PHL Consulate General Commemorates National Heroes Day, Buwan ng Wika in LA

Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz leads officers and staff in a simple ceremony commemorating National Heroes Day & Buwan Ng Wika.

08 September 2017 LOS ANGELES — The Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles held a flag ceremony before the start of the consular services on Tuesday, 29 August 2017, at its Community Hall to commemorate the two special holidays in the Philippine history which contributed great impact on the Filipino people’s pride and freedom:  1) National Heroes Day which is celebrated every last Monday of August to pay tribute to known and unknown men and women who sacrificed their lives for Philippine freedom; and 2) Buwan Ng Wika to promote the national language of the Philippines.

After the flag ceremony, Consul General Cruz delivered his short remarks in Filipino relative to these events.

National Heroes Day was first signed into law through Act No. 3827 of the Philippine Legislature on 28 October 1931, declaring last Sunday of August every year an official national holiday.   On 27 July 2007, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed into law Republic Act No. 9492 changing the celebration of National Heroes Day to the last Monday of August.

With this year’s commemorative theme: Taong Bayan: Ang Bagong Bayani Ng Bayan, Consul General Cruz reminded our fellowmen present during the ceremony, saying that “as children of the heroes of our revolution, let us continue to carry on the valor and sacrifices of our forebears as we face headlong the modern challenges of our development and progress”.

“Buwan ng Wika” is celebrated in pursuant of Proclamation 1041, signed by former President Fidel V. Ramos which coincided with the birth month anniversary of President Manuel L. Quezon, known as the Father of the National Language. 

Consul General Cruz pointed out that since language is the key to any culture, Filipino, as the national language of the Philippines, serves as the cultural thread that keeps Filipinos all over the world in touch with their roots.  He also stressed that, to promote cross-cultural and transnational understanding and mutual appreciation, wide access to the Filipino language is essential.

He concluded his remarks with a reading of the Message of the President, H.E. Rodrigo Roa Duterte on the celebration of the Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa with this year’s theme “Filipino: Wikang Mapagbabago “. 

In the said remarks of President Duterte, he cited the role of the Filipino language in national unity and vowed to continue promoting positive changes and reforms in the government.

For more information, visit www.philippineconsulatela.org or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinLA. END

Consul General Cruz welcome the guests to the commemoration of Buwan ng Wika and National Heroes Day at the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles.