27 June 2014 - Under the bright blue skies in the afternoon of June 12, the Philippine Flag was hoisted at the San Jose City Hall, San Francisco, California to commemorate the 116th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.
The flag-raising ceremony and the ensuing program were part of the Bayanihan Fil-am Festival, organized under the bannerof the American Bayanihan Spirit. Ms. Evangeline Sangalang heads this group of “convenor” community leadersfrom other Filipino-American organizations and individuals from the South Bay and Santa Clara County.
Consul Reginald Bernabe joined San Jose City officials led by Mayor Chuck Reed, Vice Mayor Madison Nguyen, City Council members and Assemblymembers, Santa Clara County Supervisor Dave Cortese, and representatives of Congresswoman Zoe Loefgren and Congressman Mike Honda at the event.
Adding meaning to the event was the presence of Maribel Aguinaldo Canda, General Emilio Aguinaldo’s granddaughter and San Jose resident. Other highlights include the presentation by Mayor Reed of a Proclamation recognizing June 12 as Philippine Independence Day as well as a Commendation from Santa Clara County by District 3 Supervisor Dave Cortese which were presented to Mrs. Canda, the community leaders and organizers, and Consul Bernabe. Other City Council members also spoke and lauded the Filipino-American community. Mr. Ron Muriera, San Jose Art Commissioner and Filipino American National Historical Society officer gave a historical brief on how Philippine Independence day came about. Performances by Filipino cultural community groups added color and festivity to the event.
Mayor Chuck Reed underscored that “this event is San Jose’s way of recognizing the great contributions of the Filipino American community” He paid particular tribute to the Filipino veterans and their partnership with the American forces and their sacrifices during the war.
Consul Bernabe emphasized this year’s Independence Day Theme “Following the Footsteps of Great Filipinos Towards Permanent and Widespread Change” by calling on the Filipino community to “pay homage to the endeavors of our heroes and forefathers and following what they did – doing our best and what is right for the community and the country.” He also encouraged them to “go out and actively participate in the development of our communities and having a say in the democratic process of choosing leaders and policy makers, whether here or in the Philippines.”
Philippine overseas voter registration for the May 2016 presidential elections is being conducted by the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco and by all other Philippine Foreign Service posts around the world. It commenced on May 6 and will continue until October 31, 2015. END