PH Embassy in Canberra Marks 127th Independence Day, 164th Birth Anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal

The Philippine Embassy in Canberra and the Filipino community in ACT hold a flag raising ceremony in commemoration of the 127th Philippine Independence Day and the 164th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal on 14 June 2025. (Canberra PE photo)

CANBERRA 07 July 2025 — The Philippine Embassy in Canberra commemorated the 127th anniversary of Philippine independence and the 164th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal with a solemn flag-raising ceremony, wreath laying, and a meaningful gathering with the Filipino community in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) on 14 June 2025.

Filipino cadets at the Australian Defence Force Academy raised the Philippine flag, while officers from the Armed Forces of the Philippines currently undertaking postgraduate studies in Canberra also took part in the ceremony.

In his remarks, Philippine Ambassador to Australia Antonio A. Morales reflected on the enduring significance of Philippines independence as “a responsibility to live with purpose, with conscience, and in service to others.” He also paid tribute to Dr. Jose Rizal and underscored how his quiet acts of service, even while in exile, embody the essence of true nationhood.

The program also shared the video messages from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., First Lady Marie Louise Araneta Marcos, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique A. Manalo and the messages of Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr., and Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac were delivered by Defense and Armed Forces Attaché Eduardo Castillo and Labor Attaché Melissa Mendizabal respectively.

Community leaders and members of organizations such as the Filipino Community Council of the ACT, Knights of Rizal, and Kababaihang Rizalista were in attendance. After the official program, attendees were invited to a traditional Filipino lunch, which provided an opportunity for fellowship and community engagement.

The lunch showcased a selection of traditional Filipino dishes including chicken sisig (sizzling chopped chicken with onions and spices), crispy pata bites (fried pork knuckle pieces), beef caldereta (tomato-based beef stew), fried boneless bangus (milkfish), ensaladang talong (grilled eggplant salad with capsicum, tomatoes, and parsley), turon (fried banana spring rolls) and ensaymada (sweet brioche buns). END

Ambassador Antonio A. Morales delivers his remarks during the ceremony commemorating the 127th Philippine Independence Day and the 164th birth anniversary of Dr. José Rizal. (Canberra PE photo)

Video messages from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Marie Louise Araneta-Marcos in celebration of the 127th Philippine Independence Day were shared during the ceremony. (Canberra PE photo)

Defence and Armed Forces Attaché Colonel Eduardo Castillo (left) and Labour Attaché Melissa Mendizabal (right) read the official messages of Secretary of National Defense Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. and Secretary of Migrant Workers Hans Leo J. Cacdac, respectively, during the ceremony in celebration of the 127th Philippine Independence Day and the 164th birth anniversary of Dr. José Rizal. (Canberra PE photo)

His Excellency Antonio A. Morales (center), Philippine Ambassador to Australia, is joined by Col. Eduardo Castillo, Philippine Defense and Armed Forces Attaché (right), and Col. Paul Anthony Aviquivil, Assistant Defense and Armed Forces Attaché (left), in offering a floral wreath at the bust of Dr. José Rizal in Canberra to commemorate the 164th anniversary of Rizal’s birth. (Canberra PE photo)

Representatives of the Knights of Rizal and Kababaihang Rizalista offer roses at the bust of Dr. José Rizal in Canberra to honor the 164th birth anniversary of the Philippine national hero. (Canberra PE photo)

Members of the Filipino Community and the Cadets also joined in offering flowers to Dr. José Rizal at his bust inside the Philippine Embassy in Canberra. (Canberra PE photo)

For more information, visit https://www.philembassy.org.au, or https://www.facebook.com/PHinAustralia/.