The celebration, which started with a flag raising ceremony, was attended by close to 500 Filipinos and other members of the CNMI community, including Japan Consul Higuchi Tsutomu, CNMI Labor hearing officer Barry Hirshbein, and Federal Ombudsman Pamela Brown.
“The decades after independence have seen the emergence of Filipinos who, through their skills and good character, have contributed to the progress and development of countries around the world,” Macaraig said in his remarks.
Philippine government officials on Saipan then took turns reading messages from President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo, Labor Secretary Marianito D. Roque, and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Administrator Carmelita S. Dimzon.
United Filipino Organizations president Olive O. Yana, for her part, acknowledged the “unique role” played by overseas Filipino workers in the development of their nation.
“The many excellent achievements of Filipinos overseas are an inspiration and great amazement to the world. Equipped with our rich cultural heritage, wisdom, unique and wide range of talents, our resiliency, friendliness, and strong will and commitment to rise above difficulties and challenges of our time, makes our race unbeatable and a source of our nation’s pride and glory,” she said.
Food and refreshments were prepared by the students of the culinary arts and baking classes of the Philippine Consulate General, the Philippine Overseas Labor Office and the Overseas Workers and Welfare Administration.
Michelle Villarasa led the singing of the Philippine national anthem. She and her sister also performed a musical number during the program.
Ericka Faye Tubera was another guest singer.
Rev. Fr. Celso G. Magbanua Jr. led the invocation.
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