26 June 2014 - The Philippine Embassy in Oslo led the celebrations for the 116th anniversary of Philippine Independence in Norway.
On June 13, the Philippine Embassy and the Mekeni Group sponsored an Independence Day at St. Joseph’s Church facilitated by Rev. Fr. Amando Bergantino Alfaro Jr. followed by a dinner reception at St. Olav’s Cathedral auditorium. During the dinner reception, Philippine Ambassador to Norway Bayani S. Mercado delivered the Independence Day Message of President Benigno Aquino III.
The following day, the Philippine Embassy celebrated with the New Filipino Working Group in St. Hanshaugen. Ambassador Mercado and the Embassy personnel also led the parade around Oslo’s city center which ended at Youngstorget where the Filipino Community in Norway were holding their celebrations.
Throughout the day Filipino food was available in stands. Classical and modern Filipino music and dances were presented in Youngstorget. The Philippine Embassy was also on hand to offer travel information to the Philippines for prospective tourists and provided Overseas Voter registration services for interested citizens.
Ambassador Mercado also thanked Filipinos in Norway for their generous aid after Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) hit the Philippines. He also reminded them that the Embassy is there to for their consular and other needs.
The Philippines declared its independence from Spain on the 12th of June 1898 after approximately three hundred years of colonial rule. END