19 June 2015 – Philippine Consul General Generoso D.G. Calonge with Madame Gloria Calonge led the celebration of the 117th Philippine Independence Day by the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago on June 12, with heads of foreign consular missions and host government officials.
The traditional reception was held at the Daniel Burnham designed building where the Consulate General is located overlooking Grant Park, otherwise known as Chicago’s “front yard,” and Monroe Harbor in Lake Michigan.
In his remarks, Consul General Calonge recalled President Benigno S. Aquino III’s working visit to Chicago last May where he shared the country’s global recognition earned for its strong economic performance with the U.S. business community and the Filipino diaspora in the Midwest.
Conveying hope for the Philippines’ continued march along the path of resilient growth and progress, Consul General Calonge said the Filipino nation remains thankful for the friendship and support of the U.S. and other countries, represented by the Consuls General and local
officials, especially in times of calamity.
Proclamations from Chicago Mayor RahmEmanuel, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan and Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner were read citing the importance of the event to Filipino-Americans who made significant contributions to the development of their second home. The Mayor and Governor both declared June 12 as a day of celebration of Philippine Independence in the City of Chicago and State of Illinois.
Guests, who included representatives of U.S. companies doing business in the Philippines and civic institutions with close connections to the country, were treated to Filipino folk songs played live by a rondalla and Filipino cuisine served a la cocktail. END