AUTHENTICATION
20 June 2014 - The Philippine Embassy kicked off the day-long celebration of the 116th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence with an early morning flag-raising ceremony at the Embassy grounds on June 12.
Philippine Ambassador to the People’s Democratic Republic of Laos (Lao PDR) Maria Lumen B. Isleta, together with Third Secretary and Vice Consul Analyn de Leon-Ratonel and prominent leaders and representatives of various sectors of the Filipino community in Laos, raised the Philippine flag as the national anthem “Lupang Hinirang” played.
Mr. John Ancog, a Filipino child, led the crowd of almost a hundred people in the ceremonial “Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat ng Pilipinas” (Oath of Allegiance to the Philippine Flag).
Ambassador Isleta read the national day message of President Benigno S. Aquino III, which noted the need to maintain “the Philippines’ upward economic trajectory and restored distinction on the global platform.”
Vice Consul de Leon-Ratonel read the national day message of Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert F. del Rosario, which called on the overseas Filipinos, the modern-day heroes, to keep the faith in the country’s future.
Filipino children then presented a cultural performance, dancing to “Leron Leron Sinta,” a popular Filipino folk tune. They were choreographed and led by Ms. Ma. Teresa Polistico, the Cultural attaché of the Embassy.
Finally, Ambassador Isleta handed out certificates of recognition to some members of the Filipino community for their invaluable contribution to help the Filipinos in the Philippines and in Laos, particularly the members of the Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) Fundraising Core Group led by Dr. Bernadette Gonzales, Mr. Joel Wayne Ganibe and Mr. Erwin Balanay, and the resource persons for Sentro Rizal cultural events and activities led by Ms. Sylvia Tamangen, Mr. Giovanni Villafuerte and Ms. Lily Araña.
After the ceremony, everyone shared in a traditional Pinoy Almusal, complete with fried longganisa (Filipino sausage), fried danggit (dried fish), tortang talong (eggplant omelet), itlognamaalat at kamatis (salted egg and tomatoes), and steamed rice. END
OFFICE OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS 
