04 July 2014 - On June 12, the Philippine Embassy in Mexico conducted a series of commemorative events to celebrate the 116th anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence.
The Embassy staff, led by Philippine Ambassador to Mexico Catalino R. Dilem, Jr., began the day’s commemorative activities in the morning with a wreath-laying at the statue of Dr. Jose Rizal in Lomas de Chapultepec, Mexico City.
The embassy hosted an afternoon reception at the Club de Naval with members of the diplomatic corps, Mexican government officials, veterans and family members of the Squadron 201 “Aztec Eagles,” who aided in the liberation of the Philippines during the World War II (WWII).
In his speech, Ambassador Dilem mentioned this year’s Independence Day theme: “Pagsunod sa Yapak ng mga Dakilang Pilipino, Tungo sa Malawakan at Permanenteng Pagbabago.” He thanked the audience for gracing the afternoon’s event and spoke of the deep similarities that the Philippines and Mexico shared, both in terms of cultural heritage and in their respective revolutions and struggles for independence.
The Ambassador also recognized overseas Filipino workers as modern-day heroes and their contribution to the rapid economic development of the Philippines. He highlighted the Philippines’ performance as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world in recent years, and stated that the Philippine government would continue in the Daang Matuwid program of good governance in order to consolidate the gains made so far.
Ambassador Dilem then acknowledged the presence of the Squadron 201 veterans, and thanked them once more on behalf of the Filipino people for the sacrifices they made during WWII.
He also noted the presence of eminent Filipino artist, Manuel B. Baldemor. Mr. Baldemor is currently in Mexico for a one-man exhibition of paintings on the galleon trade and the links between Filipino and Mexican culture.
After the Ambassador’s speech, the embassy staff, along with members of the Filipino community in Mexico, put on a display of Philippine traditional dress from around the entire country and staged a performance of tinikling, to the delight of the invited guests. END