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JUNE IS PHILIPPINE MONTH IN GUAM

Agana, Guam, June 20, 2000 - The month of June has been proclaimed Philippine Month in Guam by Lt. Gov. Madeleine Bordallo, a fitting tribute to the immense role Filipinos play in the US Pacific territory.

The proclamation is in line with a whirl of activities lined up by the large Filipino community in the island in celebration of 102 years of Philippine independence. The celebration was highlighted by a grand ball held June 12 at Parc Hotel, significantly the only Filipino-owned hotel on Guam.

Sen. Loren Legarda, who was the guest spea-ker, said in her brief ad-dress that as senator of the Republic, one of her concerns is to negotiate peace both in the country and overseas. She said, "Today more than ever, we are committed to uphold our freedom against the threats to peace that engulf southern Philippines.

Businessman Emelio Y. Uy, over-all chair of the Philippine Independence Day celebration, said the theme of this year's event is Isang Puso, Isang Diwa, Isang Bansang Malaya.

Uy called on his fellow Guam-based Filipinos to instill among their children the spirit of "bayanihan" or forging the spirit of camaraderie and helping one another at all times.

This year's celebration kicked off June 6 with the coronation of Mr. & Ms. Filipino Community of Guam (Dan Romulo and Lore-na Sanchez, respectively) held at the Pacific Star Hotel. Other highlights of the 10-day celebration include: Independence Day mass at Asan church and wreath-laying ceremo-ny before the Mabini and the Irreconcibles shrine, June 11; grand santacruzan at Pleasure Island, June 17; Pista sa Nayon at Ypao Beach Pavilion, June 18; and a celebration of Dr. Jose Rizal's birth anniversary last June 19 at Rizal Beach.

Ms. Nita Baldovino is president of the 2000-strong FCG, the umbrella organization of 70 Filipino associations on Guam.