Page 25 - 2017 KA'AKBAY January-June

25January to June
2017

Philippine Independence Commemorated in Connecticut

The Filipino-American Community in Greenwich and Stratford, Connecticut
commemorated the 119th anniversary of Philippine Independence at the Greenwich City Hall on
June 9, 2017.

The simple but meaningful rites included a

Flag-Raising ceremony at the City Hall followed by

L-R Consul General Theresa Dizon- messages from Philippine Consul General Theresa
De Vega, Selectman John Toner and Dizon-De Vega and Connecticut officials Selectman
Selectman Drew Marsula.
John Toner and Selectman Drew Marsula.

Consul General Dizon-De Vega acknowledged the many contributions and

the engagement of the Filipino Community throughout Connecticut through their Consul General Dizon-De Vega with members of the
Filipino Community in Connecticut.
volunteer work, civic projects, and active participation in their communities as well
as their philanthropic work in the Philippines.

Bergen County, New Jersey Issues Proclamation for Philippine Independence Day

The local government of Bergen County in New Jersey led by Bergen County Executive
James J. Tedesco and the Bergen Board of Chosen Freeholders together with the Filipino-
American Community of the county held a commemorative event for the 119th anniversary of
Philippine Independence.

There are approximately 20,000 Filipinos and Filipino-Americans residing in the different

cities and towns comprising Bergen County, one of the most developed counties in the state of

New Jersey. The largest concentration of Filipino-Americans live in Bergenfield, Bergen County.

Two Filipino-Americans were elected to the Bergenfield City Council, Atty. Arvin Amatorio

Mr. James Tedesco of Bergen currently serving as Council President and Councilman Salvador Deauna.

county presents a Proclamation to County Executive Tedesco turned over to Consul General Theresa Dizon-De Vega a
Consul General Theresa Dizon-de Proclamation of Bergen County designating June 12, 2017 as Philippine Independence Day.

Jersey City Celebrates Philippine Independence Day

The Jersey City Council led by Mayor Steven Fulop and Council President
Filipino-American Rolando Lavarro issued Proclamations and citations honoring the
Philippines and its people during a pre-Independence Day event at the Jersey City Hall on
2 June 2017.

Participated in by officers, members and volunteers of the Philippine-American

Friendship Committee of New Jersey (PAFCOM) one of the largest and oldest

organizations in Jersey City, the ceremonies included a flag-raising ceremony where the

Philippine flag will fly alongside the US flag for one week in June and issuance of a L-R Jersey City Council President Rolando
Proclamation and citations by the Jersey City Council. Lavarro, Consul General Theresa Dizon-De

The Philippine Government was represented at the event by Consul General Vega, Rose Javier, Freeholder Anthony
Romano at the Council Hall of Jersey City Hall.
Theresa Dizon-De Vega while PAFCOM was led by its current President Rose Javier.

Consulate in New York Supports Philippine Independence Day Ceremony in Union, New Jersey

Independence Day celebrations were held at the steps of Union The 119th Philippine
Municipal hall township led by Deputy Consul General Felipe Cariño III Independence Day was marked
(5th from left), Mr. Isagani Puertollano (3rd from left), Mayor Suzette with a flag-raising ceremony at
Cavadas of Union Township (4th from right) and Deputy Mayor Joseph Union, New Jersey Municipal
Hall attended by Deputy Consul
General Felipe F. Cariño III and
Mr. Isagani Puertollano,
President of the Bayanihan Club
of Union, NJ. They were joined
by Union Township Mayor
Suzette Cavadas, Deputy Mayor
Joseph Florio, and Bayanihan
Club members.