GOVPH

13 June 2014 - On June 7, federal and state members of parliament, city councilors and other guests joined the FIlipino community in New South Wales at the Philippine National Day Ball in commemoration of the 116^th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence. The ball was organized by the Philippine Community Council of New South Wales (PCC-NSW),the umbrella organization of Filipino community associations in the state, at the Rosehill Gardens Event Centre in Rosehill, NSW.

Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis and Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, who represented Prime Minister Tony Abbott at the event, exchanged toasts affirming the strong ties between the governments and peoples of the Philippines and Australia. Senator Fierravanti-Wells conveyed the message of Prime Minister Tony Abbott, citing the history of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Australia, the strong cooperation, including development assistance between the two countries, and Australia’s quick response when Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) struck the Philippines. Australia was among the first to respond and provide humanitarian and financial aid to the survivors of the typhoon in Tacloban, Leyte. Senator Fierravanti-Wells noted the significance of celebrating one’s history and heritage in a foreign land and acknowledged the hard work and sacrifices that Filipino migrants make to provide a better life for their families. She said that the Filipino community contributes to Australia’s multicultural society and expressed the hope that Australia and the Philippines will continue to forge stronger linkages.

Also present at the event was NSW Premier Mike Baird who expressed the hope that the bond between the State and the people of the Philippines will continue to grow, being the state with the most number of Filipinos in Australia. He cited the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between the Philippine PPP Center and Infrastructure NSW as a positive development in the partnership between the state and the Philippines.

Honorable Michelle Rowland, MP, represented Federal Leader of the Opposition Bill Shortenand; Honorable Greg Donnelly, Member of the Legislative Council (MLC), represented State Leader of the Opposition John Robertson at the event and conveyed messages of congratulation to the Filipino community. Other officials present were Honorable Matt Clarke, MLC; Honorable Kevin Connolly, MP, Member for Riverstone; Honorable Matt Kean, MP, Member for Hornsby; Blacktown City Councillors Jess Diaz, Edmond Atalla, Stephen Bali and Jacqueline Donaldson; and Penrith City Councillor Prue Car.

At the event, PCC introduced 17-year-old Juriel Amura from Bohol who has been assisted by PCC since 2001. Born without legs and only one arm, Juriel has been coming to Sydney yearly to have his artificial limbs upgraded by the Appliance and Limb Centre. PCC takes care of Juriel during his stay in Sydney. He was accompanied by his father, Mr. Joel Amura.

In her message, Consul General Louis noted the links between Australia and the Philippines even at the time of the Philippine Revolution in 1898 through the Filipinos known as the “Manilamen” who were employed in the pearling industry in the Northern Territory of Australia. She conveyed the Philippines’ deep appreciation for Australia’s overwhelming response to those affected by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in the Philippines. Consul General Louis expressed the hope that the bonds between the Philippines and Australia, and the people of New South Wales, will continue to grow in the coming years.

Local Filipino-Australian artists provided entertainment at the event. The Sydney Sonata singers performed the “Tribute to the Philippine Revolution”, a tableau on the Katipunan with a rendition of the song “Sa Sariling Bayan” by Ms. Louisa Tagudin. Members of the Ilocano Association re-enacted the creation of the Philippine flag. Acclaimed singer, Brian Lorenz, rendered the patriotic song, “Ako ay Pilipino”, to which Ronn Terence Lo performed an interpretative dance. Multi-awarded performers, Mr. Gerry Garcia and Shirley Law, performed the “rumba”. Singer Jason Hernandez entertained the guests with his lively songs and music was provided by ReVibe, a Filipino-Australian rhythm and blues (RnB) band.

Federal, state and local officials also participated and are expected to participate in other activities organized by the Filipino community and city councils to commemorate the 116^th anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence. These activities include flag-raising ceremonies and cultural programs held in Sydney and other cities and regions in New South Wales such as Bathurst, Tamworth, Wagga Wagga, Blacktown, Penrith, Parramatta and Gosford. The month-long celebration of this occasion in NSW started last June 01 and will end on June 30. END