Community celebrates 116th Independence Day, PHL as a ‘comeback economy’

Consul General Mario de Leon and wife Eleanor welcome guests at the receiving line. Photos by Elton Lugay

Consul General Mario de Leon and wife Eleanor welcome guests at the receiving line. Photos by Elton Lugay

Amid the festive colors of Filipiniana gowns and tables of Philippine food and cocktails, Consul General Mario de Leon Jr. welcomed the hundreds of well-wishers who came to celebrate the 116th anniversary of Philippine Independence on June 12.

First the good news. De Leon announced Manila is one of the fastest growing economies in Asia.

“(Ours) is one of the greatest economic comeback stories in recent years despite the devastation caused by super typhoon Haiyan,” he said in brief remarks addressing the FilAm community gathered at Kalayaan Hall.

This was the consensus at the recent World Economic Forum on East Asia, he said. The Philippines is now an emerging country that has “regained the respect and trust of the community of nations.”

He said further the Philippines is now more optimistic about its future, especially after signing a peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front after 17 long years of negotiations.

“We believe that this peace pact will spell a new dawn for Southern Philippines, one that will bring genuine economic development and social progress for all Filipinos,” he said.

And now the challenge. De Leon said real progress and development should be “felt and shared by all,” and that Filipinos should continue to aspire for “equitable and inclusive growth” for the country.

The reception was attended by several organizations representing charities and nonprofits, young professionals, doctors and nurses, educators, the media and many more. In the audience were Jersey City Council Member Rolando Lavarro, Seton Hall University President Gabriel Esteban, Permanent Representative to the United Nations Libran Cabactulan, and Undersecretary Rafael Seguis of the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila.

Food was provided by leading restaurants and caterers, such as Bibingka-ESK, Pan de Sal Bake Shop, and Ugly Kitchen. — Cristina DC Pastor

Leyte Dance Troupe in colorful village dance

Leyte Dance Troupe in colorful village dance

Ube or queso? Ice cream ladies scoop dessert for the guests.

Ube or queso? Ice cream ladies scoop dessert for the guests.



One Comment

  1. RobDH wrote:

    America made a huge mistake by granting the Philippines independence from the US. We should have made the Philippines a State of the Union. They were eager to join the US. Even today, there are millions among the Philippine people who would prefer US Statehood, rather than the corrupt power of the current and past three administrations. Sad, so sad!

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