PH Consul General in Manado Celebrates 120^th Anniversary of Philippine Independence

Consul General Oscar G. Orcine (center, in Barong Tagalog) is joined by North Sulawesi Governor Olly Dondokambey (in Indonesian batik), Manado City Acting Mayor Dominus Bastiaan (in civilian coat and tie), Bishop Emeritus Joseph Suwatan, and other dignitaries during the Philippine National Day Reception in manado, Indonesia on 02 June 2018. (Manado PCG photo)

MANADO 08 June 2018 - The Philippine Consulate General in Manado held its National Day Reception celebrating the 120^th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel on 02 June 2018.

The event was attended by 197 guests which included members of the Filipino community in Manado, officials of the various agencies of the Indonesian government, and friends of the Consulate General in Indonesia.

North Sulawesi Governor Olly Dondokambey, Manado City Acting Mayor Dominus Bastiaan, and Bishop Emeritus Joseph Suwatan led the roster of dignitaries at the event, which included customs and immigration officials, ranking officers of police and military units, businessmen, professionals, and religious leaders.

In the keynote address, Consul General Oscar G. Orcine highlighted the exceptional emotion felt by Filipinos commemorating Philippine independence in a foreign land, which reflects the lives of heroes of the Revolution who didn’t fail to strive for independence even when they were abroad.

Consul General Orcine called on Filipinos to ponder on the theme “Pagbabagong Ipinaglalaban, Alay sa Masaganang Kinabukasan.” He emphasized how the “change” contemplated in the theme is exemplified in the “Build, Build, Build” agenda of the Government which presently drives rapid development in the Philippines.

The Consul General concluded by encouraging Filipinos in Indonesia to work towards closer ties between the two countries. He invited Filipinos to draw inspiration from the declaration of President Rodrigo Duterte that the Philippines and Indonesia are not just partners, but also brothers.

Consul General Orcine and Governor Dondokambey performed the ceremonial cutting of the cake as a gesture of friendship and cooperation between the Philippines and Indonesia. The top official of the province expressed gratitude and optimism for the Philippine-Indonesia cooperation in the areas of economic development, counter-terrorism and the fight against illegal narcotics.                                                                       

Members of the audience were entertained by Filipino teachers and students of the Manado Independent School, who performed a contemporary dance number to the tune of “Kanta na Pilipinas” and the traditional dance “Karatong”.

This National Day reception was held ahead of the Indonesian holidays beginning on the 11^th up to the 20^th of June.

The commemoration of the 120^th Philippine independence by the Consulate General will culminate in a flag-raising ceremony on 16 June 2018 to which members of the Filipino community are especially invited. END

For more information, visit www.manadopcg.dfa.gov.ph.

Consul General Oscar G. Orcine (right) and Governor Dondokambey perform the ceremonial cutting of the cake as a gesture of friendship and cooperation between the Philippines and Indonesia. (Manado PCG photo)

Consul General Oscar G. Orcine (center) leads Consulate personnel and members of the Filipino community in celebrating the 120^th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine independence. (Manado PCG photo)