By: Jose Paolo S. dela Cruz
With approximately 4.3 million Filipinos and Filipino-Americans currently residing in the US, and with the deeply rooted connections the country shares with the Philippines in terms of diplomacy, business and more – Fourth of July carries a greater significance for Filipinos than one would initially think.
“July 4 is a reminder of the values that Filipinos share with the American people. Our shared love of freedom, independence and progress drives our cooperation in many areas, which now include pandemic response,” said Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez.
Indeed, the US government has, so far, allocated more than US$19.1 million in aid to the Philippines’ COVID-19 response – the highest amount given to a Southeast Asian country.
The Filipino and Fil-Am communities, on the other hand, continue to be vital forces in US healthcare. A total of 145,800 registered nurses and 10,160 physicians/surgeons in the US are immigrants from the Philippines, according to a 2017 study by the Migration Policy Institute.
“There is a renewed appreciation in the United States for the vital contributions of Filipinos and Filipino-Americans to the American healthcare system, and for the way the Filipino community is doing bayanihan to help those in need,” Romualdez added.
Like many other things though, the 244th US Independence Day celebrations have been affected by the pandemic, with many such events being cancelled in various parts of the country. Annual parades and festivals are also out of the question because of the prohibition on mass gatherings. But even with its mask on, Uncle Sam won’t let Fourth of July pass with a whimper.
“Various government institutions at the state and federal level will still host fireworks display to mark the occasion. In Washington, D.C., the White House will host the 2020 ‘Salute to America,’ which will have fireworks and military flyovers, but with the advice for spectators to wear face masks and observe social distancing,” shared the Ambassador.
He also pointed out that similar to the annual commemoration of Philippine independence every June 12, the Fourth of July is an opportunity to reflect on how the Filipino community in the United States can contribute to the preservation of their shared values – especially in the time of COVID-19.
“Filipinos in the United States continue to deal with the situation with the resilience, courage, and optimism that our people are known for. As thousands of them are healthcare workers or know someone who is a healthcare worker, they understand how important it is to take the necessary precautions and follow health and safety measures, especially now that the US has embarked on a gradual re-opening of its economy,” Romualdez concluded.
