, chairpersons of the various committees, past over-all PIWC chairpersons, and especially to my family whose support and cooperation made this commemoration a very memorable and successful celebration.

Maria (Mercy) Matousek PIWC 2016 Over-all Chairperson

Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. Bids Farewell to the Filipino Community in Chicago

The Consulate General of the Philippines in Chicago hosted on Tuesday, 14 June 2016, a reception for the leaders and members of the Filipino-American community in Chicago with Philippine Ambassador to the United States of America, His Excellency Jose L. Cuisia Jr., as special guest in conjunction with the week-long festivities for the 118th Anniversary Celebration of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.

During the meeting, Ambassador Cuisia shared memories of his five-year tour-of-duty in the U.S. highlighting strengthened PH-US ties through the establishment of the US-Philippines Friendship Society, Filipino American Youth Leadership Program (FYLPro), among others. He also gave credit to the competence, dedication and commitment of the men and women of the Philippine Embassy and the six (6) Philippine Consulates General in the US in supporting him toward the achievement of his objectives under the three pillars of Foreign Policy namely: economic diplomacy, national security and assistance to nationals. He expressed his gratitude to H.E. President Benigno S. Aquino, III for the opportunity to serve as Ambassador to the U.S., which he intends to personally convey before the end of his term. More importantly, he cited the importance of the Filipino community in Chicago and their engagements in community programs to empower themselves and become a potent and influential ethnic group in the US.

Ms. Louella Cabalona, Vice President of the Filipino American Youth Leadership Program (FYLPro) Batch 2012, also shared her great experiences and projects after joining FYLPro that enhanced the vibrancy and dynamism between the Philippines and the Filipino-American community in the United States, especially in the Midwest.

Photo opportunities and a light reception capped the evening’s gathering. END

 

Ambassador Cuisia was given a Chicago Bulls uniform by Consul General Generoso D.G. Calonge and his staff, for the memories of his historical Chicago visits. Ambassador loves it!

One-on-one interview with Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr., Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. with Veronica of CPRTV. His Excellency candidly discussed his successful tenure, his projects, his views about the Filipino communities in America, the impact of his diplomatic relations between U.S. and Philippines, and his long-lasting legacy.