27 June 2014 – The Philippine flag flew proudly around the US Northeast as celebrations for the 116th anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence continue days leading to and after June 12.
On June 06, the Philippine American Friendship Committee (PAFCOM) organized a flag- raising ceremony at the Jersey City Hall, attended by Mayor Steven Fulop and Filipino-American Council President Rolando Lavarro.
Consul General Mario De Leon was present during the event and after thanking the local Jersey City government for hosting the Filipino community while honoring their patriotic obligations, he expressed gratitude for the City’s partnership with the Consulate in looking after the 16,000 Filipinos in Jersey City.
Meanwhile, the borough of Queens, in coordination with the Foundation for Filipino Artists, Kinding Sindaw, and United Staffing Agency held their commemoration event last June 11 at the Queens Borough Hall, with Borough President Melinda Katz in attendance. Consul General De Leon graced the occasion and received a Citation of Honor for his leadership of the Consulate’s service and assistance to the Filipino community in Queens, which represent more than half of the Filipino population in New York City, or about 46,100 in total.
On Independence Day itself, Bergen County issued a proclamation from County Executive Kathleen Donovan declaring June 12 as Philippine Independence Day, a Day of Honor in Bergen County. Together with Bergen Asian American Advisory Committee representative Nelsie Parado, Consul General De Leon received the Proclamation, and cited the Consulate’s partnership with the local government in respecting the heritage and advancing the interests of the 20,000 Filipino-Americans residing in the County.
The next day, June 13, the Connecticut Association of Filipino American Families, led by President Romy Somodio organized a flag-raising ceremony at the Town Hall of Greenwich where Filipino-American members of the community joined Deputy Consul General Zaldy Patron in honoring the flag while it was hoisted in front of the Town Hall.
The township of Cherry Hill, New Jersey held their celebration the following day, June 14, with Deputy Consul General Patron representing the Consulate. New Jersey politicians in attendance were Senator Donald Norcross, Assemblyman Gilbert Wilson, Mayor Michael Mignogna of Vorhees Township, Cherry Hill County President David Fleisher and Camden County Freeholder Director Louis Capelli, Jr. END