SECRETARY ROMULO'S MESSAGE TO THE FILIPINO AMERICAN
COMMUNITY ON THE INAUGURATION OF PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA
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I am pleased to greet the Filipino-American community on this historic occasion.
Today, the United States and her peoples celebrate the promise and hope of
change.
In one of the most important elections seen in recent years, Filipino-Americans
were drawn together with other citizens of the United States, helping reinvigorate
a political process that was remarkable in its expanse and admirable in its
inclusiveness.
America is a great nation because it derives its strength from the direct
involvement of its peoples who, in their diversity, continue to build a Government
that protects and promotes the greater common good.
The Philippines and Filipinos are inheritors of a glorious past. Filipinos have deep
democratic roots. We are rightly proud of being Asia's first Republic and
democracy. We have defended freedom and liberty in the Second World War and
during the Cold War. We rose against dictatorship and authoritarianism in
peaceful and non-violent manner.
And everywhere Filipinos go, this profound respect for democracy is a legacy that
continues to be bequeathed to succeeding generations.
In the United States, Filipino-Americans are keeping this democratic spirit alive.
Today, Filipino-Americans hold key positions in government, business and other
occupational fields. Most recently, a Filipino-American was elected to the United
States Congress.
Filipino-Americans continue to contribute to the Philippines' growth as partners –
in so many ways – supporting our Government's programs pursuing greater
peace, progress and prosperity.
As the Philippines joins the United States in celebrating President Barack Obama's
historic inauguration, it shares the hope – and confidence – that the positive
change he has envisioned will be achieved.
The Philippines likewise counts on the continued active involvement of Filipino-
Americans in articulating and championing the hopes and dreams of Filipino-
Americans and Filipinos everywhere.
This is what needs to be done for positive change to happen. As the Philippines
and the United States have learned from their common history, change is a
process and not an end-state; Change is valued as much for the journey as the
destination we all look forward to reach.
Mabuhay si President Barack Obama, Mabuhay ang America!
Mabuhay ang Filipino-American Community, ang Pilipinas at ang sambayanang
Pilipino!
ALBERTO G. ROMULO
Secretary of Foreign Affairs
19 January 2009, Pasay City
Philippine Embassy
News Release
19 January 2009
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