Page 19 - 2018 JAN-JUN KAAKBAY

19January to June
2018

Philippine Independence Day Celebrations in Passaic, New Jersey

The Philippine Consulate General in New York joined the
Filipino Community in the Greater Passaic area at activities to
commemorate the 120th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine
Independence held at the Third Ward Park in Passaic, New Jersey on
10 June 2018.

Acting Head of Post and Deputy Consul General Kerwin
Orville C. Tate, Consul Arman R. Talbo and Vice Consul Tanya Faye
O. Ramiro led the Consulate General’s contingent to the event.

High-level New Jersey government officials including U.S.
Congressman William James Pascrell, Jr., Passaic Mayor Hector Lora
and Deputy Mayor Edwin Garcia, Assemblyman/Council President
Gary Schaer, Councilman Hiram Munk, Councilwoman Zaida Polanco,
Board of Education President Pete Rosario graced the auspicious
occasion. Also in attendance at the program was Jersey City Council President Rolando Lavarro.

As part of the program, a wreath laying
ceremony was held at the marker installed at the
Third Ward Park in honor of the Filipino and
American soldiers and guerillas who fought side by
side in defense of freedom in many wars.

After the wreath laying ceremony, there was
a Catholic Mass to end the formal program. Food
stalls were on hand for those who wished to savor
delicious Filipino food. Entertainment from local Fil-
Am community singing and dance talents were
enjoyed by the attending public in the afternoon.

Philippine Independence Commemorated in
Bergen County, NJ

The Philippine Consulate General in New York
(PCGNY), represented by Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville
C. Tate attended the annual flag-raising ceremony and com-
memoration of Philippine Independence at the Bergen County
government complex in Hackensack, New Jersey on 12 June
2018.

Bergen County Executive James Tedesco III heaped

praise on the Filipino community of Bergen, calling them a vital

part of Bergen County, which prides itself on the diversity of its (3rd from right) Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville C. Tate with (1st from right)
inhabitants. He cited the more than 20,000 Filipinos who reside Bergen County Executive James Tedesco III attended the annual flag-raising
in the county and who have contributed immensely to the welfare ceremony and commemoration of Philippine Independence at the Bergen County
of Bergen through medical services, government service and government complex in Hackensack, New Jersey on 12 June 2018.

even the county’s famous Filipino restaurants. After his remarks,

Executive Tedesco then presented a Proclamation declaring June 12 as Philippine Independence Day in Bergen County.

Mary J. Amoroso, Chair Pro Tempore of the Bergen County Board of Chosen Freeholders, highlighted the similarities
between Filipinos and Latinos, noting our love of family, respect for elders and deeply-held Christian values. She stated that,
coming from an immigrant background herself, she understood the desire to build a better life for family in the United States.

The flag raising ceremony was also an opportunity for Bergen County to recognize outstanding Filipinos and Filipino-
owned businesses that have become well-known institutions in the county.

Bergen Filipino Community leader Ludi Hughes, along with the Filipino American Festival, Inc., Filipino American As-
sociation of Fair Law, the Philippine American Community of Bergen County and the Philippine Nurses Association of New
Jersey were instrumental in organizing and carrying out the event.