PH Consulate General in New York Holds Flag Raising with New York City Mayor
PHOTO: The Philippine flag was raised by the City of New York at the historic Bowling Green Park to commemorate the 125th Anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence on 16 June 2023. This is the second time the Mayor’s Office sanctioned a Philippine flag raising program in the City, the first being held last October 2022 during “Filipino-American History Month.”
In his remarks, Consul General Senen T. Mangalile said, “Today as we hoist both flags of the United States of America and the Philippines, we honor the great City of New York that has made the American dream a reality for many Filipinos.” He further said that “We (Filipino-American Community) consider this flag raising ceremony in these hallowed grounds as a recognition of the many contributions and achievements of Filipinos to New York City. And for that, we are very grateful.”
Mayor Eric Adams, on the other hand, said “…the raising of the flag here at Bowling Green is a symbolic gesture of stating that we acknowledge you, we see you, we know your commitment, your dedication, and how much you have played such a crucial role in the city. But that symbolism must be matched with substance.” He then moved on to acknowledge Filipino leaders in his administration: “How do we ensure that in a very substance (sic) way that you are at the seat of power, that you are there to speak on behalf of not only all New Yorkers in general, but specifically on the communities that you represent. When you're at the seat of power, you will never be left out of the sharing of power. The substance of my actions to match the raising of the flag was to ensure for the first time in the history of this city with 110 mayors that we have the first Filipina American to be a deputy mayor in Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer.” The Mayor also recognized the Filipino-American Commissioner of the NYC Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment, Anne Del Castillo. The Mayor ended by saying, “From here, ideas cascade throughout the entire country to say that this is a country where you can keep your culture while you embrace the American culture. You never abandon that culture. It's the combination of all of our cultures that create this great product, this great experience we call the American Dream.”
Post also invited Filipino-American New York City Police (NYPD) Detective, Angelica Velez to speak on behalf of the community. Post considered Ms. Velez an ideal representation of the American Dream as she first worked as a nurse in New York until she transitioned to her new career as an NYPD Detective. In her message, Ms. Velez highlighted the importance of representation. “Our society, though not always perfect, is evolving for the better because of the cumulative efforts people bring to the table; people appreciating, sharing each other’s cultures, and learning from one another, which only strengthens the ingredients and fortifies New York’s melting pot.”
The San Lorenzo Ruiz Choir of New York sung “Isang Dugo” and the Philippine and US National Anthems. The University of the Philippines Alumni and Friends Rondalla, on the other hand, played “Rosas Pandan.”
Filipinos came in their barongs, ternos, and other Filipiniana attire, and waved small Philippine flags in honor of the momentous occasion. Officials from New York, including the first ever Filipino-American elected to any state-level position in New York - New York State Assemblymember Steven Raga - and other visitors were also present. The event was also covered ABS-CBN News: https://youtu.be/VZ_x8VMzWuQ
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/.