The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way communities across the globe celebrate historical milestones.
This year, the Filipino community on Guam has been invited by the Philippine Consulate General in Agana to commemorate the 122nd Anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence via several online events.
Mark Francis Hamoy, the Acting Head of Post at the Philippine Consulate General in Agana spoke with PNC this morning about this year’s Independence Day activities:
“As everyone is aware, the world right now is still grappling with the risks and consequences of this global pandemic caused by the coronavirus. We had to forego our traditional celebratory events for independence day,” Hamoy said. “While we cannot celebrate together, we have a slew of events where we are using technology and social media to still be able to make those connections with friends and compatriots around the world.”
This year’s theme is “Kalayaan 2020: Tungo sa Bansang Malaya, Nagbabayanihan, at Ligtas (Kalayaan 2020: Towards a Free, United, and Safe Nation).”
Hamoy said the theme still echoes the challenges Filipinos face right now as they continue to battle an invisible enemy — that has affected the whole world.
“We have to remember, from our history, the collective resolve and pain that we have as a nation,” he said.
While the Philippine consulates and embassies are unable to hold the customary Independence Day events, he said they are introducing unconventional means in remembering the patriotism of the Filipino revolutionary leaders who enabled the Filipinos to celebrate freedom as a sovereign nation.
“So that we can emerge stronger than ever in a post-pandemic world,” Hamoy said.
Philippine Independence Day online activities:
- Kalayaan 2020 celebrations in Manila live on Facebook via @PHinAgana – June 12 at 10:00 a.m. (Guam time)
- DFA’s “Mabini and the Birth of the Filipino Nation: An Independence Day Online Event” – June 12 at 12:00 noon (Guam time) live at the PC Agana Facebook page;
- Simultaneous virtual flag ceremony of the Philippine Embassy and Consulates General in the United States – June 13 at 8:00 a.m. (Guam time). The event will be streamed @PHinUSA, the FB page of the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC.
