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Press Release
CHICAGO PCG SUPPORTS ANNUAL PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY FLAG RAISING AT DALEY PLAZA
CHICAGO, 10 June 2026 – The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago joined the Philippine Independence Week Committee (PIWC) and members of Filipino and Filipino American communities in the annual Philippine Independence Day flag-raising ceremony held on 10 June 2026 at Daley Plaza in downtown Chicago.
Organized annually by the PIWC, the event serves as a fitting commemoration of Philippine Independence Day and brings together various Filipino and Filipino American organizations in the Midwest to celebrate the enduring spirit of freedom, unity, and pride in Filipino heritage.
Philippine Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano and Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas graced the ceremony as guests of honor and delivered remarks before community leaders, organization representatives, and members of the public.
In her remarks, Consul General Diano highlighted the theme of this year's Independence Day celebration, "Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan," and underscored the continuing responsibility of Filipinos to honor the sacrifices of the nation's heroes by building a future worthy of their legacy. She also emphasized the significance of the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the United States and recognized the invaluable role played by the Filipino American community and its organizations in strengthening the enduring friendship and people-to-people ties between the two countries, while helping preserve and promote Philippine culture and heritage in the Midwest.
For her part, Treasurer Pappas lauded the many contributions of Filipino Americans to the economy and social fabric not only of the City of Chicago but of the United States as a whole. She likewise recognized the achievements of the Filipino American community and its enduring commitment to public service and civic engagement.
The ceremony featured the raising of the Philippine flag and the singing of the Philippine and United States national anthems. Various Filipino and Filipino American organizations presented cultural performances that showcased the richness and diversity of Philippine heritage. The celebration also featured a fashion show by the PIWC beauty queens, who proudly donned traditional Filipiniana attire, adding color and festivity to the occasion.
Attended by representatives of Filipino and Filipino American organizations, community leaders, and members of the public, the annual flag-raising ceremony underscores the unity and vibrancy of the Filipino community in the Midwest and its continuing contribution to strengthening Philippines-U.S. relations.
Photos 2: Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano (top) and Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas (bottom) deliver their remarks.
Photo 3: Consul General Diano (4th from left), together with Consulate personnel, pose with members of
the community and PIWC beauty queens
Photo 4: With the members of the different Filipino community organizations in U.S. Midwest
CHICAGO, 10 June 2026 – The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago joined the Philippine Independence Week Committee (PIWC) and members of Filipino and Filipino American communities in the annual Philippine Independence Day flag-raising ceremony held on 10 June 2026 at Daley Plaza in downtown Chicago.
Organized annually by the PIWC, the event serves as a fitting commemoration of Philippine Independence Day and brings together various Filipino and Filipino American organizations in the Midwest to celebrate the enduring spirit of freedom, unity, and pride in Filipino heritage.
Philippine Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano and Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas graced the ceremony as guests of honor and delivered remarks before community leaders, organization representatives, and members of the public.
In her remarks, Consul General Diano highlighted the theme of this year's Independence Day celebration, "Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan," and underscored the continuing responsibility of Filipinos to honor the sacrifices of the nation's heroes by building a future worthy of their legacy. She also emphasized the significance of the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the United States and recognized the invaluable role played by the Filipino American community and its organizations in strengthening the enduring friendship and people-to-people ties between the two countries, while helping preserve and promote Philippine culture and heritage in the Midwest.
For her part, Treasurer Pappas lauded the many contributions of Filipino Americans to the economy and social fabric not only of the City of Chicago but of the United States as a whole. She likewise recognized the achievements of the Filipino American community and its enduring commitment to public service and civic engagement.
The ceremony featured the raising of the Philippine flag and the singing of the Philippine and United States national anthems. Various Filipino and Filipino American organizations presented cultural performances that showcased the richness and diversity of Philippine heritage. The celebration also featured a fashion show by the PIWC beauty queens, who proudly donned traditional Filipiniana attire, adding color and festivity to the occasion.
Attended by representatives of Filipino and Filipino American organizations, community leaders, and members of the public, the annual flag-raising ceremony underscores the unity and vibrancy of the Filipino community in the Midwest and its continuing contribution to strengthening Philippines-U.S. relations.
Photos 2: Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano (top) and Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas (bottom) deliver their remarks.
Photo 3: Consul General Diano (4th from left), together with Consulate personnel, pose with members of
the community and PIWC beauty queens
Photo 4: With the members of the different Filipino community organizations in U.S. Midwest