Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo shakes hands with the crowd at the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2006. On the left is Geminiano Q. "Toy" Arre, Jr. president of The Filipino Community Center. JOAQUIN SIOPACK | The Honolulu Advertiser

"To the Filipinos here in Hawai'i, congratulations for what you have achieved and thank you for keeping our . . . traditions alive and strong," Arroyo said, speaking to descendants of the first Filipino immigrants to Hawai'i at the community center in Waipahu. During the event, she unveiled a statue of a sakada cutting sugar cane, a replica of one in the Philippines.

She also praised the work of community members who worked to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Filipinos in Hawai'i, and honored former Gov. Ben Cayetano for his part in the planning.

After the appearance at the Filipino Community Center she went to the National Memorial for the Pacific at Punchbowl, where she commemorated those Filipinos who died in American wars.

Arroyo is set to leave tonight or early tomorrow for the Philippines.