REMEMBERING EDSA 25 AT THE PHILIPPINE CONSULATE IN LOS ANGELES

Los Angeles, 25 February 2011 – The officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles, led by Consul General Mary Jo Bernardo Aragon, held a flag ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Consulate General with the general public in attendance to commemorate the 25^th Anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution of 1986.

The Consul General and Deputy Consul General Daniel R. Espiritu read the messages of President Benigno S. Aquino, III, and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alberto G. Romulo, respectively.

As part of the activities to rekindle the awareness of all Filipino and Filipino-Americans within the jurisdiction of the Consulate, a Consular Outreach Program was held in Las Vegas, Nevada on 19-21 February 2011.  This activity was made possible in cooperation with the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Nevada (UPAAN).  This shows the spirit of “bayanihan” between the government and the Filipino and the Filipino-American community.

Left photo shows The officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles, led by Consul General Mary Jo Bernardo Aragon, and the general public in attendance held a flag ceremony on 25 February 2011.

Right photo shows Consul General Mary Jo Bernardo Aragon reads the message of President Benigno S. Aquino, III.

Photo above shows Deputy Consul General Daniel R. Espiritu (center) being interviewed by Ms. Jannelle So, producer and host of Kababayan LA.  Also in photo is Ms. Jollene Levide a FilAm community organizer. (Photo c/o Kababayan LA)

On 22 February 2011, the Consulate started showing video footages of events during the EDSA 1986 at its Rizal Hall.  Also, Deputy Consul General Espiritu was interviewed by Ms. Jannelle So, producer and host of Kababayan LA, which was televised live on Channel 18.  Deputy Consul General Espiritu shared his thoughts on the gains of EDSA 1986.  He emphasized that EDSA was the spirit of the collective participation of the entire populace in a peaceful political transformation of the country which resulted in the restoration of democracy, human rights, and freedoms currently enjoyed by all Filipinos in the Philippines and around the world.

To conclude the activities, a Holy Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Oscar Solis on 25 February 2011 at 7 o’clock in the evening at the St. Basil Church located in front of the Consulate building along Wilshire Blvd. in Los Angeles. ###end