22 June 2015 - Philippine Ambassador to Nigeria Alex V. Lamadrid attended the celebration of the 117th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence hosted by Philippine Honorary Consul in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire Philippe Forest on June 14 at his residence. The Philippine Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria, exercises administrative jurisdiction over Cote d’Ivoire.
The informal get-together was attended by more than 150 Filipinos composed of overseas Filipinos workers (OFWs) working in various industries as engineers, accountants, sales executives, construction workers, restaurant chefs, and guest relations officers, as well as United Nations (UN) staff. Friends of the Philippines particularly UN peacekeepers from Nepal and Bhutan, as well as from other countries also attended the celebration.
The celebration commenced with an invocation, and with the singing of the Philippine National Anthem. Prayers were offered for the repose of the soul of a Filipina who passed away in Abidjan recently.
In welcoming the attendees, Honorary Consul Forest expressed delight at the attendance of so many Filipinos to the first Philippine Independence Day celebration since the establishment of the honorary consulate in Abidjan last year. He emphasized the need for the Filipino community to remain united and pledged the whole-hearted support and service of the honorary consulate for the well-being of all Filipinos in Cote d’Ivoire.
Ambassador Lamadrid conveyed his appreciation to Honorary Consul Forest for hosting the get-together which gathered so many Filipinos from different walks of life. He took the opportunity to read the Independence Day messages of President Benigno S. Aquino III and Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario. Ambassador Lamadrid likewise reminded the OFWs of the importance of saving and investing their hard-earned money for their retirement, or in preparation for their return to the Philippines upon finishing their contracts. The Philippine Ambassador also informed the attendees regarding the recent successes of the Aquino administration in the political and economic spheres, in line with this year’s theme “Triumph through reforms, within nation’s reach.”
In true bayanihan spirit, the attendees assisted the Honorary Consulate General by arranging the venue and contributing Filipino dishes and delectable desserts. Filipino chefs from a famous Japanese restaurant offered sushi and sashimi.
The celebration lasted from early afternoon until late night. Aside from enjoying the camaraderie of fellow Filipinos and foreign guests, OFWs also indulged in bingo games to amuse themselves.
Ambassador Lamadrid was accompanied by Assistance-To-Nationals (ATN) In-charge and Attache Raymund Ondiano. The Embassy team rendered consular services, overseas voters registration and ATN consultations during the celebration. The ATN In-charge also offered counseling to some Filipino women in especially difficult circumstances. END