17 June 2014 - The Philippine Embassy in Beijing hosted a reception at the Legendale Hotel in Beijing on June 09 to commemorate the 116th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence.
In attendance were members of the diplomatic corps in Beijing, officials from various ministries of the Chinese government, representatives from the business sector, media and the academe, and prominent Filipinos based in Beijing. The guest of honor was Assistant Minister Liu Jianchao, who was Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines from 2009 to 2011.
Speaking before more than 250 guests, Philippine Ambassador to China Erlinda F. Basilio highlighted the theme of this year’s celebration, “Following the footsteps of great Filipinos toward permanent and widespread change,” noting that the theme aptly represents the idea that a nation’s independence is a result of noble sacrifices of selfless men and women and that we should heed the lessons of history that enduring and consequential change requires fortitude of spirit and the willingness to act.
Ambassador Basilio added that while the Philippines pursues its aspirations for meaningful independence, it also values solidarity with the community of nations and will always seek to promote peace, mutual understanding and prosperity for people in the world. Stressing the interdependence between countries, she noted and expressed gratitude to the countries and their nationals who reached out to the Philippines and the Filipinos in the aftermath of the devastation caused by typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda. She thanked, in particular, the Chinese government and the Chinese people for their substantial assistance in Philippine efforts to rehabilitate and uplift the lives of those affected by the typhoon.
To conclude her remarks, Ambassador Basilio offered a toast to the continuing peace, advancement and exaltation of the Filipino nation, and to the growing interactions, holistic partnership and enduring friendship between the Philippines and China. END
