Page 25 - 2017 JAN-JUN - KAAKBAY

January to June
2017 25

Philippine Independence Commemorated in Connecticut

The Filipino-American Community in Greenwich and Stratford, Connecticut
th
commemorated the 119 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
volunteer work, civic projects, and active participation in their communities as well Consul General Dizon-De Vega with members of the
as their philanthropic work in the Philippines. Filipino Community in Connecticut.
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-
th
American Community of the county held a commemorative event for the 119 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
currently serving as Council President and Councilman Salvador Deauna.
Mr. James Tedesco of Bergen
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
Proclamation and citations by the Jersey City Council. L-R Jersey City Council President Rolando
Lavarro, Consul General Theresa Dizon-De
The Philippine Government was represented at the event by Consul General Vega, Rose Javier, Freeholder Anthony
Theresa Dizon-De Vega while PAFCOM was led by its current President Rose Javier. Romano at the Council Hall of Jersey City Hall.

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

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