Officers and representatives of various Filipino organizations in the Northern Marianas pose for a photo with Philippine Consul to Guam Ferdinand P. Flores and CNMI officials led by Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang during the 125th Philippine Independence Day celebration in the Marianas High School cafeteria on Monday.
GOVERNOR Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang joined Philippine Consul to Guam Ferdinand P. Flores and the Filipino community in the Northern Marianas in celebrating the 125th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine independence.
Gov. Palacios acknowledged that “the contributions of Filipinos to the Northern Marianas are invaluable” while Lt. Gov. Apatang said, “The Filipino people should be proud of their persistence and strong will to make a difference….”
Consul Flores, for his part, said he is proud of the “strong and unshakeable partnership” between the Filipino community in the CNMI and the local people and their government. “We may all differ in ideologies and beliefs,” he said, “but I am a firm believer that we are always great friends — we sit at one table and enjoy our camaraderie.”
This year’s Philippine Independence Day celebration was held at Marianas High School and started with the official raising of the Philippine flag at 7 a.m. led by Emon Lodge No. 179 of the Free and Accepted Masons.
The other CNMI officials who joined the celebration included Senate President Edith Deleon Guerrero, House Speaker Edmund Villagomez and Commonwealth Utilities Corp. Board Chair Janice Marie A. Tenorio.
Bernice Shane Sabino led the singing of the Philippine national anthem while United Filipino Organization President Birhen Martinez delivered the welcome remarks.
The messages of Philippine Consul General to Guam Rosario Lemque, Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo, and Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. were then read.
Gandang Pinay 2023 Kriselle Bryana Mitzy Drilon read the CNMI-Philippine Friendship Proclamation signed by Gov. Palacios and Lt. Gov. Apatang.
The proclamation designated June as Northern Mariana Islands-Philippine Friendship Month.
This was followed by a ceremonial toast to celebrate the long-standing ties between the two jurisdictions.
Integral role
In his remarks, the governor honored the contributions of the Filipinos in the CNMI.
“Engineers, medical workers, teachers, and laborers alike, you have played an integral role in the development of Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. This has strengthened the bond between our regions and enriched our islands with a vibrant and diverse culture,” he said.
“Let’s continue to uphold the values of unity, respect, and friendship as we move forward as one community, celebrating our shared past and looking forward to our shared future.”
The governor urged everyone to “join in the celebration of our shared history and recognize the invaluable contributions of our Filipino brothers and sisters.”
Unbreakable
Lt. Gov. Apatang spoke about his “unbreakable ties” with the Filipino community in the CNMI.
He said in 2015, during his first term as mayor of Saipan, “my dear good and late friend Eli Arago was appointed the honorary Philippine consul. He charted a course to become the ever-attentive ears and caring voice of the Filipino community here, and he worked hard to help, reach out, and respond to many calls from his countrymen who wanted to be heard and offer ideas to improve their relationship with the people of the Northern Mariana Islands.”
Apatang also recognized the late consul’s group of volunteers “who have never ceased to carry on his good works.”
“These four core volunteers are here this morning, and they are Annamae Adaza, Ariel Mariano, Mario Mayuga and Ulysses Torres Sabuco. Ms. Adaza, Mr. Mariano, Mr. Mayuga and Mr. Torres Sabuco, Si Yuus Masse, Ghilisow, thank you and salamat po for your generosity, time, and thoughtfulness for continuing the great work of Mr. Arago and for representing the Filipino community in the CNMI,” the lt. governor said.
Sponsors
The Philippine Consulate General on Guam and its core volunteers in the CNMI extend their appreciation to individuals and businesses that continue to support their volunteer work, including the successful hosting of the 125th Philippine Independence Day celebration.
They are Tan Holdings Corporation, Tan Siu Lin Foundation, Marianas High School, Green Meadow School and its Principal Milagros Songcuan, Pacific Islands Club, JCE Services LLC, Saipan Ice & Water Co., Carlos Heras of Marianas Repairs Co. Inc, Rommel Rementilla of REM International Corp., John Saludez of HBR International Inc., Meals 4U, Bayani Association, Shirley Wilson Catering, Marianas Variety/ Younis Art Studio Inc. and the other Philippine Consulate General volunteers.
