A flag-raising ceremony by the Consulate personnel and families was held prior to the official program where children of the Consulate staff who recently graduated were presented with certificates of recognition signed by Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin.

During the reception following the flag-raising ceremony, the Independence Day messages of President Benigno S. Aquino III, Foreign Affairs Secretary Jose Rene D. Almendras were read while a video message of Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia conveying his message was shown before the audience. Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin and Atty. Yasay delivered their Independence Day Messages during the program.

The following organizations of the Philippine Consulate General who had supported and partnered with the Philippine Consulate General in the past year in its economic and cultural diplomacy programs as well as in the provision of consular services were recognized during the program: the Philippine Celebrations Coordinating Committee of Hawaii (PCCCH); the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii; the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii (COCH); the Knights of Rizal Hawaii USA Chapter, Philippine Airlines Honolulu Office, Hawaii-Filipino Chronicle, The Fil-Am Courier and the Offices of the Mayors of Maui and Kauai.

Around 300 guests attended the reception, which included Hawaii State legislators, former US Representative Colleen Hanabusa, members of the Consular Corps of Hawaii, Filipino American veterans of World War II, business leaders, and members of the academe, media and Filipino American community. (END).

Photo credits: Mr. Henry Aguilar of Jhames808 Photography