New York PCG Commemorates 126th PH Independence Day with Filipino Community at Flag Raising in Bowling Green
The Philippine Consulate General in New York commemorated the 126th Anniversary of Philippine Independence with a flag raising ceremony at Bowling Green on 17 June. Organized in partnership with the New York City Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, the event drew close to 100 members of the Filipino community.
Consul General Senen T. Mangalile remarked, “New York City, with its vibrant economy and rich cultural landscape, has provided countless opportunities for Filipinos to live the American Dream. Your successes are not just personal triumphs but also victories for our community and our nation.” He also highlighted the economic accomplishments of the Filipino community in New York City and their significant contributions across various sectors.
New York City Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer, who represented Mayor Eric Adams during the ceremony, expressed her pride as a Filipino in celebrating “the very rich history of the Philippines, the extraordinary contributions of Filipino-Americans, and the amazing community of Pinoys–the third largest Asian-American community in the city,” which she acknowledged as “power for all of us, power for immigrants, and power for the great diversity in the city.”
Mr. Romel C. Cañete, Vice Chairman of Newmark New York, Ms. Jocelyn Bernal, Budget Manager of the New York University College of Dentistry, and Dr. Kevin Nadal, Distinguished Professor of the City University of New York, represented the Filipino community in this year’s flag raising. The three exemplify the journey of Filipinos who have distinguished themselves in New York City through hard work, perseverance, and dedication. Their achievements underscore the resilient spirit of the Filipino, one that thrives and excels even in foreign lands.
Special citations from Mayor Eric Adams were presented to Mr. Cañete and Dr. Nadal for their outstanding service and dedication to the Filipino community of New York City.
The program also included speeches by several dignitaries, such as Commissioner Manuel Castro of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, Commissioner Edward Mermelstein of the Mayor’s Office of International Affairs, New York State Assemblymember Steven Raga, Senior Advisor Angela Tolosa of the Administration for Children’s Services, and Bowling Green Association Chairman Arthur Piccolo.
Present during the ceremony were members of the Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce (PACC), which stands as a beacon of the economic achievements of Filipinos in New York. With its presence spanning over a century, the PACC fosters business growth, creates job opportunities, and serves as a vital link between the Philippines and the United States, promoting mutual prosperity.
The ceremony featured a series of cultural performances, including Igorot ethnic dances by BIBAK NY, a song performance of “Bayan Ko” by Ms. Krizia Daya, and the singing of the Philippine and US national anthems by six singers from the Leadership Initiative for Modern Bukidnon Artists and the Youth (LIMBAY), which is composed of the Bukidnon State University Chorale Alumni.
This year marks the second time a flag raising ceremony was held in commemoration of Philippine Independence Day and the third time the Philippine flag has been raised at Bowling Green, the oldest park in New York City. END
