Gov. Gregoire Celebrates Philippines Independence

June 7, 2008

*As Written*

Good Morning,

Or, how about I attempt:

Mah-Gahn-DONG Ew-MA-Gah! (Magandang Umaga, Good morning)

Thank you (for the kind introduction), and thank you all for inviting me to share with you the celebration of the 110th Anniversary of Philippine Independence.

This is a time of joy in the Republic of the Philippines, and a time of joy for the 87,000 Filipino-Americans here in Washington. I speak for all Washingtonians when I say we share that joy because we share your love of freedom and independence from tyranny.

Washington has a rich and strong connection to the Republic of the Philippines.

And Filipinos have been immigrating to our shores for more than a hundred years. They brought us, and continue to bring us, a powerful work ethic, strong families, and the talent we need to keep Washington strong and thriving.

Gone are the days when Filipino-Americans labored for low wages in canneries and other jobs amid harsh conditions.

Gone are the days when they and other Asian-Americans suffered institutionalized discrimination.

Filipino-Americans improved their lives and those of their children through hard work, great persistence, and always � hope for a better life.

Today, both newcomers and second- and third-generation Filipino-Americans are Boeing engineers, Microsoft software designers, college professors, public school teachers, physicians and nurses.

Washington and the Republic of the Philippines are bound together by this wonderful, living history � which continues to unfold.

Just last week, I helped dedicate the new Seattle Filipino-American Community Center, which will only further strengthen the culture and presence of our Filipino-Americans.

Across Washington there are official relations between our cities and cities in the Philippines, and Washington has enjoyed a sister-state relationship with the Province of Pangasinan (Pan-GAH-see-nahn) since 1996.

The Republic of the Philippines is also very important to our economy. The Republic was Washington�s 26th largest export market in 2006, with $400 million worth of Boeing airplanes, apples, wheat, hops, and other goods shipped to the Philippines.

We look forward to building and strengthening our economic ties in the years to come.

I always feel a special pull and affinity from my ancestral homeland � Ireland � so I very much appreciate the love and affinity Filipino-Americans feel for theirs.

I congratulate you on this special occasion. Together, we will celebrate many, many more Independence Days.