[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 71 (Thursday, June 9, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 9, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                 PHILIPPINES INDEPENDENCE COMMEMORATION

                                 ______


                        HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 9, 1994

  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, this coming June 12, the Republic of the 
Philippines and Filipinos all over the world will commemorate the 96th 
anniversary of the proclamation of their independence.
  Back in June of 1898, outside the group of ecstatic, enlightened, and 
freedom-loving patriots from within the archipelago's more than 7,000 
islands, few people were even remotely aware of the implications of 
that summer day's events. Now, almost a century later, we recognize the 
significance of that proclamation made 96 years ago. It has come to 
symbolize a people's aspirations, desire, and capacity to stand their 
ground, take control of and choose their own destiny.
  We also have been made aware that the desire to be a free republic is 
not a uniquely Western concept. The day General Aguinaldo first 
unfurled the Filipino flag amidst the inspiring strains of the 
Philippine National Anthem signaled the birth of the first republic in 
Asia, an event witnessed by jubilant Filipinos and curious foreign 
observers alike. For the first time, a political system dedicated to 
the ideals of democracy and popular representative government was 
instituted in this part of the world, where despotism had always been a 
mainstay.
  Although short-lived, this first republic had always been a testament 
to this freedom-loving nation's devotion to the ideals of liberty and 
democracy. The proclamation of independence directly rejected tyranny 
and foreign domination and has served as an inspiration to other 
peoples suffering from colonialism.
  As the delegate from Guam, I recognize the fact that the island and 
people that I represent share deep cultural and historical ties with 
the Philippines. As a matter of fact, my constituency includes a large 
number of Filipino immigrants. Over the years, as in numerous other 
locales, they have integrated themselves with the island community and 
made themselves a vital force in the development and growth of Guam.
  This year's celebration is extremely significant. As part of the 
Filipino community's Independence Day festivities, the people of Guam 
will be honored with a visit from former Philippine President Corazon 
C. Aquino. Having been the driving force in the overthrow of a 
dictatorial regime, she has become a living symbol to all the freedom-
loving people of the world of the very same ideals that led the 
original Filipino Nationalists to the declaration of their 
independence.
  On behalf of the people of Guam I would like to congratulate the 
Filipino people and join them in the celebration of the 96th 
anniversary of their independence.

                          ____________________