04 June 2014- Consul General Bayani V. Mangibin today attended the ceremony at the Ricardo Bordallo Governor’s Complex in Adelup Point during which Guam Governor Eddie Baza Calvo signed and issued Proclamation No. 2014-055 declaring the month of June 2014 as Philippine Independence Month. This is the second consecutive year that Governor Calvo issued such a proclamation in recognition of the close historic ties that have long existed and endured between the Philippines and Guam.
In his remarks before he signed the proclamation, Governor Calvo noted the continuing economic growth of the Philippines and the growing prosperity that has come with it.
“Thousands of Filipino-Guamanians have set their roots deep in our paradise – and for that, they are part of our island family,” Governor Calvo said. “The Philippine economy is getting stronger and stronger. And as the tide rises for the Philippines, so grows Guam’s economy.”
The proclamation that Governor Calvo issued includes the following paragraph:
“On Philippine Independence Day, we celebrate the legacy of a great people, with a great history, who are now working to make the world a better place. During the month of June, we thank Filipinos all over the world, including on Guam, for bringing the wisdom of their ancestors, the spirit of bayanihan, and their love for life to their new homes. These men and women continue the tradition of their ancestors – the same bravery and courage it took to break free from the shackles of oppression and declare their independence on June 12, 1898.”
In his response, Consul General Mangibin thanked Governor Calvo for once again acknowledging the important contributions of Filipinos on Guam to the island’s development.
“I very much appreciate the continued support of Governor Calvo for Filipinos on Guam and the exceedingly warm relations that has been sustained between the Philippines and Guam,” Consul General Mangibin said in his response, “And as a token of our appreciation for the Governor’s efforts to further strengthen our bonds of friendship, I wish to present him with this book about Mandaue – one of our most progressive cities in the Philippines.”
The local government of Mandaue passed in April 2014 a resolution expressing the city’s intent “to officially forge a Twinning Agreement and Sisterhood Relation with Guam.” The Philippine Consulate General in Agana already forwarded a copy of the resolution to the office of Governor Calvo for consideration.
Also present during the ceremony at Adelup Point were officers and members of the Filipino Community of Guam (FCG) headed by Mr. Roy Adonay, President, and Mr. Emelio Uy, Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
Besides the traditional vin d’honneur that Consul General Mangibin will host on the evening of June 12, FCG member organizations have planned a comprehensive list of events and activities throughout the month of June to celebrate the 116th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence. END