[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 97 (Tuesday, June 12, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E826-E827]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ON THE 120TH ANNIVERSARY 
                          OF ITS INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 12, 2018

  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Republic 
of the Philippines on the 120th anniversary of its independence from 
Spain. On May 1, 1898, The Battle of Manila Bay signaled the United 
States' entry into the war with the Spanish that the Philippines had 
been fighting since 1896. On June 12, 1898, encouraged by support from 
our country, the Philippine people declared their independence after 
over 200 years of Spanish colonial rule. By August, the Philippines, 
Puerto Rico, Cuba, and my home, Guam, officially became a part of the 
United States.
  Since earning their independence, the Philippine people have suffered 
through years of dictatorship, martial law, and Japanese occupation. 
The people of Guam are particularly sympathetic to these atrocities, 
having ourselves been occupied by enemy forces during World War II.
  Since its independence, the Republic of the Philippines and the 
United States have shared a strong friendship and alliance that 
enhances

[[Page E827]]

economic stability and security in the Asia-Pacific region. 
Additionally, many Filipinos have made the United States home. 
Filipino-Americans have contributed immensely to our nation's 
prosperity. In my home district of Guam, Filipino and Filipino-American 
community represent over one-third of the general population. They are 
also immense contributors to the betterment of our island and play a 
key role in the economic, social, and political fabric of our island 
and the nation as a whole.
  In addition, the friendship of the Filipino people has forged a bond 
between our nations that has only grown stronger over time. Our nations 
are intimately linked to one another. I join the people of Guam in 
celebrating the 120th anniversary of the Republic of the Philippines' 
independence and look forward to our countries strengthening our 
relationship in the years to come.

                          ____________________