PH Independence Day Celebrated in New Jersey, USA
The Filipino community in the Greater Passaic area participates in the wreath-laying ceremony to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence at the Third Ward Park in Passaic, New Jersey on 10 June 2018. (New York PCG photo)
NEW YORK 13 June 2018 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York City joined the Filipino community in the Greater Passaic Area in activities to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence held at the Third Ward Park in Passaic, New Jersey on 10 June 2018.
Acting Head of Post and Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville C. Tate, Consul Arman R. Talbo and Vice Consul Tanya Faye O. Ramiro led the Consulate General’s contingent to the event.
High-level officials of the State of New Jersey, including U.S. Congressman William James Pascrell Jr., Passaic Mayor Hector Lora and Deputy Mayor Edwin Garcia, Jersey Council President Gary Schaer, Councilman Hiram Munk, Councilwoman Zaida Polanco, Board of Education President Pete Rosario, graced the auspicious occasion.
In their remarks, New Jersey officials were all praises for the Filipinos in the state and thanked them profusely for their immense contributions to the community.
Mayor Lora underscored that in Passaic County, there is not one resident not educated by a Filipino teacher, cared for by a Filipino doctor and nurse and assisted in any way by a Filipino. Even responding emergency teams of the fire department and police would always have a Filipino member.
Congressman Pascrell lauded the Filipino community’s efforts to integrate and assimilate with mainstream society. He was very thankful for the Philippine Day Organizing Council Inc. (PDOC) for organizing this event every year. He specifically commended PDOC’s founder, the late Mr. Carlos B. Sinnung, for introducing him to the Filipino community and for encouraging its members to be active participants in community-building.
Deputy Consul General Tate expressed the Philippine Government’s appreciation that the contributions of Filipinos and Filipino-Americans in American society are being recognized. He reiterated the Philippine Consulate General’s continued support in encouraging members of Filipino American groups to be upright citizens and fighters of peace and freedom.
As part of the program, a wreath-laying ceremony was held at the marker installed at the Third Ward Park in honor of the Filipino and American soldiers and guerillas who fought side by side in defense of freedom in many wars. After the wreath-laying, a Catholic Mass was celebrated to end the formal program.
Food stalls were on hand for those who wished to savor delicious Filipino food. Entertainment from local Filipino-American community voice, and dance talents were enjoyed by the attending public in the afternoon. END
For more information, visit www.newyorkpcg.dfa.gov.ph / www.newyorkpcg.org or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinNY/