Philippine Consulate General in Chicago Joins the Filipino Community in Celebrating the 127^th Philippine Independence Day at Chicago's Daley Plaza

CHICAGO 16 June 2025 — The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago, in partnership with the Philippine Independence Week Committee, successfully commemorated the 127^th anniversary of Philippine Independence on 12 June 2025, at the iconic Daley Plaza in downtown Chicago.

The celebration, organized by the Philippine Independence Week Committee 2025 (PIWC), under the leadership of Dr. Nida Blankas-Hernaez, drew approximately 200 community members representing various Filipino organizations across the US Midwest. The Consulate General provided vital support for the historic gathering.

Consul General Melanie Rita Diano served as the guest of honor and delivered remarks that paid tribute to the Filipino American communities throughout the region. In her address, Consul General Diano highlighted the remarkable contributions that Filipino Americans have made to the United States while emphasizing their enduring love and loyalty to the Philippines.

"You are the embodiment of what our forebears dreamed of – a free, thriving, and resilient Filipino people. Whether in the Philippines or in communities across the globe, you embody the excellence that define our people. You have carried the best of the Philippines across oceans and planted them firmly in the soil of Chicago and countless communities throughout the US Midwest," Consul General Diano said in her remarks.

Also present at the event was Deputy Mayor of Chicago for Immigrant, Migrant, and Refugee Rights Beatriz Ponce de Leon delivered the congratulatory message from Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. In her message, she thanked the Filipino American community in Chicagoland for bringing their rich heritage and culture into the city, and for weaving itself into the rich fabric of Chicago through their significant contributions across multiple sectors.

Following the formal program, attendees were treated to vibrant cultural performances showcasing traditional Filipino dances that celebrated the rich artistic heritage of the Philippines and a special fashion show featuring both traditional and contemporary Filipiniana designs, demonstrating the evolution of Filipino cultural expression.

The celebration concluded with a festive parade through downtown Chicago, allowing the Filipino community to share their pride and cultural heritage with the broader Chicago community.

The Philippine Independence Day commemoration serves as an annual reminder of the Philippines' rich history and the continuing bonds between the Philippines and the Filipino diaspora in America. END

Flag Raising at the Daley Plaza in downtown Chicago.

Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano delivers her congratulatory remarks.

Cultural showcase featuring traditional dances and a fashion show, participated in by the different Filipino community organizations.

Chicago PCG joins the different Filipino community organizations at the PH parade in downtown Chicago.

For more information, visit https://www.chicagopcg.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.chicagopcg.com, https://www.facebook.com/PHinChicago/, https://twitter.com/PHinChicago or https://www.instagram.com/phinchicago/.