27 June 2014 – The Philippine Embassy in Damascus, Syria celebrates 116th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence and held activities which were attended by Embassy's officers and staff, personnel of O'NVVA and members of the Filipino Community in Syria (FCS). The activities started with a flag-raising ceremony on June 12, followed by breakfast and get-together with sheltered wards, then culminating with the conduct of the 2014 Philippine Barrio Fiesta on June 15 held at the Ambassador Nestor Padalhin's residence.
The Embassy held the traditional flag-raising ceremony on June 12 at 8:00a.m., on the rooftop of the Philippine Chancery. Dressed in Filipiniana and Barong, the Embassy and O'NVVA personnel paid respect to the Philippine National Flag, sang the National Anthem and recited the Panunumpa sa Watawat ng Pilipinas.
The Ambassador delivered the national day message of President Benigno S. Aquino Ill, while the national day messages of Secretary Albert F. del Rosario and Vice President Jejomar C. Binay were read by Ms. Jocelyn Balili and Vice Consul Francis Maynard S. Maleon.
The Ambassador also conveyed personal remarks to all those who were present, taking cognizance of the importance of celebrating Philippine Independence annually. He also acknowledged the presence of Consul General ad honorem Wassim Nanaa and thanked him for his untiring assistance in the continuous implementation of the Philippine government's mandatory Repatriation Program (MRP) in Syria.
After the formal flag-raising ceremony, all Embassy personnel, as well as the Filipino nationals sheltered at the Embassy's Halfway Quarters gathered at the multi-purpose room at the basement of the Chancery to share light breakfast comprised of traditional Filipino foods and cuisine.
2014 PHILIPPINE BARRIO FIESTA
Ambassador Padalhin hosted the first Philippine Barrio Fiesta in Syria at his residence in West Mezzeh, Damascus on June 15. It was attended by Embassy officers and staff, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) personnel, officers and members of the Filipino Community in Syria (FCS), personnel of the Philippine Contingent to the United Nations Disengagement Force (UNDOF) in the Golan Heights, at least 12 members of the Diplomatic Corps and International Organizations, a member of the Syrian Parliament, and two officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates.
The Barrio Fiesta showcased Philippine culture through food, dance and song. Posters of "More Fun in the Philippines" were also displayed in the venue of the event. The highlight of the event was the presentation to guests and visitors of the various Philippine dishes and local delicacies prepared by the Embassy personnel and members of the FCS.
During the event, the Embassy also took the opportunity to register OFWs for the 2016 Presidential Elections. Guests and visitors conveyed their gracious sentiments in appreciating the Philippine Embassy for hosting the Barrio Fiesta 2014.
The Embassy successfully celebrated the annual national day celebrations, albeit in a simple manner. END