LA Consulate preps for Independence Day

Congen Helen Barber-De La Vega

LOS ANGELES–The Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles (PCGLA), together with partner community organizations, launched preparations for the 2013 celebration of the 115th anniversary of the Philippine Independence.

Consul General Hellen Barber-De La Vega, announced that celebrations will be held on Saturday, June 8, from 9 a.m. to 4p.m. at the Historic Filipinotown.

A parade of Filipino organizations will begin at 8:30 a.m. ending at Temple and Burlington in Historic Filipinotown. There will be a program and exhibit booths at the Silverlake Medical Center parking lot.

Parade participants include Filipino hometown and regional associations, alumni associations, community service organizations, professional associations, youth organizations, cultural groups, Philippine business groups, restaurants and food outlets, health care organizations and institutions, and religious organizations.

Heading the committee in charge of the parade are Filipino-American Community of Los Angeles, Inc.’s (FACLA) Art Garcia and Historic Filipinotown Council’s Cecille Ramos.

Garcia called on community groups to put all their differences aside and work together for a successful June 8 celebration, given the Consul General’s initiative in spearheading the Independence Day festivities.

Director Cuevas of Philippine Department of Tourism-LA heads up the Program Committee. Cuevas said the official program will begin at 11 a.m., with the presentation of proclamations and certificates by officials from various counties in Southern California. The entertainment portion of the program is slated to run from 12 noon until 3 p.m.

Town-based groups are expected to feature the best of their region’s culture and famous people who are role models for Filipinos, especially the youth.

Business groups and Filipino establishments who will participate as a booth exhibitors can advertise their products and services. Alumni associations could show the best traditions of their schools, what their schools are known for, and their esteemed alumni.

LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and LAPD Chief Charles Beck gave their support for the June 8 festivities, de la Vega announced, and their offices will assist the Consulate with logistical needs for the occasion.

Barring any conflict with his schedule, Villaraigosa said he would like to personally attend the celebration to show his gratitude to the Filipinos who have been very supportive of him during his tenure as LA mayor.

Aside from the Independence Day celebration, the Consulate also announced that the formation of an organizing committee for Filipino-American youth, chaired by Mia McLeod. Other officials include John Mina, Berwyn Salazar, Pam Ireneo, Lorenzo Moran, Steve Angeles, Elgin Zulueta, Krizia Medenilla, Leonard Mercado, Andrea Edoria, Kervin Tieu and this writer.