Resolution 160493

..Title Recognizing and Celebrating the 2016 Philippine Independence Week Celebration from June 4th to June 12th. ..Body WHEREAS, This year will mark the 118th Anniversary of the Philippines Declaration of Independence from Spain in June 1898, establishing the first constitutional democracy in Asia. This came on the heels of a successful revolution against oppressive Spanish rule which was capped by an American victory in the Battle of Manila Bay of May 1898 and the Treaty of Paris in December of the same year, which transferred control of the Philippines from Spanish to American control; and WHEREAS, The United States and Philippines fought together in the Pacific during World War II to defend democratic principles. In 1946, the Republic of the Philippines was granted full independence by the United States, and the two nations have remained friends and allies ever since; and WHEREAS, Filipino Americans are now 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 the lives of all Americans; and WHEREAS, The Filipino American community of Greater Philadelphia has over 30,000 members; 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, This year's celebrations of the 118th Anniversary of Philippine Independence will be hosted by the Filipino Executive Council of Greater Philadelphia. Events will include a flag raising and proclamations on board the USS Olympia at Penn's Landing for the 41st consecutive year, a Philippine Independence Gala, a Philippine Independence Fiesta, and a Philippine Independence Mass. All Philadelphians are welcome and encouraged to join their Filipino American friends and neighbors in celebrating their home country's heritage and independence; 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 celebrates the 2016 Philippine Independence Week Celebration from June 4th to June 12th. 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