GOVPH

16 June 2014 -  Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Antonio A. Morales on June 12, led the flag-raising ceremony highlighting this year’s commemoration of the proclamation of Philippine independence in Singapore.

Personnel of the Philippine Embassy as well as leaders, members and friends of the Filipino community in Singapore participated in the ceremony during the first part of the morning program that was held at the recently spruced-up grounds of the Philippine chancery along 20 Nassim Road. Madame Shirlene C. Mananquil, wife of Ambassador Morales, also came to join the activity.

Officers of the Embassy and the attached agencies joined Ambassador Morales in raising the Philippine flag and in the recital of the “Panunumpa sa Watawat” and “Panunumpa ng mga Kawani ng Gobyerno” and read the messages of President Benigno S. Aquino III, Vice President Jejomar C. Binay, Secretary of Trade and Industry Gregory L. Domingo and Secretary of Labor and Employment Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz, which were tailored for the occasion. Representatives of the Roman Catholic Church, various Christian Churches and the Filipino-Muslim community in Singapore led the ecumenical prayer.

In his message, Ambassador Morales thanked the Filipino community for their presence and steadfast support to the Philippine Embassy even as he encouraged them to continue playing their role as “ambassadors” in spreading the good story of the Philippines and in promoting good relations with Singapore.

Ambassador Morales also reminded the audience that the real meaning of commemorating Philippine independence lies not in pomp and pageantry but in the heart which serves as a wellspring of patriotism and love of country. “This is the reason why we should not be disheartened that the planned Filipino community event at Ngee Ann City in Orchard Road did not push through”, he said.

The second part of the program featured a fellowship. The Embassy Cultural Group presented a production of Harana and Kundiman songs while the traditional dance “Pandanggo sa Tapis” was performed by members of Filipino Overseas Workers in Singapore to the delight of the audience who reminisced the rich Filipino tradition and cultural heritage. 

A mass singing of the popular patriotic song “Ako’y Pilipino” followed.  Also shown was Ms. Cheche’s Lazaro documentary entitled “Sigalot” focusing on our territorial claim over some parts of West Philippine Sea. An announcement was also made on overseas voters registration by the overseas voters (OV) Secretariat.  The OV registration was opened as the event went on to accommodate those attending Filipinos who are not yet registered to do so.

The event was also an occasion for the Philippine Embassy to recognize the effort of the Pilipino Independence Day Council 2014 in organizing activities for this year’s Philippine independence day celebration.

As it is, the event concluded with the traditional salu-salo where everyone savoured an elaborate preparation of lechon, adobo, bistek, kinilaw na talong, suman, pritong bangus, and tsokolate.

In addition to the flag-raising ceremony, a number of activities have been organized by various groups to commemorate Philippine independence in Singapore, which the Ambassador and Embassy officials participated.

Last Sunday, June 8, a holy mass on the occasion at the Church of St. Vincent de Paul in Yio Chu Kang. This was preceded by a “Filipino Day Global Prayer” at the International Baptist Church Singapore in Empress Road. The Foreign Domestic Workers Association for Social Support and Skills Training Singapore (FAST) also organized a Philippine independence day program at its clubhouse in Raeburn Park.

 The PIDC 2014 and other organizations likewise organized the following events:

1.    Blood Donation Campaign at Singapore Health Sciences Authority Blood Bank (PIDC 2014, Batangas Varsitarians and Singapore Red Cross);

2.    Teaching Tinikling Lessons for pupils at Henry Park School (PIDC 2014 and Kultura Performance Arts Pte. Ltd);

3.    Visit to Home for the Aged in Tampines (PIDC 2014 and Philippine Embassy); 

4.    Special Day for Special Ones at the Labrador Park (PIDC 2014 and CHC);

5.    PEP Talk by Jonathan at MDI (PIDC 2014 and UP Alumni Association Singapore);

6.    Song-writing Contest (PIDC 2014 and PinoyGraphers);

7.    Fiesta ng Bayan at Hong Lim Park; and 

8. Indak at Habi at Asian Civilizations Museum (Friends of Museums). END