Last Sunday, Filipinos left behind the comforts of their beds early and flocked to the Marianas Business Plaza building in Susupe to take part in the annual celebration.
The raising of the Philippine Flag outside the Marianas Business Plaza at 7 a.m started the program, and this was followed by the reading of messages focusing on this year’s theme “Kagitingan, Kagalingan at Kasipagan Tungo sa Tunay na Kalayaan” from Phil. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo, Overseas Workers Welfare adminstrator Carmelita S. Dimzon and Phil. Ambassador Willy C. Chua.
At the helm of the celebration were Consul General Wildredo DL Maximo, Consul Belinda M. Ante, Welfare officer Reynaldo D. Tayag, Labor Representive Joan Lourdes D. Lavilla and the different Filipino organizations on island.
Participants were treated to a typical Filipino breakfast of fried rice, corned beef, fried eggs, pandesal, and kakanin after the program.
Excerpts from messages
Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
Philippine president
“This is a day of remembrance and renewal. The theme this year underscores the challenges to and the responsibilities of our generation to bring full fruition the ideals that animated our forefather’s noble efforts.
“I am confident that the Filipino-American community will continue to do your part in contributing to the full development of your motherland.”
Alberto G. Romulo
Secretary of Foreign Affairs
“We have gone a long way as a democracy, and we have a further way to go still as we pursue greater peace, progress and prosperity for our nation.”
Ambassador Willy C. Gaa
“We have made great strides towards greater peace, progress and prosperity. We will continue moving forward, propelled by the collective commitment of the global Filipino nation. The achievements of the Filipinos here in the United States are an inspiration to Filipinos throughout the world.”
Carmelita S. Dimzon
OWWA Administrator“Millions of our countrymen make the difficult decision to leave for abroad to build better lives. Our overseas workers are empowered to improve their lives through financial literacy, mobilization of savings and the building and enhancement of entrepreneurial skills. By striving to secure their future, they help mirror the face of our independence.”
