The Filipino community on Saipan commemorates today the 112th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence.
On June 12, 1898, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed the independence of Filipinos and the country from Spain in Kawit, Cavite.
The theme of this year’s Independence Day celebration is “Kalayaan: Tagumpay ng Bayan.”
Saipan’s Bird Island. Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/18792313@N05/
The occasion will be marked by the raising of the flag organized by The Free and Accepted Masons of Emon Lodge No. 179 at 9am today at Coral Ocean Point.
Another flag raising ceremony and Independence Day program hosted by the Philippine Consul General’s office is scheduled at 7:30am tomorrow at the Marianas Business Plaza grounds.
For his first celebration of Philippine Independence Day on Saipan, Consul General Medardo Macaraig wanted it to be “simple, austere yet meaningful.”
Macaraig said an ostentatious celebration would not be appropriate since both the Philippines and the CNMI are in not-so-good economic times.
But it is still important to celebrate because June 12 is an important milestone in Filipino history, he emphasized.
Macaraig added that the occasion is a cause for many celebrations for Filipinos.
He said that the recently concluded national elections went well. The absentee voting turnout in the CNMI placed second in the U.S. and tenth worldwide, a demonstration of the sense of patriotism and involvement of Filipinos here in the CNMI.
Overcoming adversities brought by typhoon Pepeng and Ondoy are also reasons for Filipinos to be grateful, he said, while the death of a pillar of Philippine democracy, Corazon Aquino, is a time for reflection.
During Sunday’s program, messages from incumbent Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the Foreign Affairs secretary, and other dignitaries will be read.
Macaraig added that the highlight of the event will be the food that will be served, prepared by the students and graduates of the culinary arts and baking classes from the livelihood courses offered at the consulate.
Macaraig said he wants to prove that these livelihood courses can go beyond the classroom.
After the Consulate-sponsored celebration, Filipinos and other community members can proceed to the Civic Center in Susupe to join the annual Pistang Pinoy event organized by the United Filipino Organization.
UFO president Olive Yana said that everything is in order for tomorrow’s event, which will feature production numbers from various Filipino organizations, a singing contest, and a 3-on-3 basketball game.
Source: Saipan Tribune
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