Among the motorcade participants were 45 vehicles and the local Matua and Young Guns Riders on their Harley-Davidson motorcycles, UFO president Mar Masilungan said.
From the starting point at Ada gym, the motorcade headed south to Airport Road, Dandan, San Vicente, Kagman 2 and Capital Hill, then down to Tanapag, San Roque and the former Mariana Resort before heading to the Garapan Fishing Base.
Honorary Philippine Consul to the CNMI Glicerio “Eli” Arago and United Filipino Organization president Mar Masilungan pose with other members of the Filipino community before participating in the motorcade Sunday.
The Philippine flag can be seen painted on a car hood as a motorist poses for a photo prior to the motorcade on Sunday.
Matua Riders pose after participating in the motorcade to celebrate the 122nd anniversary of the declaration of Philippine independence. Contributed photos
Masilungan thanked UFO’s business partners, the Matua Riders, the Young Guns Riders, the Department of Public Safety, the Office of the Honorary Philippine Consul to the CNMI, and the Filipino and local communities for ensuring the success of the event.
He said despite the Covid-19 pandemic, they were able to celebrate Philippine Independence Day in a very unique way.
Honorary Philippine Consul to the CNMI Glicerio “Eli” Arago said the celebration showed the essence of Filipino unity in the CNMI and their close collaboration with the local community.
On Saturday, Arago led the Filipino community in observing online the 122nd anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence.
There was a virtual flag ceremony via Zoom and on Facebook featuring all Philippine foreign service posts in the United States including the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C.
The virtual ceremony included messages from Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro L. Locsin Jr., Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel G. Romualdez, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs David R. Stilwell and Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso.
In his remarks, Honorary Philippine Consul Eli Arago noted that the celebration on island also highlighted the special and historic relationship between the Northern Marianas and the Philippines.
