17 June 2014 -  The  Philippine  Consulate General in Milan joined the Independence day celebration in Bologna on June 15.

The celebration, bearing the theme, “Kasaysayan, Kultura at Tradisyon Yan ang Yaman ng Ating  Nasyon, Pagyamanin, Ipakilala  at Ibahagi para sa Susunod pa Nating Lahi,” was organized by the  Federation  of Filipino Associations in  Bologna  (FEDFAB).  Various Filipino association leaders, their sponsors and religious organizations in Bologna participated and attended the whole day celebration.

FEDFAB warmly welcomed Philippine Consul General Marichu Mauro and noted that this was the first time that the Consulate General participated in their Independence Day celebrations. The program started with the parade of Filipino associations, the singing of the national anthem and prayers from various religious organizations.

In line with the event’s theme, Consul General Mauro emphasized the role of Filipino parents to present and inform their children about the rich culture and history of the Philippines. She also shared the Conslate General’s plans to conduct seminars or workshops on Filipino language and lessons on Philippine history for the Filipino youth in Northern Italy.

Consul General Mauro likewise led the oath-taking of the newly elected officers of FEDFAB for 2014-2016. She once again encouraged the cooperation of the Filipino community on future projects.

Bologna, located in the Emilia Romagna region in Italy, hosts some 7,000 Filipinos. Many of the Filipinos arrived in the city and suburbs in the 1990’s. There are about 20 Filipino organizations in Bologna and the majority of them have second- and even third-generation Filipinos as members.

Bologna is a renowned medieval Italian city and hosts the oldest university in the world, the University of Bologna, established in 1088 A.D. END