Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata spoke at the 126th Philippines Independence celebration for the local Filipino Community held June 15 at the Lee Auditorium.
This was at the invitation of the Filipino Community in American Samoa President Perpetua “Nemia” Aguirre.
The celebration marks hard-won independence from Spain, a longtime world power of that era.
“In celebrating independence from a European power, that is something the Philippines has in common with the United States and our own Fourth of July,” said Aumua Amata. “We celebrate with you, and support self-determination for people-groups and many island nations all over the world. As you well know from our American Samoa Flag Day, we love our celebrations here and like to put them front and center!”
“Every Pacific ally, especially the Philippines, is very important to the big picture of security, stability, food security, and freedom of trade and movement throughout the entire Pacific,” Amata said.
She also discussed health care, noting that islands often have similar challenges in delivering health care, from the Philippines to American Samoa.
“One of those recurring challenges is having enough nurses,” Amata said. “We offer a heartfelt welcome to the caring Filipino nurses who have joined our community to help fill that gap, and wish you happiness here in American Samoa!”
