PH Independence Day Celebrations in Norway Culminate at Bergen Internasjonale Kultursenter

Bergen Mayor Linn Kristin Engø (2nd from right) with the hosts of Kalayaan 2023 (L to R) Rodrigo Intal, Josh David and Shakira Flores, at the Philippine Independence Day celebration on 24 June 2023 at the Bergen Internasjonale Kultursenter in Bergen, Norway. (Oslo PE photo)

OSLO 30 June 2023 –The month-long celebration of the 125th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence in Norway led by the Philippine Embassy in Oslo culminated at the Bergen Internasjonale Kultursenter on 24 June 2023. The Philippine Independence Day event in Bergen brought together hundreds of Filipinos, their families and friends from all over the city and its neighboring towns to also commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Philippines-Norway Diplomatic Relations.

In his video message, Philippine Ambassador to Norway Enrico T. Fos encouraged the Filipino community to continue to take an active part in their communities and further make their presence felt wherever they are. “I challenge you to take this to the next step… to take leadership roles in your communities and in the government,” Ambassador Fos added.

The honorable Mayor of Bergen Linn Kristin Engø graced the occasion with her presence as one of the guest speakers during the program. She acknowledged that around 1,500 Filipinos who live in the city are valuable members of the community who contribute significantly to how the people of Bergen live good and contented lives. 

Another guest speaker, the director of culture in Bergen municipality Mr. Vincent Mrimba, expressed his congratulations to the Filipino community for honoring its history and culture at the double milestone celebration.

First Secretary and Consul Glenn Joseph Obach represented the Philippine Embassy at the event. He conveyed his appreciation and greetings to the Filipino community and to the guest speakers and other non-Filipino visitors, as they are a testimony of the people-to-people cooperation and strengthened bilateral relations between the Philippines and Norway over the years.

The Philippine Embassy especially thanked the Unified Bergen - Vestlandet, Norway led by its program organizer/coordinator Josh David for the memorable festivity showcasing Philippine arts and culture, songs and dances, Filipiniana attire, food, fun and fellowship. 

Also part of the program was a presentation of a recognition certificate by the Unified Bergen to Ms. Adelyn Montecillo Sabarre for her exemplary work and compassion as a manager and leader of a reception center for refugees in Bergen. This is quite a timely and fitting response to the Independence Day message and challenge of Ambassador Fos for the members of the Filipino community all over Norway to level up and answer the call of leadership. END

Filipino community members in Bergen perform the Pandango sa Ilaw at the double milestone celebration of the 125th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence and the 75th Anniversary of the Philippines-Norway Diplomatic Relations. (Oslo PE photo)

The Unified Bergen - Vestlandet, Norway presents a certificate of recognition to Ms. Adelyn Montecillo Sabarre for her exemplary work as a manager and leader of a reception center for refugees in Bergen, Norway. (Oslo PE photo)

Filipino food, grocery and craft stalls provide a more festive mood to the Philippine Independence Day celebration held on 24 June 2023 at the Bergen Internasjonale Kultursenter in Bergen, Norway. (Oslo PE photo)

(L to R) Director of Culture in Bergen Municipality Mr. Vincent Mrimba, Program Organizer/ Coordinator Josh David, Mayor of Bergen Linn Kristin Engø, and First Secretary and Consul Glenn Joseph Obach  (Oslo PE photo)

For more information, visit https://www.oslope.dfa.gov.ph,  https://www.facebook.com/PHinNorway/  or https://www.instagram.com/phinnorway/ .