WHEREAS, centuries of common Spanish heritage, customs, traditions, and values have brought together the peoples of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and the Republic of the Philippines; and
WHEREAS, through the past centuries, the people of both the Northern Mariana Islands and the Philippines have tremendously shared the fervent Christian faith, strengthened with enduring friendship; and
WHEREAS, with the shared commitment to democratic ideals and in defense of freedom, our people, as neighbors in the Pacific, have courageously sacrificed their lives during the Second World War; and
WHEREAS, skilled Filipino engineers, medical workers, teachers, and other laborers who arrived in the Northern Marianas several decades ago and through this day, have substantially contributed to the desired economic progress and development of Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, that furthermore enhanced the comradeship between the Northern Marianas and the Philippines; and
WHEREAS, Filipinos in the Northern Marianas have, through the years, lived harmoniously with the people of the Northern Marianas, with intermarriages among members of our families, thereby further enriching the unique and colorful culture of these islands with the Filipinos becoming the largest ethnic group in the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, Filipinos and Filipino-Americans in the Northern Mariana Islands have noticeably performed their social responsibilities in their communities through the performance of meaningful civic duties, inspired volunteerism, and active involvement in both public and private projects resulting in the overall contribution to the Commonwealth’s development; and
WHEREAS, recognizing the important contributions of Filipinos and those of Filipino ancestry to the socio-economic, as well as the cultural development of the Northern Mariana Islands; and
WHEREAS, distinguishing the special relations between the Northern Mariana Islands and the Philippines forged through the years of close alliance and camaraderie, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands extends its warm hands and embrace as a sincere gesture of appreciation to these contributions in the spirit of goodwill, friendship and understanding on this occasion of the 124th Philippine Independence Day Celebration.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RALPH DLG. TORRES, Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and Laws of the Commonwealth, do hereby proclaim June 2022 as
NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS – PHILIPPINES FRIENDSHIP MONTH
I urge everyone to recognize and celebrate the history of our Filipino community, as well as commemorate the valuable contributions made by our Filipinos in the CNMI, and to observe and support the ceremonies and activities that are planned throughout the month.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand on this 12th day of June 2022.
/s/
RALPH DLG. TORRES
Governor
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