[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 86 (Monday, May 22, 2023)]
[House]
[Pages H2466-H2467]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      PREPARING FOR TYPHOON MAWAR

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Guam 
(Mr. Moylan) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. MOYLAN. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday afternoon, Guam, a territory of 
the United States, my district, and my home, will be moving to 
Condition of Readiness 1 as Typhoon Mawar makes its way to the Marianas 
region.
  On its current track, the system is expected to bring tropical-storm-
force winds as early as Tuesday afternoon, with the possibility of 
typhoon-force winds of 81 to 110 miles per hour by Wednesday morning, 
along with gusts projected to reach 100 to 120 miles per hour. This, 
along with heavy rainfall, certainly places Guam and the Northern 
Mariana Islands in a serious predicament, with a major natural disaster 
at our doorstep.

[[Page H2467]]

  While our community is resilient and has overcome such perils of 
Mother Nature many times in the past, when it comes to a typhoon of 
this magnitude, a direct impact over any of the islands will sadly lead 
to severe damage of homes, businesses, crops, and livelihoods, and will 
certainly lead us to a long road toward recovery.
  Within these sacred Halls, I humbly ask my colleagues to pray for 
Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands and that we can dodge this 
massive bullet called Typhoon Mawar.
  God Almighty, please protect our community and our people.

                              {time}  1215


           Celebrating the Philippines 125th Independence Day

  Mr. MOYLAN. Mr. Speaker, on June 12, 2023, the Philippines will be 
celebrating the very day in 1898 when the Philippines declared its 
independence from Spain. They will, in essence, commemorate 125 years 
of independence.
  While it still took nearly another half decade for the Treaty of 
Manila to be signed to secure its full independence from the United 
States, it is still recognized as a historic transition to allow the 
country to preserve the very culture, language, and traditions that we 
appreciate today.
  The proud relationship between the Philippines and Guam has been 
prosperous over the decades. A good percentage of our island's 
population either relocated from the Philippines or have roots tied 
back to the Philippines.
  Due to Spanish influence, there are many similarities with our 
cultures, food, traditions, and language. Many of the surnames are also 
similar.
  Our island has developed greater ties with the Philippines, which 
includes medical tourism for islanders to seek medical care in one of 
the many world-class facilities in the Philippines.
  Our H2B labor solely arrives from the Philippines and has been 
remarkable for our economy. Flights to and from Manila are almost 
always full on any day of the week, to continue the enhancements of 
economic activity for both Guam and the Philippines.
  While we recognize the independence of the Philippines, I take this 
time to honor and commend the Filipino Community of Guam. The FCG is a 
nonprofit umbrella organization for 29 Filipino member-associations in 
Guam.
  For 69 years, the FCG has continued to perpetuate and promote the 
culture of the Philippines on Guam and in the region. On June 3, they 
will be hosting the Philippine Independence Ball to highlight this 
historic occasion.
  To president Patrick Luces; vice presidents Romy Angel, Elizabeth 
Cena, and Loisa Cabuhat; secretaries Trixie Naholowaa-Torres and Nilfa 
Milan; treasurers Frank Huelar and Allan Camacho; auditor Linda Caasi; 
public relations officer Eileen Igcasenza; and to the board of 
trustees, on behalf of a thankful Nation and island and under these 
sacred Halls of democracy and history, I say thank you for your service 
to the community and for your efforts to keep the Filipino traditions 
thriving on Guam and the region.
  Finally, to the Philippines, an ally of the United States, a friend 
of Guam, a country of hardworking people with pride and humbleness, 
Happy 125th Independence Day. ``Philippine Independence Day,'' ``Araw 
ng Kalayaan.''

                          ____________________