14 March 2014 – Philippine Ambassador to Lebanon Leah M. Basinang-Ruiz led Embassy, Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLO) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) officers and staff in commemorating the 28th anniversary of the EDSA people power revolution at the Embassy showroom last February 23. The theme for this year was “Kapit-bisig Tungo sa Pagbangon.” Filipinos sheltered in the Embassy’s Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Resource Center (MWOFRC) also joined in the commemoration.
The event started with the singing of the Philippine national anthem led by Embassy Property Officer Ms. Ma. Chloe Silverio and the recitation of the Panunumpa sa Watawat ng Pilipinas led by Assistant Labor Attaché Irma Valiente. These were followed by an ecumenical prayer led by Welfare Officer Imelda Gatinao.
In her message, Ambassador Ruiz stressed the significance of the peaceful revolution that took place 28 years ago and the need to keep alive the spirit and true meaning of democracy that the Filipinos achieved 28 years ago. The highlight of the commemoration was the sharing of reflections and thoughts on the EDSA people power revolution by Mr. Alejandro Ricardo Ruiz, spouse of Ambassador Ruiz, Vice Consul Dennis John Briones, Vice Consul Rona Beth Goce, Cultural Officer Gladys Perey and Assistance to Nationals (ATN) officer Gladys Perey. In between their speeches, scenes from the documentary film “Puso at Diwa ni Ninoy” were shown. As the commemoration ended, the attendees stood up and linked their arms and sang “Magkaisa.” A breakfast salo-salo was held after the program. END
