Gov. Linda Lingle yesterday began an eight-day tour of the Philippines in celebration of 100 years of Filipino immigration to Hawai'i.

She was accompanied by a 178-member delegation including four of her Cabinet members and nine legislators as well as Kaua'i Mayor Bryan Baptiste and singer Jasmine Trias.

"They have so much pride to take me to the Philippines," Lingle said. "It's not like I'm taking them, it's like they're taking me."

Lingle and the delegation this week will be meeting with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Ilocos Norte Gov. Ferdinand "Bong Bong" Marcos Jr. and other politicians.

Lingle will witness the signing of agreements between the University of Hawai'i and local universities as well as the unveiling of a special postage stamp commemorating Filipino immigration to Hawai'i.

The cost of the trip for the state and counties is estimated at about $75,000 for airfare, transportation and hotel rooms for the officials on the trip.

Fifteen corporate sponsors ranging from Hilton Hotels to the Ironworkers Union contributed another $149,000. Many delegates also paid a $200 fee to cover the bill for Trias, and help pay for a state-sponsored dinner in Ilocos Norte.

She said one of the education agreements being signed during the trip could help ease Hawai'i's nursing shortage by making Filipino nurses more prepared to pass their exams when they immigrate to the state.

Officials will be unveiling a marker at Port Salumague in Ilocos Sur, where the first 15 contract plantation workers boarded a ship for Hawai'i 100 years ago.