“The essence of independence does not allow us to give up or leave everything to chance. As a nation, we have weathered tribulations throughout our 113-year history,” he said.
Filipinos, he added, at the same time “recognize that it would be the height of arrogance to assume that we could solve all our problems in our time.”
The celebration started with the flag-raising ceremony attended by acting Gov. Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos, Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan and his wife, Public Health Secretary Joseph Kevin Villagomez and his wife, Office of Insular Affairs field representative Jeff Schorr and United Workers Movement president Raby Syed.
A short program was conducted on the Marianas Business Center ground floor before breakfast was served to guests and participants.
Macaraig read the message of Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III to Filipinos around the world: “Time and time again, we have proven that so long as we are united under the banner of transparency, accountability and integrity, we can take on any insurmountable task.”
Philippine Consul General administrative officer Jose M. Sto. Domingo read the message of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. Del Rosario while labor representative Carmelina F. Velasquez read the message of Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda S. Baldoz.
Welfare officer Julia A. Fabian read the message of Overseas Workers Welfare Administrator Carmelita S. Dimzon and Liza L. Dean read the message of the Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose L. Cuisia Jr.
Sablan and Inos congratulated the Filipino community on Saipan and all over the world.
Sablan said the Philippines and the U.S. have a very good and excellent relationship.
Inos described Filipinos as “very resilient” wherever they are.
“Filipinos helped us develop our islands and we treasure that,” he said.
United Filipino Organizations president Romeo D. Malasarte, in his remarks, noted that the CNMI is in a midst of a crisis.
“It will not be solved easily in a short period of time, but if we work as one united team, with instilled values of hard work, respect, generosity and humbleness, I am confident that we will overcome all those challenges with development, stability and another great year of success,” he added.
Erica Faye S. Tubera led the singing of the Philippine National anthem while Sto. Domingo led the “Panunumpa sa Watawat,” or the pledge of allegiance to the Philippine flag.
There was a video presentation by the building and fixing computers users group of Mar Masilungan while Lawrence S. Tubera gave the intermission number after former UFO president Olive Yana led the invocation.
Dyan Kristine B. Miranda was this year’s emcee.
Macaraig thanked the Filipino community organizations and the churches, including Mt. Carmel Cathedral, Kristo Rai Church, San Francisco de Borja Church on Rota, San Jose Church in Tinian, Seventh-day Adventist, Iglesia ni Cristo, Jesus is Lord, Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ, the Filipino community of Saipan, Tinian and Rota, the United Filipino Organizations Emon Lodge No. 179, Digital Motion, ACAP Pinoy and Filtaga Golfers Association.
