The program began with the singing of the Philippine national anthem and welcome remarks from the Philippine Ambassador to Mexico, Catalino R. Dilem, Jr.

In his speech, the Ambassador informed the Filipino communityof the historical link between the Philippines and Mexico, with relations that started 450 years ago during the era of the Manila-Acapulco Galleon trade. He cited several commonalities in Philippine and Mexican culture that resulted from mutually influencing each other's traditions, national characters, cuisine, and language. 

In highlighting the economic gains that the Philippines has won under the Philippines' present leadership, Ambassador Dilem also recognized the hard work done by the Filipinos abroad and their contribution to the advancement of the country.

Ambassador Dilem then cited the importance of participating in the country's democratic process and encouraged theFilipino community to register and vote in the 2016 presidential elections.

Following the Ambassador's remarks, the Independence Day Messages of President Benigno S. Aquino III, Vice-President Jejomar Binay, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert del Rosario and Secretary of Labor Rosalinda Baldoz were read out by the Embassy officers.

As part of the Embassy’s efforts to update and inform the Filipino community members on the developments in the Philippines, it invited Mr. Jose R. Carrillo, Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Cementos Mexicanos (CEMEX) to speak about CEMEX's investment experience in the Philippines.

Mr. Carrillo informed them that CEMEX started its operations in the Philippines in 1997 and has continued to expand since then. He also mentioned their latest investment for the construction of a new integrated cement production line at its plant in Luzon. He said that CEMEX is happy to be in the Philippines and confident in the country's direction.

Certificates of appreciation were then awarded to certain members of the Filipino community for their invaluable support to the numerous cultural programs of the Embassy.

The program included a brief cultural presentation that featured a rendition of the binasuan folk dance and an original song number entitled “Alapaap”, performed by members of the Filipino community.

The program was capped by a salu-salo where guests feasted on Filipino dishes such as lechon kawali, Bicol express, pancit,lumpia, dinuguan at puto, embutido, spaghetti, and buko saladprepared by the ladies of the Philippine Embassy.END