WHEREAS, On June 12, 2015, the Filipino American community will celebrate the 117th Anniversary of Philippine Independence, and on this occasion it is appropriate to make special recognition of California’s Filipino American citizens and thank them for their countless contributions to our nation’s cultural, economic, and political heritage; and

WHEREAS, The Philippine Declaration of Independence occurred when Filipino revolutionary forces, under the leadership of General Emilio Aguinaldo, publicly read the Act of Declaration of Independence proclaiming the sovereignty and independence of the Philippine Islands from the colonial rule of Spain, after United States and Filipino revolutionary forces defeated Spain at the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War; and

WHEREAS, For nearly two decades, July 4th was observed in the Philippines as Independence Day until President Diosdado Macapagal, upon the advice of historians and the urging of nationalists, signed the Republic Act No. 4166 into law on August 4, 1964, designating the country’s Independence Day as June 12th, a date that had previously been observed as Flag Day when many government buildings displayed the Philippine flag in their offices; and

WHEREAS, As the years went on, Filipino Americans became very involved in the community and made numerous contributions in all aspects of Filipino and American society and culture, especially in California; and

WHEREAS, Filipino Americans have also played a major role in California politics. In November 2014, 23 Filipino Americans were elected to state or local offices, adding to the long list of Filipino Americans who are currently serving in their elective or appointive capacities and who have shaped the development of California over the years; and

WHEREAS, Many Filipino Americans have served with distinction as outstanding soldiers who fought as members of the United States Armed Forces for over a century and have sacrificed their lives in many wars, including World War II, the Vietnam War, and current conflicts in the Middle East and Afghanistan; and

WHEREAS, Today there are more than 3.4 million people of Filipino American descent, many of whom have played vital roles in the development of the United States and California and have paved the way for many other Filipino Americans to continue to strengthen the role of Filipino Americans in society and contribute to American and California politics, economy, and culture; now, therefore, be it