(Photo grabbed from iOrbit News)
THE PHILIPPINE Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI) named Dr. Irineo G. Alvaro Jr. as the Honorary Grand Marshall of the 2019 Philippine Independence Day Parade in New York on June 2.
Alvaro is in New York with his family when he formally accepted the designation during a Grand Marshall Gala at the Philippine Consulate Center held on December 28, 2018. Officers from the Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), General Consulate and invited New York-based journalists as well as Fil-Am Press Club graced the event.
PIDCI is the umbrella organization that stages the annual Independence Day parade on Madison Avenue, said to be the largest outside of the Philippines.
“We unanimously decided to designate Dr. Irineo G. Alvaro Jr. as our 2019 Honorary Grand Marshall for his immeasurable contribution in various disciplines. Notably, his expertise and exemplary service in both private and public. He is a business leader, a public servant, an academician/educator, author/writer, philanthropist, family man and a servant of God”, PIDCI confirmation letter read.
“Dr. Alvaro embodies and best personifies our forefathers’ vision of a free people: free from poverty and realize their true potential. He is worthy of emulation by others, for his sterling record is second to none”, the letter continued.
In his acceptance speech, Alvaro said “This representation is deeply humbled by this title. Let us not forget what our heroes fought for. As we give back to honor them, the celebration observes two primary reasons: a tribute to those who came before us and a surety to those who will come after us. For this, with pride and humility, I am honored to accept the role of an Honorary Grand Marshall in a momentous and historic occasion and to the PIDCI officers and members, my profound gratitude”.
Parade participants will include Philippine WWII veterans, the Bacolod Maskara, Tangub dancers, Dinagyang contingent, around fifty culturally designed floats and thematically colorful others.
Filipinos from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Washington DC, and Pennsylvania will converge to greatly enjoy and celebrate the 121st Independence Day as the first republic in Asia.
