15 June 2012- The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago spearheaded the Filipino-American community's celebration of the Philippines' 114th Proclamation of Philippine Independence with various activities.
Consul General Leo M. Herrera-Lim led the officers and staff of the Consulate, its attached agencies and members of the Filipino-American community in the traditional flag raising ceremony held at the Daley Center Plaza last June 12.
After the flag raising ceremony, Consul General Herrera-Lim, Deputy Consul General Orontes V. Castro and Vice Consul Alena Grace S. Borra read the Independence Day messages of President Benigno S. Aquino III, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario and Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose L. Cuisia, Jr., respectively.
Ms. Jenny Cisner, Director of the Mayor's Office of International Relations and Protocol, read a Proclamation from Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel declaring June 12, 2012 as "Philippine Independence Day in Chicago."
The proclamation recognizes the significant contributions of the Filipino-American community to the development of Chicago throughout history and continues to play an important role in the cultural, civic, and economic life of the city.
Illinois Governor Pat Quinn also sent his congratulatory letter on the 114th anniversary celebration of the Philippines' Independence wherein he acknowledged the contribution of Filipino Americans to the growth and development of the many diverse communities within Illinois, the Land of Lincoln.
On the same day, a noontime Philippine cultural presentation, with a fashion show hosted by the Philippine Independence Week Committee (PIWC), was held at the Daley Center.
In his remarks, Consul General Herrera-Lim congratulated the organizer and the participants for staging a presentation to showcase the Filipino culture through music, dances and colorful costumes in the mainstream audience.
The Cook County Health and Hospitals System presented a similar cultural show at the John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital, formerly known as the Cook County Hospital.
Consul General Herrera-Lim delivered a brief remarks during the celebration that was attended by Dr. Ram Raju, CEO of the Cook County Health & Hospital System, hospital officials and employees.
The Stroger Hospital employs around 800 Filipino-American doctors, nurses, technicians and other administrative positions.
The Consul General was also the guest of honor in the Gala Nights of the Philippine Independence Week Committee (PIWC) on June 9 and the Philippine Week Committee (PWC) on June 2. END