17 June 2014 - On June 13, the Filipino community in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia held an elaborate celebration of the 116th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence Day, held at the International Philippine School in Al-Khobar (IPSA).
The one-day celebration started with reading of the messages from President, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, the Secretary of Labor and Employment, and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator.
Philippine Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ezzedin Tago gave a short message, in which he encouraged Filipinos to invest in the Philippines and work towards their eventual reintegration into the Philippine society and economy.
The program also included the awarding of outstanding migrant worker awards to 19 OFWs based in the Eastern Region. A composite committee from Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) Eastern with representatives from the community had chosen the awardees who received plaques and medals.
The celebration included various cultural performances by students and community members in the Eastern region. END