HONOLULU, HAWAII — To mark the 117th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence, the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu, Hawaii recalled its major accomplishments and significant milestones of the Philippines in the past year, and gave recognition to Filipino organizations in Hawaii which it had partnered with in the fulfillment of its objectives and thrusts.

In her remarks during the Consulate General’s Vin d’ Honneur on 12 June 2015 at the Hilton Waikiki Beach Hotel, Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin said, “Indeed, there is so much to thank for and celebrate a year full of challenges, as well as many achievements done through determined efforts of the government of President Benigno S. Aquino III to improve the lives of the Filipinos and enhance bilateral relations between our two countries.”

Consul General Jamoralin cited several projects in the past year, which had elevated the profile of the Filipino community in the state, such as the recent signing into law of the Sakada Day Bill, the signing of the sister city relationship between Honolulu and Candon City, Ilocos Sur, the Ilocano language course and immersion program called the iLAING, or the Ilocano Language Acquisition and Immersion for the New Generation,  the 25th Trade Mission to the Philippines, the 1st Filipino Food Fair and the conduct of seven (7) outreach activities to the other islands of Hawaii, such as Kona, Hilo, Maui, and Kauai, as well as in American Samoa.

She also thanked the Hawaii State Legislature for supporting legislation this year which will benefit Filipino American World War II veterans.

Addressing the Filipino community in Hawaii, the Consul General noted, “The Filipino- American community in Hawaii has been a source of pride for their achievements and contributions to the State of Hawaii. I thank you for your continued commitment to preserve the rich heritage of the Philippines, to promote the welfare of the Filipino community members in Hawaii, to give back to our kababayans in the Philippines through scholarship and charity projects, and for your support to the Philippine Consulate.”

In his remarks, Guest of Honor and Hawaii Governor David Y. Ige underscored the strong ties and friendly relations between the Philippines and Hawaii, stressing the contributions of Filipinos in the state.

As the highlight of the event, Consul General Jamoralin and Governor Ige offered toasts    for the good health and prosperity of Presidents Benigno S. Aquino III and Barack        Obama, the Filipino and American peoples, and for the historical and enduring friendship    between these peoples.

Three (3) Filipino organizations which were instrumental in bringing to fruition the Consulate General’s major projects. and which embody the bayanihan spirit were honored during the Vin d’ Honneur — the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii (FCCH), the Philippine Celebrations Coordinating Committee of Hawaii (PCCCH) and the ConGen’s Corner hosted by Mr. Allan Alvarez. The Candonians of Hawaii, the lead organizer of the iLAING were not  present to receive the award as its President is currently in Ilocos for the iLAING Immersion Program.

Other dignitaries who attended the event were Admiral Harry B. Harris, Commander of the US Pacific Command; Admiral Scott H. Swift, Commader of the US Pacific Fleet, Hawaii House Speaker Joseph Souki; Hawaii Senate Vice Speaker Will Espero;  Hawaii legislators including Senator Brickwood Galuteria, Representative Romy Cachola, and Representative Kaniela Ing; former Hawaii Governor Ben Cayetano; Consuls General Toyoei Shigeeda of Japan and Walter Paik of the Republic of Korea as well as other officials of the US military, leaders from the business sectors and academe, and the Filipino community.

Banda Kawayan, Hawaii’s premier Filipino bamboo orchestra group, serenaded the guests with a medley of Filipino popular pieces. The guests were also treated to a sumptuous spread of Filipino dishes such as adobo, escabeche, kare-kare, and desserts such as pichi-pichi, leche flan and cassava cake.

On 11 June 2015, Consul General Jamoralin led the officers and staff of the Consulate General in a commemoration of Philippine Independence with a flag raising ceremony, and the reading of the messages of President Benigno S. Aquino III. Vice President Jejomar C. Binay, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. Del Rosario and Ambassador to the US Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. , at the Consulate grounds.

Representatives of the LBC Honolulu Office joined the flag raising ceremony and gifted the Consulate general with a cake to commemorate the event.  (END).