Philippine Embassy in Hanoi Hosts Diplomatic Reception and Filipino Community Gathering in Commemoration of the 126th Anniversary of Philippine Independence and Nationhood
Ambassador Montealegre and Vietnam Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet with Ambassadors and Heads of IOs in Vietnam (Photo by Hanoi PE).
HANOI 13 June 2024 – The Embassy of the Philippines in Hanoi, Vietnam commemorated the 126th anniversary of Philippine independence and nationhood with a series of events. A diplomatic reception was held on 11 June with the Deputy Foreign Minister, Mr. Do Hung Viet, as guest of honor along with 300 guests from the different government agencies in Vietnam, including the defense, agriculture, industry and trade, culture, leaders from provinces as well as the members of the diplomatic corps and representatives of International Organizations based in Hanoi. Former Ambassadors of Vietnam to the Philippines, Filipino Community leaders, and members of the business community likewise attended the event.
During his welcome remarks, the Philippine Ambassador to Vietnam Meynardo LB. Montealegre recalled the achievements of the previous year that deepened the relations between the Philippines and Vietnam culminating in the state visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in Hanoi from 29 to 30 January 2024. He also noted the growing trade and investment between the two countries.
Ambassador Montealegre also emphasized on the bonds between the Philippines and Vietnam. “We look at Vietnam as our twin brother in the ASEAN region given our similarity in economic and geographic size, our demographic characteristics, sharing a common history of struggle for independence and forging similar paths towards economic growth. Like monoamniotic twins who share the same womb, our two countries also share the South China Sea – our common space for growth, our life-saving source for economic development and equally vital for our co-existence.”
He likewise thanked Vietnam for its expression of support to the Philippines’ bid for the UN Security Council (term 2027-2028). He also sought the support of Vietnam and the diplomatic corps for the Philippines’ bid to host the Board of the Loss and Damage Fund for Developing Countries as well as on the various efforts of the Philippines in achieving a green economy and a sustainable future for all.
Vietnam’s Deputy Foreign Minister Do Hung Viet noted the complimentary partnership between the Philippines and Vietnam citing that bilateral trade between the two countries has hit an all-time high and has tripled over the past decade. He also stated that both countries share a strong convergence of views on defense and maritime cooperation, consistently supporting each other and committed towards safeguarding the peace, safety and security of their shared maritime domain.
The following day, 12 June, the Embassy also organized a flag-raising ceremony with the members of the Filipino Community followed by a salu-salo (banquet) with traditional Filipino breakfast and the viewing of the messages of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr and Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo, and reading of the message of Secretary of Defense Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. The event was attended by Filipinos from different parts of northern Vietnam, and representatives of Filipino Community organizations from Ho Chi Minh City and surrounding provinces. Honorary Consul General Atty. Le Thi Phung and Honorary Vice Consul General Nguyen Giat Viet Huy likewise graced the annual event.
Filipino teachers prepared performances of “Inalimango” (gestures of crabs) and “Escotis” (Schottische), Filipino folk dances originating from Albay and Capiz. Filipino students from Thai Nguyen University in Vietnam also showcased their talent with their renditions of Filipino songs. END
Ambassador Montealegre (center) with Filipino teachers in Vietnam after their dance performance of Filipino folk dances “Inalimango” and “Escotis” (Photo by Hanoi PE).
Ambassador Montealegre reenacting the waving of the flag to commence the flag raising ceremony in the Embassy (Photo by Hanoi PE).
For more information, visit https://www.hanoipe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinVietnam/.