WHEREAS, This year will mark the 117th Anniversary of the Philippines Declaration of Independence from Spain in 1898, establishing the first constitutional democracy in Asia; and
WHEREAS, The United States and Philippines fought together in the Pacific during World War II to defend democratic principles and have remained friends and allies ever since; and
WHEREAS, Filipino Americans are the second largest population of Asian Americans in the country; and
WHEREAS, About 4 million Filipino Americans continue to maintain their rich heritage by celebrating their culture and traditions, enhancing both the quality of their lives and lives of all Americans; and
WHEREAS, The Filipino American community of greater Philadelphia is well over 30,000 strong; and
WHEREAS, The presence of Filipino Americans in the Greater Philadelphia area is also adding to the cultural diversity of Philadelphia as well as contributing and making great strides in professional fields such as medicine, engineering and educational teachers; and
WHEREAS, The Filipino Executive Council of Greater Philadelphia has made significant contributions to the local community and also in the Philippines. Its members are active in political events and coalitions in local, state, and federal government; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes and honors that the 2015 Philippine Independence Week Celebration will be from June 6th to June 20th.
RESOLVED FURTHER, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Ruth B. Luyun, President of the Filipino Executive Council of Greater Philadelphia further evidencing the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body.
End