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Press Release
CONSUL GENERAL JOINS THE PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE WEEK COMMITTEE (PIWC) KICKOFF EVENT 2025
Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano joined the Philippine Independence Week Committee (PIWC) Kickoff Event on 23 February 2025 at Allegra Banquets in Rosemont, IL. The event marked the beginning of PIWC’s Golden Anniversary and the 127th Anniversary of Philippine Independence.
As Guest Speaker, Consul General Diano underscored the commitment of the Philippine Consulate General in engaging and supporting the Filipino community in the US Midwest. “Undoubtedly, you define the depth and breadth of our work here in Chicago, and with your partnership and unwavering support, I hope we can lay the groundwork for more purposeful years ahead,” she said in her remarks.
She likewise congratulated the PIWC on celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and recognized the work of the PIWC, “PIWC has had a long tradition of giving back to this community and to our beloved country – from promoting Filipino culture, heritage, and history in this part of the world, to supporting humanitarian missions in the Philippines.”
After her remarks, the Consul General inducted the Executive Officers and the Chairman and Co-Chairmans of the PIWC. She congratulated the newly-elected Officers and Committee Chairs of the PIWC and the Officers and Members of the Board of Trustees, led by its Overall Chairperson Dra. Nida Blankas-Hernaez. She also acknowledged the service and leadership of the outgoing officers of the Committee, led by the 2024 Overall Chairperson of Trustees, Ms. Jovy Sirianni.
The PIWC was established in 1975, and its mission includes the advancement of educational programs and activities for young children of Filipino-Americans, supporting humanitarian missions in the Philippines, and raising awareness of Philippine culture and history.
Annually, the PIWC organizes two (2) major activities – the Kickoff Celebration and Induction Ceremony, and the PIWC Annual Gala Night.
Photo 1: Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano delivers her remarks at the 2025 PH Independence Week Committee Kickoff Celebration on 23 February 2025 at Allegra Banquest in Rosemont, IL.
Photo 2: Consul General Diano (onstage) inducts the newly-elected Officers of the PIWC, led by its Overall Chairperson Dra. Nida Blankas-Hernaez (5th from left).
Photo 3: Consul General Diano poses with PIWC 2025 Overall Chairperson Dra. Nida Blankas-Hernaez
Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano joined the Philippine Independence Week Committee (PIWC) Kickoff Event on 23 February 2025 at Allegra Banquets in Rosemont, IL. The event marked the beginning of PIWC’s Golden Anniversary and the 127th Anniversary of Philippine Independence.
As Guest Speaker, Consul General Diano underscored the commitment of the Philippine Consulate General in engaging and supporting the Filipino community in the US Midwest. “Undoubtedly, you define the depth and breadth of our work here in Chicago, and with your partnership and unwavering support, I hope we can lay the groundwork for more purposeful years ahead,” she said in her remarks.
She likewise congratulated the PIWC on celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and recognized the work of the PIWC, “PIWC has had a long tradition of giving back to this community and to our beloved country – from promoting Filipino culture, heritage, and history in this part of the world, to supporting humanitarian missions in the Philippines.”
After her remarks, the Consul General inducted the Executive Officers and the Chairman and Co-Chairmans of the PIWC. She congratulated the newly-elected Officers and Committee Chairs of the PIWC and the Officers and Members of the Board of Trustees, led by its Overall Chairperson Dra. Nida Blankas-Hernaez. She also acknowledged the service and leadership of the outgoing officers of the Committee, led by the 2024 Overall Chairperson of Trustees, Ms. Jovy Sirianni.
The PIWC was established in 1975, and its mission includes the advancement of educational programs and activities for young children of Filipino-Americans, supporting humanitarian missions in the Philippines, and raising awareness of Philippine culture and history.
Annually, the PIWC organizes two (2) major activities – the Kickoff Celebration and Induction Ceremony, and the PIWC Annual Gala Night.
Photo 1: Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano delivers her remarks at the 2025 PH Independence Week Committee Kickoff Celebration on 23 February 2025 at Allegra Banquest in Rosemont, IL.
Photo 2: Consul General Diano (onstage) inducts the newly-elected Officers of the PIWC, led by its Overall Chairperson Dra. Nida Blankas-Hernaez (5th from left).
Photo 3: Consul General Diano poses with PIWC 2025 Overall Chairperson Dra. Nida Blankas-Hernaez