PH Embassy in Baghdad Celebrates 124th PH Independence with the Filipino Community in Kurdistan
Philippine Ambassador to Iraq Generoso D.G. Calonge delivers his message to the Filipino Community in Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) challenging each one “to continue rising above the challenges of an unprecedented future and to collaborate as one strong Filipino community.” (Baghdad PE photo)
BAGHDAD 27 June 2022 — The Philippine Embassy in Baghdad extended the 124th Celebration of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence to the Filipino Community in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) on 17 June 2022. Around 150 Filipinos attended the celebration in Hanzo Plaza Hotel.
In his remarks, Philippine Honorary Consul Falah Karur expressed his gratitude and reiterated his commitment to continue promoting Philippine interests, through tourism, trade, and assisting Filipino nationals in the KRI. Vice Consul Christopher P. Castillo relayed the message of Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. highlighting the resiliency of Filipinos to “rise to the challenge of a new tomorrow.”
Philippine Ambassador to Iraq Generoso D.G. Calonge conveyed the message of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte of inspiring Filipinos to “work together so that we can realize our vision of the more harmonious and more progressive Philippines.”
The Ambassador also enumerated the Embassy’s achievements for the last two years such as the resumption of the Selective Balik Manggagawa Program, a trade mission to the Philippines for the businessmen in Iraq, and continuous and unrelenting assistance to our kababayans in Iraq.
Ambassador Calonge concluded his message by challenging the Filipino audience to continue to unite as one Filipino Community (FilCom) and living together harmoniously with the generous and kind people of Kurdistan.
Selected members of the FilCom showcased their talents by singing OPM songs and dancing “Carinosa.” All members of the Embassy, including Ambassador Calonge, Vice Consul Castillo and Hon. Con. Karur, entertained the Filipino audience with song and dance numbers.
In collaboration with the Erbil-based Filipino master chefs and bakers, the Embassy prepared a sumptuous All-Pinoy buffet lunch of: lumpiang ubod, pancit bihon, chicken menudo, kare-kare, pinakbet, ube pandesal, puto, kutsinta and biko. END
Ambassador Calonge receives a plaque of appreciation from the Filipino Community Organization in Erbil, Kurdistan. Also in picture is Honorary Consul Falah Karur, fourth from right. (Baghdad PE photo)
The Filipino community shares some light moments with the Ambassador while receiving souvenir items while celebrating the 124thPhilippine Independence Day. (Baghdad PE photo)
For more information, visit https://www.baghdadpe.dfa.gov.ph, https://philembassybaghdad.wordpress.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/PHinIraq/.