This is the second official visit of Govenor Singson to Hawaii since his first visit three years ago. Philippine Consul General and Governor Singson discussed projects mutually beneficial for the Filipino community in Hawaii especially the Ilocanos and the Filipino in Ilocos Sur. Governor Singson informed the Consul General that the Ilocos Sur provincial government will further develop the original site where the first Filipino sakadas signed their work contracts before departure for Hawaii as a historical landmark to further strengthen relations between the Filipinos in Hawaii and Ilocos region. He also related that it was in Salomague Port in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur where the early Filipino sakadas first embarked for their months-long trip to Hawaii to work as contract worker in Hawaii’s plantations.

Governor Singson invited Consul General Jamoralin and all the Filipino community organizations in Hawaii to the 200th Anniversary Celebration of Ilocos Sur to be held in February 2018 in Vigan city.

Consul General Jamoralin also accompanied Governor Singson and his delegation together with the officers of the Ilocos Surian Association of Hawaii and other Filipino community leaders during the courtesy calls on Hawaii Governor David Ige and Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell.

Governor Singson invited Hawaii Governor David Ige to visit the Philippines for the first time and to visit Ilocos Sur as Ilocos Sur is a sister province of Hawaii. Both officials talked about ways to promote people-to-people links between Hawaii and Ilocos Sur including possible academic and technical exchanges. Govenor Singson also thanked Mayor Caldwell for forging the Honolulu-Candon sister city arrangement which is one of the cities in Ilocos Sur. In coordination with the Filipino-Hawaii Chamber of Commerce and the Honolulu Mayor’s Office, both officials will endeavor to actively promote local products from Ilocos region through participation in Honolulu trade festival next year. (END).