12 June 2014 - The Philippine Consulate General in Milan joined the Philippines in commemorating the 116th Anniversary of the Proclamation of its Independence with an event held on June 08 at the Piazza Frattini, Milan. The celebration was anchored on this year’s theme “KALAYAAN 2014 :Pagsunod saYapak ng mga Dakilang Pilipino, Tungo sa Malawakan at Permanenteng Pagbabago.” The celebration started with a holy mass officiated by Filipino and Italian priests at the Immaculate Concepcion Parish.
Immediately after the mass, a program was held at the parish grounds attended by different Filipino communities and associations. Also present during the event were Deputy Vice Prefect Simona Pesole of the Prefettura di Milano and Atty. Maria Grazia Cavallo-Borello, Philippine Honorary Consul in Torino.
In her welcome remarks, Consul General Marichu Mauro highlighted the heroism of our forefathers in fighting for our country’s sovereignty and freedom. She also encouraged everyone to follow the footsteps of our heroes in striving to be effective ambassadors of patriotism and heroism in our present times by being responsible citizens and caring for our society and countrymen in any way we can.
Her remarks were followed by the reading of Independence Day messages from President Benigno S. Aquino III, Vice President Jejomar Binay and Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz.
Atty. Cavallo-Borello gave her short message sharing that the Italians have a lot to learn from the Filipino community – family values, respect and care for others. She hopes that more than just integration, the Filipinos and the Italians would have an intertwined culture which will benefit both societies.
The festivity concluded with “salu-salo” served to all the guests. END