PH Consulate General in Jeddah Holds National Day Diplomatic Reception in Celebration of the 125th Anniversary of Philippine Independence

Philippine Consul General to Jeddah Edgar Tomas Q. Auxilian delivers his message during the diplomatic reception. (Jeddah PCG photo)

JEDDAH 27 June 2023 — The Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia held a diplomatic reception, in celebration of the 125th anniversary of Philippine independence this year on 22 June 2023 at the Al Sultan Ballroom, InterContinental Hotel Jeddah.

The event was attended by more than 200 members of the diplomatic corps in Jeddah, Saudi government officials, Saudi business sector, and select members of the Filipino community in Jeddah. Mr. Adnan Murad, Director of Protocol Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs-Makkah Al-Mukarramah Branch, was the guest of honor at the event.

Secretary Guiling Mamondiong of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) and Chargé d'Affaires to Riyadh Mr. Rommel Romato, were also in attendance at the event. Consuls General of Indonesia, Singapore, Japan, ROK, Pakistan, US, United Kingdom, Russia, Germany, among many others, as well as representatives from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), were likewise present at the celebration.  

In his message, Consul General Auxilian underscored the advances that the Philippines has undergone since the country has regained its independence 125 years ago, through the sacrifices and heroism of Filipino compatriots who fought hard, even losing their lives to gain the much sought after independence from the colonizers. 

“I am pleased to say that our ancestors’ desire to be an independent nation has not gone in vain,” Consul General Auxilian said. “Since becoming the very first republic in Asia more than 12 decades ago, the Philippines has made great strides in the political and economic arena. Today, the Philippines is a vibrant democracy, and is among the fastest growing economies in Asia. It is in fact, the fastest growing economy in ASEAN in 2022, with a gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate of 7.6 per cent in the said year. The Philippines is still projected to be in the top three fastest growing economies in the ASEAN region in the next two years (based on the forecast of the World Economic Forum and the International Monetary Fund),” he added. 

Consul General Auxilian also thanked the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for being an active partner of the country in national development, with its vibrant trade partnership with the Kingdom, and by being a hub for hundreds of thousands of Filipino workers who have contributed greatly to the Philippine economy through international remittances. Consul General Auxilian expressed his hopes for sustained dynamic bilateral ties between the Philippines and Saudi Arabia for both countries to achieve their development goals as espoused in the AmBisyon Natin 2040 for the Philippines, and the Saudi Vision 2030 for Saudi Arabia. 

The diplomatic reception, whose preparations were spearheaded by Dr. Maria Vita E. Auxilian, featured various cultural presentations as its main highlight, showcasing traditional Filipino songs and dances, including kundiman songs from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, much to the delight of the guests.

Jeddah-based artists performed popular Filipino songs such as “Sa Kabukiran”, “Carinosa”, “Dungawin Mo Hirang”, and “Pasayawa Ko, Day”, among others. A live exhibit of Philippine costumes was also staged at the venue showcasing Philippine festivities/folklore such as Santacruzan and Flores de Mayo, Bulawan, and Singkil, among others, much to the awe and amazement of the guests, who were all impressed by the color and vibrance of the Philippine arts, culture and traditions.  

The Consulate General’s National Day diplomatic reception was aligned with the nationwide theme of the 125th Philippine independence anniversary: “Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan” (Freedom, Future, History). END

NCMF Secretary Guiling Mamondiong (leftmost) with H.E. Adnan Murad, Consul General Auxilian and CDA Rommel Romato during the ceremonial cake cutting. (Jeddah PCG photo)

Left photo: Dance performance by some of the FilCom performers. Right photo: Officials and staff of Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah, MWO-Jeddah, OWWA-Jeddah with ConGen Romato and his wife. (Jeddah PCG photo)

H.E. Adnan Murad (center) with Consulate General Auxilian and his wife Dr. Maria Vita E. Auxilian, CDA Rommel Romato and his wife Dr. Nizreen Romato. (Jeddah PCG photo)

For more information, visit https://www.jeddahpcg.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinJeddah/.