PH Consulate General in Jeddah Conducts Diplomatic Reception, Flag Raising to Commemorate 126th Philippine Independence Day
The IPSJ Dance Troupe performing the Malong Dance, an ethnic Philippine dance from Mindanao (Riyadh PE Photo)
JEDDAH 14 June 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah celebrated the 126th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine independence with a series of activities that were participated in by its personnel, members of the Filipino community, Saudi government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and business community representatives, among others. The commemoration of Independence Day at the Consulate General commenced as early as 28 May 2024, which was also the first day of the nationwide observance of National Flag Days.
Personnel of the Consulate General gathered on the said date at its grounds for a flag-raising program and recitation of the Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat ng Pilipinas (Pledge of Allegiance to the Philippine Flag), which was followed by a message from Consul General Edgar Tomas Q. Auxilian. In his message, Consul General Auxilian paid homage to the Philippine flag and to all the national heroes who have been instrumental in the country’s regaining of its independence. He also urged the personnel to show utmost respect to the Philippine flag and other symbols of our nation’s sovereignty.
On June 10, the Consulate General held a diplomatic reception at the Iridium Hotel- Jeddah, with Saudi government officials, the business community, various members of the diplomatic corps in Jeddah, as well as the Filipino community in Jeddah, in attendance at the event. Mr. Adnan Murad, Director of Protocol Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs-Makkah Al-Mukarramah Branch was the guest of honor at the event. Secretary Sabuddin Abdurahim of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) and Mr. Rommel Romato, Chargé d'affaires of the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh were also in attendance at the activity.
In his message at the reception, Consul General Auxilian underscored the advances the Philippines has undergone since the country has regained its independence 126 years ago, through the sacrifices and heroism of Filipino compatriots who fought hard and lost their lives to gain the much sought after independence from the colonizers.
During the reception, various cultural presentations showcasing original Filipino songs and dances were performed by various Filipino groups in Jeddah, such as the International Philippine School in Jeddah (IPSJ) Dance Troupe, Sayaw Likha Dance Company, and performers from the Filipino community in Jeddah, with Mr. Sherwin Zuniga as Production Director. Ms. Sylvia delos Santos, founder of the internationally-renowned musical group Serenata, together with musical genius Ms. Kharvy Mari Eser, also gave a violin and piano rendition of the songs “Cavatina” by Nicanor Abelardo and “Bayan Ko” by Constancio de Guzman. Filipino delicacies, such as palitaw, bibingka, kalamay, puto, etc., prepared by Filcom organizations OFW Council of Leaders (OCL) and Philippine Professional Organization -Western Region of Saudi Arabia (PPO-WRSA) were also served during the event.
Additionally, the Consulate General held an Araw ng Kalayaan flag-raising program with personnel on 12 June 2024. Present in the program are attached agencies Migrant Workers Office-Jeddah, the Office of the SSS Representative, and the Office of Hajj Attache. The program included the reading of the messages of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., Vice President Sara Duterte, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo, Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, SSS President and CEO Rolando Macasaet, and National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Secretary Sabuddin Abdurahim.
During the said program, Consul General Edgar Tomas Q. Auxilian underscored the importance of strengthening patriotism, developing stronger sense of nation, and establishing stronger collaboration and cooperation between the government and the Filipino community in order to achieve the aspirations of the country, which would lead to the goal of a Bagong Pilipinas (new Philippines). Consul General Edgar Tomas Q. Auxilian delivering his message to the personnel during the Araw ng Kalayaan program at the Consulate grounds During the program, SSS Representative Mr. Michael Ingal serenaded the personnel with Original Pilipino Music (OPM). END
Consul General Edgar Tomas Q. Auxilian delivering his message to the guests in attendance at the National Day reception held at Iridium Hotel Jeddah. (Riyadh PE Photo)
Jeddah PCG officials, together with the personnel, singing the Philippine national anthem during the Araw ng Kalayaan flag-raising program held at the Jeddah PCG grounds on 12 June 2024 (Riyadh PE Photo)
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