SF Bay Area cities celebrate PH Independence Day
The Filipino community once again gathered despite the pandemic to celebrate the 124th anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence at the Kalayaan Hall of Philippine Center in San Francisco. (PCG-SF)
SAN FRANCISCO — Various San Francisco Bay Area cities marked the 124th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence by hoisting the Philippines’ flag in city halls and hosting events with attendees garbed in colorful native Filipiniana garb.
Leading the celebrations was the gathering in the San Francisco Philippine Center’s Kalayaan Hall where a flag ceremony and Mindanao cultural performances by folk dance group Parangal bracketed a sumptuous luncheon of lechon, pancit and other Filipino dishes.
In video messages, President Rodrigo Duterte and Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. praised Filipinos’ resilience, skills and resourcefulness.
San Francisco City Hall was lit up with the national colors of the Philippines in the evening of June 12, 2022. (PCG-SF)
Duterte said the anniversary “is a testament to how our forefathers fought for the freedoms that we enjoy today.”
Locsin, for his part, praised Filipinos around the world: “Overseas Filipinos will always be a source of pride and inspiration, they are the subjects of royal honors; the gratitude and admiration of foreign nations.”
Consul General Neil Ferrer urged the Filipino community on the U.S. West Coast “to remain engaged and active especially in efforts to accelerate our national development.”
Gracing the event were prominent Filipino community leaders: Contra Costa Superior Court Judge Benjamin Reyes; San Francisco Police Commissioner Kevin Benedicto; Alameda Court Commissioner Pelayo Llamas; South San Francisco Vice Mayor Buenaflor Nicolas; and Vallejo Vice Mayor Rozzana Verder-Aliga.
Folk dance group Parangal provided cultural entertainment fare at the Independence Day celebration. INQUIRER/Jun Nucum
The series of flag raising activities in different San Francisco Bay area cities was started by Daly City on June 6 this year, with Filipino American Daly City Mayor Dr. Rod Daus-Magbual leading the event.
On June 7, the Philippine national flag was raised at the San Francisco City Hall led by Consul General Ferrer and City Protocol Chief Meron Foster representing Mayor London Breed. The city declared June 12 as Filipino-American Friendship and Heritage Day in San Francisco. City Hall was lit up with the national colors of the Philippines in the evening of June 12.
Next to raise the Philippine flag was Colma on June 8 led by Mayor Helen Fisicaro.
Other local officials in attendance included Fil-Am Colma Councilmembers Joanne del Rosario and Diana Colvin and Councilmember John Irish Goodwin.
