Binay, PHL envoys lead Independence Day rites in US

Philippine officials led by Vice President Jejomar Binay headed the celebration of Philippine Independence Day rites in the United States on June 12. In Washington D.C., Binay and Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Cuisia Jr. led a flag-raising ceremony at the Embassy grounds, the Philippine Embassy to Washington said on Wednesday. After the flag ceremony, the guests were ushered to the Carlos P. Romulo Hall for the celebration of the Holy Mass. A program followed where the Independence Day message of Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Albert del Rosario was read. During the program, Cuisia presented a video message of President Benigno Aquino III for Filipinos in the US. At the Embassy grounds, Dinagyang Festival dancers and drummers had a performance. The Dinagyang Festival, held every fourth Sunday of January in Iloilo City, attracts thousands of tourists every year because the street festival and parade are highlighted by performances of Dinagyang tribes. “The group, which travelled all the way from the Philippines, performed traditional Cordillera and Ati dances to the beat of live percussions and flute," the embassy said. Congratulating the teachers “As Presidential Adviser on Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Concerns, the Vice President took the opportunity to congratulate the Filipino teachers who are serving the Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) in Maryland," the embassy said. "Last month, the PGCPS rescinded its decision of making a determination on the renewal of visas of international teachers based on their certification in a critical or non critical subject area," the embassy added. "This policy issued in March would have led to the loss of jobs of many Filipino teachers in PG County and consequently, their work visas. He thanked the volunteers in the community who supported and extended help to the teachers," it added. SAVE Act Meanwhile, Binay also sought the support of the community in the campaign for the proposed Philippines-US textile and garments trade bill, Save Our Industries (SAVE) Act. He said the measure, if enacted, will strengthen textile and garments trade between the Philippines and the United States and create thousands of jobs in both countries. He invited his fellow Filipinos to visit the Philippines through the Ambassadors Consuls General and Tourism Directors Tour (ACGTDT) this July. - VVP, GMA News