PH Consulate in San Francisco Marks 128 Years of PH Independence and 80 Years of PH-US Diplomatic Relations
Together with the guests of honor, Consul General Arnel G. Talisayon (7th from the left) cuts the commemorative cake in celebration of the 128th Philippine Independence Day and the 80th Anniversary of the PH-US diplomatic relations during the reception at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – In celebration of the 128th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence, the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco hosted a National Day Reception on 12 June 2026 at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center.
In his speech, Consul General Arnel G. Talisayon underscored that this year also marks the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the United States, highlighting the shared history and enduring partnership between the two nations. Quoting Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez, he noted that, “The Philippines–U.S. relationship is not only anchored in treaties and institutions, but in people. In many ways, we are not just allies—we are family.”
The Consul General also highlighted the Philippines’ 2026 Chairship of ASEAN, under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together.” He emphasized that the Philippines will reinforce ASEAN’s foundations of peace and security, broaden opportunities for shared prosperity, and place people empowerment at the center of the regional agenda. These priorities, he said, will ensure that ASEAN’s integration efforts translate into “real opportunities, for businesses to grow, for communities to thrive, and for progress to be inclusive, sustainable, and shared by all.”
The reception was attended by distinguished guests from the diplomatic, government, business, and Filipino American communities. Among the guests of honor were Mr. Mark Chandler, Director of the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of International Trade & Commerce, Office of Economic and Workforce Development, who delivered the remarks on behalf of Mayor Daniel Lurie; California State Senator Christopher Cabaldon of 3rd District; Chief of Protocol Penny Coulter, representing the City and County of San Francisco; California State Senator Scott Wiener of the 11th District; Regional Director John Y. Choi of the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Foreign Missions; and Philippine Secretary of Information and Communications Technology Henry Aguda.
In his remarks, Regional Director Choi extended his congratulations on the celebration of Philippine Independence and noted that this year also commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the Philippines and the United States, underscoring the enduring strength of the two nations’ alliance. He affirmed the United States’ continued support for the Philippines as ASEAN Chair, stating “The United States stands with the Philippines as it leads ASEAN as its Chair – as friends, as partners, as allies who share a vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific.” He further emphasized that the strength of the bilateral relationship is reflected in the close cooperation between the two countries across a wide range of sectors, including defense, healthcare, education, trade and people-to-people exchanges.
One of the highlights of the celebration was the special performance of acclaimed Filipino songwriter and Original Pilipino Music (OPM) icon Ms. Cecile Azarcon-Incocentes, who delighted guests with a selection of her timeless hits. The program culminated with a stirring rendition of her composition “Pilipino Ako,” joined by other Filipino American performers. The event, imbued with the warmth and vibrancy of Filipino spirit of festivity and community, was attended by over 120 guests, including federal, city and local officials, members of the consular corps, business leaders, media partners, and Filipino American community leaders. The gathering reaffirmed the enduring friendship between the Philippines and the United States while celebrating the rich contributions of the Filipino community in Northern California and beyond. END
Consul General Arnel Talisayon welcomes the guests to the reception
From L-R: California State Senator Christopher Cabaldon of District 3, Regional Director John Y. Choi of the U.S. State Department’s Office of Foreign Missions and Mr. Mark Chandler, Director of International Trade & Commerce, representing the City and County of San Francisco delivering their keynote messages
Consul General Arnel Talisayon receives from South San Francisco Vice Mayor Mark Nagales of District 2 (rightmost) and South San Francisco Councilmember Buenaflor Nicolas of District 3 (leftmost) a Certificate of Recognition signed by the City Council of South San Francisco for the 128th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence
Consul General Arnel G. Talisayon with Senator Scott Wiener and Senator Christopher Cabaldon
Consul General Arnel Talisayon with the Consuls General of ASEAN Member States
Guests and members of the Filipino American community singing with OPM icon Ms. Cecile Azarcon-Inocentes
Deputy Consul General Maria Paz G. Cortes (2nd from the left), Vice Consul Hannah Go (3rd from the right), Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil (2nd from the right) and Vice Consul Glaiza Quarteros with the officers of the UP Alumni Association of San Francisco
Snaps with some members of Filipino American community during the program
(Photos from San Francisco PCG, Filamstream, and Jeremiah Ysip)