NEW YORK CITY – The Philippine Consulate General in New York hosted a reception on 23 June 2026 to mark the 128^th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence, the 80^th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Philippines and the United States of America, and the 50^th Anniversary of the Entry into Force of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) in Southeast Asia.

In his remarks, Consul General Senen T. Magalile framed the three anniversaries as being united by the principle that every nation has the agency to chart its own destiny and to coexist and cooperate peacefully with others.

In particular, he described the anniversary of Philippine Independence as an occasion to reflect on the Filipino people’s enduring pursuit of liberty, democracy, and human dignity.

On the 80^th anniversary of Philippines-United States diplomatic relations, he highlighted how the partnership has broadened and deepened across all aspects and levels, and underscored the invaluable contributions of Filipinos and Filipino-Americans to the fabric of American society.

Consul General Mangalile also reflected on the 50^th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, emphasizing its core principles of mutual respect for the independence, sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity, and national identity, which guide the Philippines’ engagement with ASEAN and its partners, especially as the Philippines currently chairs ASEAN this year.

Finally, Consul General Mangalile further expressed appreciation to the Consulate’s partners in the US Northeast for their unwavering support.

The evening featured performances of Filipino classics by Manhattan School of Music artists Mr. Ramon Tenefrancia and Ms. Riley Bragg, with piano accompaniment by Mr. Roberto Ramiro.

Guests were served Filipino food and refreshments with coconut and calamansi ingredients. They also received curated gift boxes courtesy of the Philippine Trade and Investment Center-New York.

The reception brought together around 80 guests from the Consular Corps, city government, and the business community, reflecting the Consulate’s continuing engagement with partners across the city’s diplomatic, civic, and business sectors. END