19 June 2015 – Philippine Consul General Marciano R. de Borja, together with the officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate General in Agana, joined the Filipino Community on Guam (FCG) at the Independence Day Ball held on June 13 in celebration of the 117th anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence. The ball at the Pavilion of the Pacific Islands Club Hotel in Tumon is an annual gala event of the FCG, which is the umbrella non-profit organization composed of twenty-nine different Filipino associations on Guam.
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. was invited as keynote speaker. In his remarks, Governor Tetangco said that he was honored to be in Guam to look back in gratitude at the heroes who dedicated their lives to secure the freedom of the Philippines. He made special mention of Apolinario Mabini and Melchora Aquino, who were both exiled in Guam, and whose milestone birth anniversaries were commemorated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas with specially minted coins and medals.
Governor Tetangco, who is credited with strengthening the BSP’s ability to promote growth and stability through its policies for the monetary, banking and payments system of the Philippines, shared with the audience the progress made by the BSP in contributing towards economic growth in the Philippines. He emphasized that the economic managers of the country continue to strive to deliver growth that improves the quality of life, and at the same time empowers and breeds financial independence among Filipinos. He commended the Filipinos on Guam for being responsible members of the island community of Guam throughout the years.
One of the highlights of the event was the ceremonial toast between Lieutenant Governor Ray Tenorio, who attended the occasion on behalf of Guam Governor Eddie Baza Calvo, and Consul General de Borja.
The ball also served as the occasion during which the executive officers, board of trustees, and board of directors of the Filipino Community on Guam were formally sworn into office by Presiding Judge Alberto Lamorena III and Consul General de Borja. After the induction, the Rigodon de Honor was presented with FCG President Nita Baldovino leading the selected participants composed of business and community leaders, including Consul Edgar Tomas Q. Auxilian.
The FCG Independence Day Ball was attended by more than 600 people headed by the Lieutenant Governor, members of the 33rd Guam Legislature, members of the clergy and the religious sector, officers and staff of the Consulate General, the business community, officials of the Government of Guam, and officers and members of the different Filipino associations in Guam. END