PRESS RELEASE
June 5, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Ana Bagtas, Community Development
510-747-6883
A Celebration of Philippine Independence at Alameda City Hall
“Araw Ng Kalayaan” or day of freedom is a commemoration of the Philippine Declaration of Independence from 400 years of Spanish colonial rule enacted on June 12, 1898, in Cavite, Philippines. Join us as Alameda marks this historic occasion:
What: Philippine Independence Day
Where: Steps of City Hall, 2263 Santa Clara Avenue
When: June 9, 2018, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Details: This is a free event that is great for the entire family!
In this worldwide celebration of the 120th anniversary of Philippine Independence, Alameda adopts the theme, “Reflections on Freedom,” and will feature a Mayor’s Proclamation, flag ceremony, Filipino folk dances, messages reflecting on Freedom today, community information tables, and an array of delicious Filipino food. Dignitaries (partial list) expected to attend include Mayor Trish Herrera Spencer, Vice Mayor Malia Vella, Council Members Jim Oddie, Marilyn Ashcraft, and Frank Matarrese, Assemblymember Rob Bonta, and Philippine Consul General Henry Bensurto and/or Deputies.
The event’s sponsors are the Alameda Sister City Association (ASCA), ASCA Alameda-Dumaguete Sister City Committee, Filipino Advocates for Justice, American Center of Philippine Arts, Knights of Columbus, and Bohol Circle, Inc. Co-Sponsors are the City of Alameda’s Recreation and Parks Department and Community Development Department, as well as Assemblymember Rob Bonta, District 18. Community Partners include the Alameda County FANHS Chapter 30, Bayanihan Youth Group of Encinal High School, SJND Filipino American Student Organization, We Are America Timeline Project, and the Alameda Renters Coalition.
Today, California is home to 1.2 million Filipinos, with 84,000 residing in Alameda County. Filipinos comprise approximately seven percent of Alameda’s population, a city where they have their roots tracing back to the 1920s and where generations of Filipinos continue to actively participate in civic, economic, and community life. In recent years, the City of Alameda embraced the city of Dumaguete, Philippines as an official Sister City, building a bridge of friendship across continents.
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