WHEREAS, This year marks the 128th anniversary of the Philippine Declaration of Independence from Spain on June 12, 1898, which established the first constitutional democracy on the Asian continent; and
WHEREAS, The year 2026 marks the 80th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and the Republic of the Philippines, a partnership rooted in Philippine independence on July 4, 1946 and sustained over eight decades through shared democratic values, economic ties, and the contributions of Filipino Americans to communities across the United States;
WHEREAS, The declaration came on the heels of a successful revolution against oppressive Spanish rule, culminating with the defeat of the Spanish by the United States in the battle of Manila Bay on May 1, 1898; and
WHEREAS, The ratification of the Treaty of Paris in December of that year transferred control of the Philippines from Spain to the United States; and
WHEREAS, In 1946, After having fought together in defense of democratic principles during World War II, the United States granted full independence to the Republic of the Philippines, and the two nations have remained friends and allies ever since; and
WHEREAS, Today, Filipino Americans account for the third-largest population of Asian Americans within the United States, behind only Chinese and Indian Americans; and
WHEREAS, Over four million Filipino Americans, including more than 30,000 in the greater Philadelphia region, maintain their rich heritage by celebrating their culture and traditions, enhancing the quality of their own lives and enriching the lives of all Americans; and
WHEREAS, Filipino Americans in the greater Philadelphia area augment the City’s strong cultural diversity and contribute to the local economy in a wide range of professional fields, including education, medicine, and engineering; and
WHEREAS, This year’s celebrations of Philippine Independence are hosted by the Filipino Executive Council of Greater Philadelphia, and include flag raising ceremonies aboard the USS Olympia at Penn’s Landing on the morning of June 7, and on the north apron of Philadelphia City Hall at noon on June 12; and
WHEREAS, All Philadelphians are welcome and encouraged to join with their Filipino American friends and neighbors in celebrating the heritage and independence of the Philippines; and
WHEREAS, The Filipino Executive Council of Greater Philadelphia has made significant contributions to the local economy as well as that of the Philippines, and its members are civically engaged and active at every level of government; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby recognize and celebrate the 2026 Philippine Independence Week Celebration in Philadelphia, taking place from June 6th to June 20th.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to the Filipino Executive Council of Greater Philadelphia, as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
End