New York State Assembly Passes Resolution in Honor of Philippine Independence Day
ALBANY, New York – In a historic move, the New York State Assembly officially adopted a resolution on Tuesday, June 4, to commemorate Philippine Independence Day on June 12, 2024. The resolution, sponsored by Assemblymember Kenneth Zebrowski and co-sponsored by Assemblymember Steven Raga, marks a significant moment for the Filipino community in the state.
During the Assembly’s morning session, Raga, the first-ever Filipino and Southeast Asian American elected to office in New York State, introduced the Filipino and Filipino-American community, as well as a delegation from the Province of Misamis Oriental. The event was met with a warm welcome from Assembly Deputy Speaker Philip Ramos, who expressed his admiration for the Filipino community and proposed potential collaborations between the Philippines and New York State.
As part of the celebration, a cultural event featuring performances by Filipino American community members and organizations was held at the New York State Capitol. Messages of support were also delivered by Deputy Director of Asian Affairs Sibu Nair from the Office of New York State Governor Kathy Hochul and Director of Asian American Affairs Adam Chen from the Office of New York State Attorney General Letitia James.
Consul General Senen Mangalile emphasized the strong bond between the Filipino community and the state of New York, urging everyone to draw inspiration from the bravery of the Katipunan in building a prosperous future for the Philippines. The celebration, held under the theme ‘Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan.’ (‘Freedom. Future. History.’), highlights the enduring spirit and contributions of Filipinos in New York.
Raga expressed his pride in representing such a vibrant community and emphasized the importance of celebrating Filipino heritage. The event serves as a reminder of the rich history and culture of the Filipino community in New York State, fostering greater understanding and collaboration among diverse groups.
The resolution passed by the New York State Assembly not only recognizes the significance of Philippine Independence Day but also underscores the shared values and aspirations of the Filipino community and the state of New York. In the spirit of unity and cooperation, the celebration serves as a testament to the enduring bonds between the two communities.