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06/13/2025—Under the bright morning sky at Aqua Resort Club last June 12, the Filipino community on Saipan gathered to commemorate the 127th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine independence, beginning the celebration with the hoisting of the Philippine flag and the stirring notes of Lupang Hinirang, the Philippine national anthem.
The event, themed "Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, at Kasaysayan" (Freedom, Future, and History), was organized by the United Filipino Organization CNMI and featured dignitaries from both the Philippine Consulate General in Agana, Guam and the CNMI government.
UFO president Carlito J. Marquez welcomed attendees and reminded them of the meaning behind the annual celebration.
“This flag did not represent more than just a piece of cloth with colors and design. It embodies our shared values, our hopes, our dreams for a better future. It reminds us that despite that we are far away from home, we must protect the integrity of our flag by being a law-abiding citizens,” he said.
Philippine Consul General Rosario P. Lemque, speaking at the event, offered historical context about the Philippine struggle for sovereignty.
“The official name of the event is the anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence. It's kind of long. Why is it like that? Because you know what happened in history.
We declared independence and then something happened. In 1898, we didn't get the full independence until 1946. So that's the complaint. It's not really Independence Day, but it's the anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence,” she clarified.
She also thanked the CNMI government for its continued support of the Filipino community and announced a forthcoming mapping project aimed at identifying and registering Filipinos in the CNMI for consular assistance and emergency preparedness.
Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang delivered a message on behalf of the CNMI government, commending the Filipino community for its contributions to the Commonwealth.
“The Filipino community here in the CNMI is one of the happiest and hardest-working groups we know,” he said. “Thank you for being part of our community and making the
CNMI the best place to live, work, and raise a family.” Gov. Arnold I. Palacios also attended the event before departing for an online meeting with federal officials.
In a post-ceremony interview, Lemque explained her decision to attend the Saipan event. Guam’s Philippine Independence Day celebrations conveniently have been moved to June 19. “I wanted to show that the Filipinos in CNMI are just as important as those in Guam.”
She also highlighted the ongoing difficulty of appointing a Philippine honorary consul in the CNMI and encouraged community leaders to recommend potential candidates. The CNMI hasn’t had a Philippine honorary consul since the passing of Glicerio “Eli” Arago in Nov. 24, 2021.
Regarding the growing number of undocumented Filipinos, Lemque emphasized the consulate’s role in supporting voluntary repatriation but clarified that legalization assistance remains outside their mandate.
The former high school teacher from Zambales also encouraged all Filipinos in the CNMI, Guam, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Palau, and Republic of Marshall Islands to take part in their mapping efforts.
“Register with us,” she said, “not because we will report you—but so that we can help you if disaster strikes or in times of need.”
The ceremonial portion included a parade of the Philippine flag led by UFO CNMI and Emon Masonic Lodge No. 179. Juliana Kai Ortiz performed the Philippine national anthem while wearing a baro’t saya adorned with the national colors. Fr. Nelson Flohimon of the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa gave the invocation.
Emceed by Valentino Cruz and Maria Cely Monteclaro, the program concluded with closing remarks from UFO vice president Joselito Espino, who invited attendees to share a hearty Filipino breakfast of longganisa, fried rice, lugaw, and other treats at Costa Terrace.
By Mark Rabago
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