Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo, who hosted a luncheon for Lingle, said her visit "reinforces the strong cultural and economic ties between Hawai'i and the Philippines."

The two countries are holding a series of celebrations to mark the 100th year of the arrival of the first Filipino farm workers in Hawai'i.

"To us, going to Hawai'i was like going to paradise," Romulo said. "So you can see why there are 3 million Filipinos in the United States."

During her weeklong visit, Lingle is scheduled to hold talks with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and the governors of northern Ilocos provinces, where many of the first immigrants originated.

Lingle is also expected to witness the signing of agreements between the University of Hawai'i and local universities and the unveiling of a special postage stamp commemorating Filipino migration to Hawai'i.

Romulo said the series of centennial celebrations is a tribute to Filipino who have "meaningfully contributed to Hawai'i in particular and American society in general."

Lingle, who arrived late yesterday, was to address a business group on Friday before heading to Ilocos Norte province. She will also visit the provinces of Pangasinan and Ilocos Sur, where officials will unveil a marker at Port Salumague where the first 15 Filipino plantation workers boarded a ship for Hawai'i 100 years ago.