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US lawmakers seek to honor 113th PHL Independence Day


CHICAGO – Lawmakers have filed in the United States House of Representatives a resolution seeking to honor the 113th Independence Day of the Philippines on June 12. Representative Laura Richardson (Dem.-CA-37) has introduced House Resolution 275 “Honoring the 113th Anniversary of the Independence of the Philippines." Aside from Richardson, the other members of the House who co-sponsored the resolution were Representatives:

  • Steve Austria (Rep.-OH-7th);
  • Madeleine Bordallo (Dem.-Guam-At-Large);
  • Eni F. H. Faleomavaega (Dem.-American Samoa-At-Large);
  • Colleen Hanabusa (Dem.-Hawaii-1st);
  • Al Green (Dem.-Texas-9th);
  • Sheila Jackson Lee (Dem.-Texas-18th);
  • Jackie Speier (Dem.-Cal.-12th);
  • Bob Filner (Dem.-Cal.-51st), and
  • Sam Farr (Dem.-Cal.-17th). The resolution noted that the House “recognizes the historic significance of the 113th anniversary of the sovereign and independent country of the Philippines on June 12, 1898." The resolution, introduced last May 24, was referred to the Committees on Foreign Affairs and Armed Services “for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned." According to the lawmakers, the resolution:
  • “reaffirms the bonds of friendship and cooperation which have existed between the United States and the Philippines and commits to strengthening those bonds;
  • “commends the people of the Philippines for enduring through struggle and hardship;
  • “reaffirms its support for the Philippines to defend its internal security from terrorism;
  • “reaffirms its enduring support for the Philippines;
  • “supports increased public awareness of the events surrounding the Philippine Declaration of Independence, and the vibrant and beautiful culture of the Philippines;
  • “recognizes the courage and bravery of the Filipino and Filipino American servicemen and servicewomen who have fought alongside with the United States Armed Forces; and
  • “supports the continuing development of the Filipino American community as a integral part of America's cultural fabric." Raising of the Philippine flag Meanwhile, to mark the country's 113th Independence Day, the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago led a flag-raising ceremony at the Daley Plaza in downtown Chicago on Friday. The ceremony is held annually in commemoration of the Philippine Independence Day on June 12. The theme for this year's Independence Day celebration is: “Kalayaan: Paninindigan ng Bayan." The Philippine Declaration of Independence happened on June 12, 1898 in Kawit (formerly Cavite II el Viejo), Cavite, Philippines. Filipino revolutionary soldiers under General (and later Philippine President) Emilio Aguinaldo conducted a public reading of the Act of the Declaration of Independence. The declaration proclaimed the sovereignty and independence of the Philippine Islands from the colonial rule of Spain, which had been defeated at the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War. Jose Rizal's 150th birth anniversary In another event, former Philippine President Fidel Ramos paid tribute to the upcoming 150th birth anniversary of Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal on June 19 by laying flowers at the Rizal monument along scenic Lakeshore Drive in Chicago on May 27. It was Ramos’ first visit to the monument of Rizal since he led the its unveiling in 1998, coinciding with the 100th Philippine centennial celebration. Rizal was born on June 19, 1861 and died by firing squad on December 30, 1896. Rizal was one of the country's most prominent advocates for reforms in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial era. Two of Rizals' most famous works are the novels "Noli me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo," which highlighted the wrongdoings under the Spanish colonial regime. - VVP, GMA News
  • Tags: unitedstates
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