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L-R: Consul General Emmanuel R. Fernandez, Ambassador Carlos C. Salinas and Col. Romulo A. Manuel, Jr. GPA, assist in hoisting the Philippine flag. Members of the Filipino community and the Embassy’s personnel listen as Ambassador Salinas delivers his Independence Day message.
The Philippine Embassy conducted a flag raising ceremony with the Filipino community in observance of the 117th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence last 12 June 2015 at the Embassy’s Jardin Rizal.
The program commenced with the reading of the messages of Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert F. Del Rosario, Vice-President Jejomar Binay and President Benigno S. Aquino III.
In his message, Ambassador Carlos C. Salinas recalled, “Time and again we have proven to the world that we Filipinos are a force to reckon with when we stand united. From the Philippine Revolution of 1898 to the EDSA Revolution of 1986, we have shown how a small archipelago such as ours can rally kin and ally to safeguard our sovereignty. We Filipinos stand for the true meaning of ‘people power,’ of resilience and strength of character. We have weathered challenges, crises, and calamities by keeping to the straight and narrow path.”
He adds, “This year’s theme, “Independence 2015: Triumphs through Reforms, within the Nation’s Reach” goes beyond rhetoric; it is an acknowledgment that our country is making rapid inroads on national development, and is, indeed, vital in building a stronger ASEAN Economic Community, and bridging Asia to Europe. It is not just the theme for the 117th Independence Day of the Philippines, but a tribute to the collective victories of the Filipino as citizens of the world.”
The ceremony was followed by al fresco Filipino breakfast at the Official Residence.
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Members of the Filipino community and the Embassy during the breakfast at the Official Residence
The flag raising ceremony commenced the Embassy’s activities for Mes Filipino 2015.