17 June 2014 – The Colors of Freedom exhibit, an art installation depicting highlights in the history of the Philippine flag, served as a backdrop of the Independence Day program of the Philippine Embassy in Beijing.
Philippine Ambassador to China Erlinda F. Basilio led Embassy officers, staff and their families as they gathered together on June 12 at the Embassy to commemorate the birth of the Philippines as a free and independent state.
The commemoration started at 8:30 a.m. with a flag-raising ceremony, followed by the Ambassador’s remarks and the reading of the messages of President Benigno S. Aquino III; Vice President Jejomar Binay; Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. Del Rosario; Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo; Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez; Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala; and Philippine National Police Chief Allan Purisima by the Embassy’s officers and heads of the attached agencies.
In her inspiring remarks during the program, Ambassador Basilio reminded Embassy personnel to always instill in their minds and hearts their love for their homeland as they affirm their commitment to serve the Filipino community in Beijing as well as Filipinos back home and to continue working together for a free, peaceful and prosperous Philippines.
Ambassador Basilio said, “Kahit na marami sa ating mga Pilipino ang nasa iba’t ibang bahagi ng mundo, nawa’y ang mga ginintuang aral na iniwan sa atin ng ating mga bayani ay ating isabuhay at isapuso sapagkat iisa ang ating bayan na nagbibigay ng kaligayahan sa ating lahat.”
Following the program, everyone was invited to partake of some traditional Filipino breakfast fare of daing na bangus, sinangag, itlog na maalat, mainit na tsokolate and other delicacies, while original Filipino music videos played in the background. END