19 June 2015 - Filipinos from all over Iran joined the Philippine Embassy on June 12 to celebrate the 117th Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Philippine Independence with the theme, “Independence 2015: Triumphs Through Reforms, Within Nation’s Reach.”
Embassy personnel headed by Philippine Ambassador to Iran Eduardo Martin R. Meñez, welcomed more than 200 Filipinos, some of whom were accompanied by their Iranian spouses and children.
The celebration commenced with the flag-raising ceremony and recital of the pledge of allegiance to the Philippine flag. Ambassador Meñez delivered the opening remarks and warmly welcomed and thanked all those who came, especially those from far away provinces of Iran, to join the Embassy in commemorating the anniversary of the Philippine Independence.
He also mentioned on the recent visits made by various high-ranking Philippine government officials to Iran to enhance the bilateral relations between the two countries and to look at possible areas of mutual interest and cooperation. He further encouraged Filipinos who have not yet registered for the 2016 Presidential Election. He informed them that they have until October 31 to register, adding that the Embassy is open for those who wish to register during the event. Finally, Ambassador Meñez reminded fellow Filipinos to always adhere to the ideals, values and sacrifices espoused by the national heroes that gave birth to the Filipino freedom and democracy.
The messages of President Benigno Aquino III and Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario were also read during the celebration and the messages of Vice President Binay and Philippine Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldos were likewise distributed at the start of the program.
Cultural presentations from the Filipino community of Iran were also shown during the celebration, which included a performance from an Iranian group, the Rasch performing artists, playing Philippine folk songs.
The event also included an exhibit on the World Heritage Sites of the Philippines by the UNESCO and a display of photos on the sceneries and people in the Philippines taken by Mr. Farhad Soleymani, an Iranian citizen married to a Filipina.
A cocktail reception with the Diplomatic corps was also held on June 14 at the Hermo Restaurant co-owned by a Filipino-Iranian citizen. Diplomats from the different embassies accredited in Iran, officials from the various agencies in Iran, Iranian businessmen and travel operators attended the event.
Deputy Minister for Asia and Oceania of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ebrahim Rahimpour, President of the Iran-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Society Dr. Nasrolah Pezhmanfar, Director of First Department for East Asia and Oceania of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Khosh Heykal Azad, Director General for Asia and Oceania of the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agricultural (ICCIMA) Ali Asghar Farshchi, and Director General of the International Affairs Relations of ICHTO Ladan Tehrani, were among the top ranking government officials who attended the event.
Exchange of messages of appreciation and congratulation were given by Ambassador Meñez and Mr. Rahimpour. A ceremonial cutting of the cake was also done by them to signify the strong friendly relations between the two countries.
The World Heritage sites of the Philippines and the photos taken by Mr. Soleymani of the Philippines were also mounted during the affair. END