PH Consulate General in Chicago Holds First Flag Raising at Filipino Center's New Location in Southfield, Michigan

Consul General Melanie Rita Diano and Southfield’s Mayor Kenson Siver with the Filipino-American community and attendees (Chicago PCG photo)

CHICAGO 24 June 2025 — The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago, in partnership with the Philippine American Community Center of Michigan (PACCM), held a flag-raising ceremony commemorating the 127th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence on 20 June 2025 in Michigan. Held at the PACCM’s new location in Southfield, the event gathered some 30 Filipino-American community members representing various organizations in the state.

Southfield’s Mayor Kenson Siver graced the ceremony as the guest of honor. He paid tribute to the contributions of the PACCM and the hundreds of Filipino-American residents through the years. The center’s president, Ms. Rebecca Tungol, in her welcome remarks, pledged to continue championing the PACCM’s socio-cultural objectives, in line with the city’s programs, as the organization celebrates its 24th anniversary this year.

For her part, Consul General Melanie Rita Diano expressed the Consulate General’s appreciation to Mayor Siver for the city’s support to the community and highlighted the community’s bayanihan spirit, which made possible the PACCM’s many activities, including the procurement of its new building. She likewise encouraged the Filipinos in Michigan to continue fulfilling their responsibilities while proudly maintaining their Filipino identity.

The event marked the first flag-raising ceremony at the PACCM’s new location along Lahser Road, which was purchased in 2023. Since its founding in September 2001, the PACCM has been a partner of the Consulate General in promoting and preserving Filipino values and heritage through its various cultural programs and activities. END

Consul General Melanie Rita Diano delivering her remarks (PACCM photo)

Southfield’s Mayor Kenson Siver acknowledging the Filipino-American community’s contributions (Chicago PCG photo)

Consul General Diano with PHL Honorary Consul in Michigan Atty. Marcus Evangelista (leftmost) and PACCM President Ms. Rebecca Tungol (rightmost) presenting a token of appreciation to Mayor Siver (Chicago PCG photo)

Consul General Diano and the Consulate General’s outreach team with Mayor Siver and PHL Honorary Consul in Michigan Atty. Marcus Evangelista (Chicago PCG photo)

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