PH Independence Kickoff Event Held at New York State Capitol

NEW YORK 06 June 2023 — For the first time in history, a Philippine Independence Day Celebration was held at the seat of the New York State government, in Albany, on 01 June 2023.

This kickoff event began with an official recognition made at the very legislative floor of the New York State Assembly, during its morning session. Deputy Speaker Philip Ramos introduced the Filipino-American community and recognized the presence of Philippine Consul General to New York Senen T. Mangalile and Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo B. Benitez. The legislators present applauded afterwards as a sign of appreciation and acknowledgment of the 125th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence.

A brief meeting with the Deputy Speaker followed in a separate room where he mentioned that he spent one month in the Philippines vacationing with his wife last year, and shared his positive experience of traveling the country and meeting new friends. A native of Puerto Rico, he expressed his affinity with Filipinos, and his desire to return. He also proposed sending a state legislative delegation to visit the Philippines to explore mutual opportunities.

The event culminated with a cultural program, where a series of performances by various Filipino-American organizations took place. The highlight of the event was the vibrant and dynamic dance presentation by the “Bacolod City MassKara Dance Group,” who is also currently in New York to perform at the Philippine Independence Day Parade, along Madison Avenue on 04 June 2023.

The cultural program was opened by New York State Assemblymember Steven Raga, who made history as the highest-ranking Filipino-American official ever elected in the entire state of New York. Raga stated that the Filipino-American community has made significant strides in various fields, while preserving and promoting its heritage and culture.

In turn, Consul General Mangalile highlighted the virtues that have made Filipinos gain recognition as “global Filipinos” – their strong work ethic, resilience in the face of crises, and compassion in the midst of tragedies. He also took the opportunity to praise our modern-day heroes who battled the COVID-19 pandemic – from the Filipino nurses, and healthcare workers, to teachers, and restaurant and grocery workers.

The cultural program was interspersed with congratulatory messages from legislators, who were mostly minorities, such as State Senator John Liu, State Senator Kevin Thomas, Assemblymember Grace Lee, Assemblymember Karines Reyes, Assemblymember Jessica Gonzales-Rojas, Assemblymember Khaleel Anderson, Assemblymember Christopher Eachus, and Deputy Speaker Ramos who reiterated his words of support. A citation from the Office of U.S. Congressman Paul Tonko was also presented.

It was through Raga’s efforts that history was made when the commemoration of this milestone for the Filipino people was allowed to take place within the august halls of the New York State Capitol. END

For more information, visit https://www.newyorkpcg.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.newyorkpcg.org, https://www.facebook.com/PHLinNY/ or https://www.instagram.com/phinnewyork/.