16 June 2011 - The Philippine Embassy in Beirut reported that the Ambassador Gilberto G.B. Asuque hosted a diplomatic reception to commemorate the 113th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence on Monday evening at the Salle des Ambassadeurs of the Coral Beach Hotel and Resort in Beirut.
S.E. Mgr. Gabriele Caccia, Apostolic Nuncio & Dean of the Diplomatic Corps (left photo below, greeting the Ambassador) and Caretaker Foreign Minister Ali al Chami, representing President Michel Sleiman (right photo below, standing beside the Ambassador), led the Diplomatic Corps, top Lebanese government officials and other guests in honoring the Embassy with their presence at the reception.
Four Lebanese officials represented the top government officials at the diplomatic reception, namely, Caretaker Foreign Minister al Chami for President Michel Suleiman, Dr. Moustafa Adib for Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati, Caretaker Minister of Environment Mohammad Rahhal for Caretaker Prime Minister Saad Hariri and Hagop Bakaradonian, MP for Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri.
Ambassador Asuque was the first among the Diplomatic Corps to congratulate Prime Minister Mikati on the successful formation of his 30-member cabinet, which was announced by the Prime Minister at the Baabda Palace in the afternoon of June 13, the date of the diplomatic reception.
In his remarks, Ambassador Asuque said the Embassy will continue to vigorously engage the government of Prime Minister Mikati in promoting bilateral ties especially the social interaction of the Filipinos and Lebanese.
On the key bilateral issue, the Ambassador reiterated the policy of President Benigno S. Aquino III to protect the rights and ensure the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
Towards this goal, the Ambassador said the Philippines and Lebanon are working closely to provide the mechanism that will protect the rights and promote the welfare of over 40,000 Filipino workers in Lebanon through a Memorandum of Understanding on Labor Cooperation, which both countries envision to sign as soon as possible at a mutually convenient date in Lebanon.
The reception was attended by some 150 guests including leaders of the Filipino community and dignitaries such as United States Ambassador Maura Connelley and Australian Ambassador Lex Bartlem.
On June 12, Ambassador Asuque led the Embassy officers and staff at the flag raising ceremony at the entrance of the Chancery.
This was followed by the oath to the flag and the reading of the Independence Day messages of President Aquino, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario, Labor Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz and Administrator Carmelita S. Dimzon of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
In the afternoon, the Filipino Community Guild, in coordination with the Embassy and the various Filipino community leaders, held their traditional Independence Day celebration at the UNESCO Palace, with the Ambassador reading the messages of President Aquino and Secretary del Rosario for the OFWs. The Filipino community celebration was preceded by the celebration of the Holy Mass by Rev. Fr. Agustin Advincula, C.M. at one of the halls in the UNESCO Palace. END.
