PRESS RELEASE NO. 124-2024
Acting Head of Post Pamela Durian-Bailon (center) poses with Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi (4th from left) together with members of the Filipino Community and the Honolulu City Council. Ms. Chachie Abara (3rd from left) holds the Proclamation by Mayor Blangiardi declaring October 2024 as Filipino American History Month.
21 October 2024, Honolulu – Consul and Acting Head of Post Pamela Durian-Bailon highlighted the remarkable journey of Filipino Americans in Hawaii, from their early work in sugarcane plantations to their leadership in various fields including in education, business, government, healthcare, and the arts. She noted that Filipino Americans "have enriched every sector of American society, shaping the diverse, multicultural identity of the United States."
Consul Durian-Bailon made these remarks during a ceremony where Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi proclaimed October 2024 as Filipino American History Month and raised the Philippine flag at Honolulu Hale (municipal building) on 18 October 2024.
Mayor Blangiardi acknowledged the significant contributions of Filipino Americans to the cultural diversity of Hawaii and the United States since their first arrival 118 years ago. He said that raising the Filipino flag is “a gesture of respect and unity, a powerful symbol of the recognition and solidarity that we have for our Filipino brothers and sisters.”
The Mayor also announced that later that day and throughout the weekend, the Honolulu Hale and the Neal S. Blaisdell Center would be illuminated in the colors of the Philippine flag, “to recognize the deep ties between the Philippines and Hawaii” and also “to honor the resilience, strength, and unity of the FIlipino Community.”
The month of October 2024 is nationally recognized in the US as Filipino American History Month, which provides an opportunity to honor the history, culture, and contributions of Filipino Americans in all sectors of society. In Hawaii, the pivotal role of Filipino Americans in Hawaii’s labor movement was also highlighted in Mayor Blangiardi’s proclamation, noting that this leaves a legacy of activism and empowerment that continues to shape the community in Hawaii.
The proclamation mentioned that currently, Filipino Americans are the largest Asian ethnic group in Hawaii, comprising over 25% of the state’s population. Several sister partnerships foster cultural, educational, and technological exchanges that strengthen ties between Hawaii and the Philippines. Based on the records of the Philippine Consulate in Hawaii, the Philippines has five (5) sister provinces with Hawaii, and 24 sister cities with Hawaii’s counties.
In his speech, Honolulu City Council Chair Tommy Waters recognized the presence of fellow Council members Tyler Dos Santos-Tam, Matt Weyer, Calvin Say, and Val Aquino Okimoto, all of whom have Filipino ancestry. He highlighted that nearly half of the City Council has Filipino roots, underscoring the significant contributions Filipino Americans have made in enriching Hawaii’s community, culture, and the fabric of the islands.
From L-R: Honolulu City Council Chair Tommy Waters, Council Member Matt Weyer, Council Member Calvin Say, AHOP Pamela Durian-Bailon, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, Council Member Tyler Dos Santos-Tam, and Council Member Val Aquino Okimoto
Mr. Waters brought a replica of S.S. Doric to the event, sharing that the miniature model was presented to the Council by Mayor Eric Singson of Candon City, Ilocos Sur. The S.S. Doric was the ship that brought to Hawaii the first 15 Filipinos from Candon City.
After reading the proclamation, Mayor Blangiardi raised the Philippine flag as members of the Filipino community and Honolulu City Council members looked on. The Royal Hawaii Band played the Philippine National Anthem “Lupang Hinirang.”
The Royal Hawaiian Band (Photo credit: Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Facebook page)
Consul Durian-Bailon expressed her gratitude to Mayor Blangiardi for organizing a meaningful ceremony that not only celebrated the resilient Filipino spirit but also highlighted the enduring friendship and alliance between the Philippines and the US. She noted that this partnership, forged through shared sacrifices in the pursuit of peace, continues to thrive today. “Our nations remain steadfast in our commitment to a shared vision of a more secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, and indeed, a more peaceful world,” she added. (END)
