PH Embassy in Rabat Features First International Performance of Musicondalla Performing Group at Philippine Independence Day Reception
Musicondalla Performing Group from left to right: Mr. Rayland Dominic Julayco, Ms. Mariefrance Ballester, and Mr. Prince John Barnal
RABAT 13 June 2024 – In commemoration of the 126th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence, the Philippine Embassy in Rabat hosted a diplomatic reception on 6 June 2024 at the residence of Philippine Ambassador Leslie J. Baja, Ambassador of the Philippines to the Kingdom of Morocco.
In his remarks, Ambassador Baja highlighted that the Philippines and Morocco will celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025 and conveyed the Philippines commitment to continually strive in deepening its ties with the Kingdom, as well as the country’s appreciation for Morocco’s friendship and partnership.
He also underscored that ASEAN’s recent conferment of Sectoral Dialogue Partnership to Morocco will definitely enhance Morocco’s ties with the region, providing it with access to the 5th largest economy in the world.
As the Philippines' non-resident Ambassador to Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, and Senegal, Ambassador Baja conveyed the country’s commitment to contribute in realizing the African Union’s vision of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa.
Finally, the Ambassador reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to peaceful settlement of disputes and rule of law and quoted President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. 's pronouncement to “uphold our territorial integrity and sovereignty in accordance with our constitution and with international law.”
In his remarks, the guest of honor H.E. Dr. Mohamed Sadiki, Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development and Forestry, congratulated the Philippines for the 126th anniversary of the proclamation of the country’s independence, and commended the courage and sacrifice of Filipinos in striving towards national transformation. He also underscored how the shared colonial history of the Philippines and Morocco created mutual understanding and long-standing friendship between the two countries.
On the Philippines-Morocco bilateral relations, he noted how the two countries have transformed and strengthened their relations, citing the agreements that were already signed and those that are in the pipeline, as well as the vibrant relations of the Philippines-Morocco Parliamentary Friendship Group. He lauded the Philippines’ efforts in facilitating student exchange programs and collaboration between Moroccan and Philippine universities, organizing joint cultural programs, and boosting tourism cooperation. He also recognized the potential of the Philippines and Morocco to work hand-in-hand not only in promoting closer relations between the two countries but also between the African and Southeast Asian regions.
Finally, he acknowledged the active participation of the Philippines and Morocco in diverse international organizations, including their individual efforts towards sustainable development and dynamic collaboration on areas of mutual interest. END
Ambassador Baja delivering his remarks with the guest of honor Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development and Forestry H.E. Dr. Mohamed Sadiki
Minister Sadiki delivering his remarks
From left to right: Dr. Hafid Ouchchak, Deputy President of the Group Responsible for the Evaluation of Administration Reform, Minister Sadiki, Mr. Mostapha Toutou, Head of the PH-Morocco Parliamentary Friendship Group, and Ambassador Baja
Following the speeches, Musicondalla Performing Group (MPG), a rondalla trio from the Philippines, serenaded the guests with their rendition of Philippine folk songs, original pinoy music (OPM), as well as classical and pop music. This is the first international performance of Musicondalla which was made possible by the support of and sponsorship by the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCAA) and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR)
The concert was well-received by more than 250 guests composed of officials from the Moroccan government, members of the diplomatic corps and international organizations assigned in Rabat, representatives from private institutions and organizations in Morocco, and Filipino community leaders.
For more information, visit https://rabatpe.dfa.gov.ph/, https://www.facebook.com/PHinMorocco/, https://www.instagram.com/phinmorocco or https://twitter.com/PHLinMorocco.