June declared as NMI-Philippines Friendship Month

Acting governor Eloy S. Inos hopes that the relationship between the CNMI and the Philippines will continue to flourish even with the imminent shutdown of the Philippine Consulate General on Saipan, as he signed yesterday the proclamation declaring June as Northern Mariana Islands – Philippines Friendship Month.

Inos, who looked debonair in a crisp barong Tagalog, described the two jurisdictions’ relationship as “never-ending” as both share centuries worth of common Spanish heritage, customs, traditions, and values that have brought its peoples together.

Yesterday’s proclamation signing was also witnessed by other Consulate personnel and Filipino community leaders who were all equally dashing in traditional Philippine wear. The proclamation was read by Consulate staff Liza Dean.

Inos acknowledged the Filipinos in the CNMI for all their contributions to the local economy.

“We want to thank you on behalf of the governor and the people of the Commonwealth for all that you’ve done and for the continued friendship that you’ve allowed us to have during the many years that we’ve been together,” Inos told his audience.

Despite the misgivings and challenges presented by major policy changes that affected the Filipino community such as the federalization of immigration, “I hope that we can continue to be good friends and be able to help one another,” he added.

Inos said that yesterday’s activity stirred up mixed emotions for two reasons: the closure of the Consulate and the absence of its last serving Consul General, Medardo Macaraig, who is currently in Manila to attend to his wife.

Teresita Roselyn Macaraig was transported to Manila last month following a massive stroke. She remains in critical condition at the St. Luke’s Medical Center Global City.

Inos, who requested the crowd to take a few moments of silence to pray for the Consul General’s wife, said he can relate to Macaraig’s situation as he himself had to endure the pain of an ill wife. Dolores Agulto Inos had a long battle with an illness before she succumbed in August 2011 at the age of 63.

In a statement read by Jose Sto. Domingo, Consulate officer in charge, Macaraig said the shared ties between the CNMI and the Philippines through common Christian heritage, pursuit of democratic ideals, and economic partnership will not put the islands and the Philippines’ friendship to end after Oct. 31.

“The Consulate may be gone and economic opportunities sparse but the resilience of our peoples shall ensure that prosperity shall return, new relationships shall be formed, and our friendship shall always remain,” said Macaraig.

Sto. Domingo invited Inos to join the Consulate and the Filipino community on June 10 to commemorate the 114th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence, which will serve as the Consulate’s penultimate flag raising event.

“I’d be more than happy to do that. I’ll make sure my barong is in good shape by then,” Inos quipped.

The proclamation signing was followed by the ceremonial cutting of the cake which was shared among the event’s attendees.