UFO, Masons lead flag-raising to mark 126th PH Independence Day

Members of the Emon Masonic Lodge No. 179 held a solemn march and flag-raising ceremony yesterday at 7am in the parking lot of Aqua Resort Club.

The event was in celebration of the 126th Philippine Independence Day with the theme “Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan” (Freedom, Future, History). It’s a yearly tradition and done in collaboration with the United Filipino Organization-CNMI.

Emon Masonic Lodge’s Fernando “Bok” Enano said all subordinate lodges are obligated to have a flag-raising ceremony to celebrate Philippine Independence Day, as mandated by the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines.

The introduction of the rite was done by Eloisa Manese and Shane Sabino sung the Philippine national anthem, “Lupang Hinirang.”

The event also marked the first time that the UFO president was escorted to the flagpole by Emon Masonic Lodge 179 marshals, along with the senior and junior deacons, in raising the flag. In the past it’s always the governor who joined them to conduct the flag-raising.

“This is an act of respect as she was elected president of the umbrella organization of the Filipino community,” said Marcelo Masilungan, the former president of UFO-CNMI.

The event was graced by Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, House Speaker Edmund Villagomez (Ind-Saipan), Rep. Edwin K. Propst (D-Saipan), Rep. Manny Castro (Ind-Saipan), Mayor Ramon B. “RB” Camacho, and longtime Saipan resident Del Benson, who is running for a House of Representatives seat.

“This is an annual event that I always want to come and appreciate and show my support for our fellow kababayans and it’s always a beautiful day as we know we have a huge strong population of Filipinos living in the Commonwealth to have made this their home for many decades,” said Propst.

Villagomez has never missed attending the Philippine flag-raising ceremony for 10-15 years and he said, “I wanna show my support in the celebration of the Philippine Independence Day. It’s a very important day in Philippine history and the Filipino people have been a big part of the CNMI’s history and I just want to show my support and then I celebrate along with the people of the Philippines to celebrate this momentous occasion.”

Breakfast and a short program followed after the ceremony at the Costa Terrace Restaurant of ARC. The masters of the ceremony were Deo and Eloisa Manese. The invocation, led by Bishop Ryan P. Jimenez, opened the program.

UFO-CNMI president Birhen Martinez said in her welcome remarks, “Let us be guided by our rich history and continue to persevere to lift our country in honor of the heroes that came before us. kababayans, we are all heroes in our own way. No matter where we are, no matter how small a contribution it may be, we are all today’s heroes! Let us continue to devote ourselves to the common good and for the betterment of ourselves and the community.”

Apatang, in his special message, said “As I ride down Beach Road and see those hardworking people there at the hot sun. I really feel today, what will happen if those workers are not here, you guys make this island, you guys work hard for us, and we want to thank you, we love you.”

The Philippine Consulate General of Agana Guam consul Ricardo Aragon read a letter from the Consul General Rosario Lemque, as she extends his appreciation to the Filipino community of the CNMI. “I wish to convey my warmest greetings to the Filipino community in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. As you celebrate the 126th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence, the commemoration of our Independence Day is an auspicious occasion for us to remember the courage and patriotism of our forebears, and the sacrifices that they made in order for us to enjoy the freedom you have now,” an excerpt from the consul general’s letter read.