PCG Celebrates Honolulu’s Proclamation of Filipino American History Month
Acting Head of Post Pamela Durian-Bailon (center) poses with Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi (4th from left) together with members of the Filipino Community and the Honolulu City Council. Ms. Chachie Abara (3rd from left) holds the Proclamation by Mayor Blangiardi declaring October 2024 as Filipino American History Month.
HONOLULU 30 October 2024 – The Philippine Consulate in Honolulu raised the Philippine flag at Honolulu Hale (municipal building) on 18 October 2024 after Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi proclaimed October 2024 as Filipino American History Month.
Mayor Blangiardi acknowledged the significant contributions of Filipino Americans to the cultural diversity of Hawaii and the United States since their first arrival 118 years ago. He said that raising the Filipino flag is “a gesture of respect and unity, a powerful symbol of the recognition and solidarity that we have for our Filipino brothers and sisters.”
Consul and Acting Head of Post Pamela Durian-Bailon highlighted the remarkable journey of Filipino Americans in Hawaii, from their early work in sugarcane plantations to their leadership in various fields including in education, business, government, healthcare, and the arts. She noted that Filipino Americans "have enriched every sector of American society, shaping the diverse, multicultural identity of the United States."
The month of October 2024 is nationally recognized in the US as Filipino American History Month, which provides an opportunity to honor the history, culture, and contributions of Filipino Americans in all sectors of society. In Hawaii, the pivotal role of Filipino Americans in Hawaii’s labor movement was also highlighted in Mayor Blangiardi’s proclamation, noting that this leaves a legacy of activism and empowerment that continues to shape the community in Hawaii.
After reading the proclamation, Mayor Blangiardi raised the Philippine flag as members of the Filipino community and Honolulu City Council members looked on. The Royal Hawaii Band played the Philippine National Anthem “Lupang Hinirang.”
Consul Durian-Bailon expressed her gratitude to Mayor Blangiardi for organizing a meaningful ceremony that not only celebrated the resilient Filipino spirit but also highlighted the enduring friendship and alliance between the Philippines and the US. She noted that this partnership, forged through shared sacrifices in the pursuit of peace, continues to thrive today. “Our nations remain steadfast in our commitment to a shared vision of a more secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, and indeed, a more peaceful world,” she added. END
The Royal Hawaiian Band (Photo credit: Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Facebook page)
For more information, visit https://www.honolulupcg.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.facebook.com/PHinHonolulu/, https://twitter.com/PHinHonolulu or https://www.instagram.com/phinhonolulu/.