IN recognition of the “important cultural and economic contributions of the Filipinos to the socio-economic progress of the commonwealth,” Gov. Benigno R. Fitial designated June 8 to 14 as the Northern Marianas Islands-Republic of the Philippines Friendship Week.
The Philippines will celebrate its 110th Independence Day on June 12.
“We extend our hands in a spirit of goodwill, friendship, and understanding to further strengthen and enhance our harmonious and mutually beneficial relations,” the proclamation stated.
The proclamation signing was witnessed by Press Secretary Charles P. Reyes Jr., Philippine Consul General Wilfredo Maximo, Labor Attache Joan Lourdes D. Lavilla, Consul Belinda M. Ante, Welfare Officer Leonor C. Mabagal, consulate staff members Rey Madrilejos, Romeo Garchitorena, and Florenda Miranda, president of the United Filipino Organization.
Fitial, in his proclamation, said the ties of friendship among Chamorros, Carolinians, and Filipinos are a result of the centuries-old shared history, customs, and traditions, and values shaped by a common religious aspiration.
“Just as our people benefited from centuries of contact with foreign visitors from all over, we have also relished our close kinship and understanding between our two Pacific island communities, while opportunities still about for a rekindling and rediscovery of these shared timeless values,” it said.
As Pacific island neighbors, the proclamation stated, “we have struggled for our freedom and liberties and have become some of the most vibrant and enviable democracies in the world.”
“Today, the people of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and the Republic of the Philippines enjoy the best relations and a healthy exchange of goods and services abounds between our two Pacific island communities,” he said.
Filipino-Americans and Filipino citizens in the CNMI, he added, “collectively and individually have always shown solidarity in the community in which they live by their many examples of civic duty, volunteerism, and generosity to private and public projects and through their overall contribution to the development of the economy.”
