Philippine Embassy in Brussels Celebrates Independence Day, Touts Positive Change in PH
Ambassador to Belgium Eduardo José A. de Vega, with officers and staff members of the Philippine Embassy in Brussels, celebrates the 120th Anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence with for the Filipino community in Belgium and Luxembourg on 09 June. (Brussels PE photo)
BRUSSELS 25 June 2018 — The Philippine Embassy in Brussels hosted two receptions to celebrate the 120th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence, with some 150 guests attending the reception for the Filipino community on 09 June and some 180 diplomats and other guests attending the diplomatic reception on 11 June.
During the salo-salo at the Embassy 09 June, Ambassador to Belgium Eduardo José A. de Vega exhorted Filipinos in Belgium and Luxembourg to emulate the virtues that made Dr. José Rizal an exemplary overseas Filipino, and encouraged them to continue their special role as “ambassadors” of the Philippines abroad.
The fiesta atmosphere at the Embassy garden was made more festive with the serving of Filipino breakfast favorites like fried dried danggit, skinless longganisa and garlic rice, and the rendition of songs by Filipino kids.
In his speech during the diplomatic reception on 11 June, Ambassador De Vega congratulated Belgium on its successful election to the United Nations Security Council for the term 2019-2020.
The Ambassador also announced that Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano will visit Brussels this October to strengthen the cordial relationship between the Philippines and Belgium.
He said that change has indeed come to the Philippines. “We are more engaged in maintaining peace and order and growing an economy that benefits all. Our campaigns against crime and illegal drugs have resulted in the majority of families being more safe and secure. This is the promise of our President, His Excellency Rodrigo Roa Duterte,” Ambassador De Vega said.
On the economic and tourism fronts, he said that there are so many opportunities available for Belgians and Europeans to explore the Philippines, which has become one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia.
“Manila today is a vibrant and young megalopolis where there is a confluence of business and culture. Outside the capital, each province and each island has an adventure waiting to be told, and any of you here can be the ones to tell it. All you have to do is visit, whether for business, pleasure, or both. As we say, ‘It’s more fun in the Philippines,’” the Ambassador said.
Guests of the diplomatic reception included 29 ambassadors, with all ASEAN ambassadors, and top envoys from Europe, Latin America, Africa and other parts of Asia present. They were especially pleased that Ambassador de Vega did not just use English in his speech but included parts in French, Dutch, German, Spanish and Filipino.
Ambassador De Vega also paid tribute to the almost 10,000-strong Filipino community in Belgium, saying “I am proud to see that they have become responsible contributors to Belgian society, giving not only their skills and their smiles, but also giving this country the current reigning Miss Belgium.” END
Overseas Filipino Workers are the real ambassadors of the Philippines because they deal directly with the locals on a daily basis, said Ambassador to Belgium Eduardo José A. De Vega as he delivered his message to Filipino community during the celebration hosted by the Philippine Embassy in Brussels. (Brussels PE photo)
Ambassador Eduardo José A. de Vega with officers and staff members of the Philippine Embassy in Brussels during the celebration of the 120th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence for the Filipino community in Belgium and Luxembourg on 09 June. (Brussels PE photo)
For more information, visit www.brusselspe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinBelgium
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