24 June 2014 - In celebration of the 116th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence, officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy in Amman including those of the attached agencies, together with their families and the members of the Filipino community in Jordan, celebrated the anniversary of Philippine Independence on June 13.
They held a flag raising ceremony on June 13 at the Ambassador’s residence, where the National Day messages of President Benigno S. Aquino III, Vice-President Jejomar C. Binay, Secretary Albert F. Del Rosario and Secretary Rosalinda D. Baldoz of the Department of Labor and Employment were read.
A simple breakfast for everyone was served featuring Filipino delicacies such as champorado, salabat, tuyo, pancit canton, rice sinangag, among others.
Afterwards, they proceeded to the Church of the Annunciation in Jabal Weibde, Amman, at noon to attend the Catholic mass together with the Filipino community. Special prayers for the Philippines were offered during the mass in commemoration of Independence Day. Philippine Ambassador to Jordan Olivia Palala addressed the public to enlighten them on the country’s independence history. She read the National Day message of President Benigno S. Aquino III.
On June 17 , the Embassy hosted a diplomatic reception at the Crowne Plaza Hotel which was well-attended by the members of the various diplomatic missions and international organizations, Jordanian government officials and businessmen and Filipino community leaders in Amman. The highlight of the event were the cultural dances performed by selected personnel from the Embassy and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (POLO/OWWA). The dances included the Maglalatik of Luzon, Cariñosa of the Visayas and the Kapa Malong-Malong of Mindanao. During dinner, the guests were serenaded with popular Kundiman songs which included Mike Velarde Jr.’s “Minamahal Kita” and “Dahil Sa Iyo,” sung by selected singers from the Embassy.
In her National Day speech, Ambassador Palala underscored the Philippines' outstanding economic performance and continuous fight against corruption. She also emphasized the world-class qualities of Filipino overseas workers who are hardworking, highly-literate, competent, friendly, honest, and God-fearing. She highlighted the resiliency of the Filipino people who continue to rise and move on with their lives despite being struck with several natural calamities and tragedies. END