PH Highlights Commitment to Global Multilateralism, Features PH Culture During Independence Day Celebrations in Geneva
Personnel of the Philippine Mission to the United Nations and Other International Organizations and Philippine Mission to the World Trade Organization pose for a photo opportunity during the Philippine Independence Day celebration held at the headquarters of the World Intellectual Property Organization in Geneva on 10 June 2022. (Geneva-WTO PM photo)
GENEVA, 13 June 2022 – The Philippines’ active involvement and engagement in the global multilateral platform and the peaceful election turnout were highlighted during Philippine Independence Day (PID) celebrations hosted by the Philippine Mission to the United Nations (UN) and Other International Organizations and the Philippine Mission to the World Trade Organization (WTO) held at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) hall on 10 June 2022.
Permanent Representative to the UN Evan P. Garcia and PR to WTO Manuel A.J. Teehankee, Jr. welcomed 400 senior-level diplomats, heads of international organizations and Permanent Missions, and Filipino community leaders to the celebration in the commemoration of the 124th Declaration of Philippine Independence and led the singing of the Philippine National Anthem at the beginning of the program.
In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Garcia acknowledged this year’s theme Rise to the Challenge of a New Tomorrow, “as the challenge we share with other nations, as we emerge from the pandemic and transition into a new world facing new realities of the 21st century including existential threat of climate change, but also opportunities for the transformative evolution of our societies towards growth, equity, and dignity for all.
He said that “Geneva is at the heart of this great enterprise of multilateralism and the Philippines has been privileged to have worked hand in hand, actively and meaningfully, with UN organizations, other delegations, and diverse actors in global Geneva, as we upheld the finest virtues of diplomacy during the past two years, to respond to challenges, to transform and evolve the conduct of our work, and to seek to future-proof our institutions, especially as the world grappled with Covid-19 and marked the 75th anniversary of the United Nations.”
He also cited “the recent national elections in the Philippines registered the highest voter turn-out in Philippine history: 55.5 million Filipinos exercised their right to vote, where the Philippines is steered by leadership supported by the sovereign and resounding will of the people,” and acknowledged the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte who “completes his term, which much enjoyed public support throughout and after the pandemic, leaving an exemplary legacy of a rights-based and inclusive social agenda and unity and peace-building.”
In his remarks, Ambassador Teehankee mentioned the hope for positive and people-centered outcome of the ongoing 12th WTO Ministerials amid the challenges of the pandemic. He pointed out the cultural exhibition/ presentations prepared by organizers that consisted of a 10-meter textile work by Issay Rodriguez (Dutch Marikina No. 3 & 6, 2017)from the collection of Mr. David Brolliet; the operatic melange of Filipino and European pieces from Filipino baritone, Mr. Joseleo Logdat, accompanied by Ms. Solveig Breger; and the artisanal food creations for the Filipino buffet prepared by Filipino Chef Ronan Luciano.
The event brought together leaders and diplomats from various Missions and international organizations in one of the first social gatherings since the health mandate was eased by Swiss authorities amid geopolitical issues affecting Europe this year. END
More than 400 diplomats, partners, and Filipino community members joined in the Philippine Independence Day celebrations. (Geneva-WTO PM photo)
Filipiniana capiz chandeliers and the 10-meter textile work by Issay Rodriguez (Dutch Marikina No. 3 & 6, 2017) featured at the Philippine Independence Day celebrations. (Geneva-WTO PM photo)