PH Embassy in Nairobi Marks 126th Independence Day with Diplomatic Reception

Philippine Ambassador Marie Charlotte G. Tang (right) and Director General of the Kenya Foreign Service Academy Paul K. Ndung’u (left) toast to the good health of the two countries' Presidents and peoples, as well as the two countries' long-standing friendship. (Nairobi PE Photo)

NAIROBI 18 June 2024 – The Philippine Embassy in Nairobi hosted a reception on 11 June 2024 at the Trademark Hotel in Nairobi to mark the 126th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence. The event gathered over 180 guests, including Director-General of the Kenya Foreign Service Academy Paul K. Ndung’u, representing Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi, members of the diplomatic corps, Kenyan government officials, and representatives from business, media, academe, and the Filipino community. 

Ambassador Marie Charlotte G. Tang, in her remarks, highlighted the Philippines as one of the best-performing economies of Asia. She stressed the country's commitment to sustaining high-level growth and advancing greener, more inclusive development under the Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines) brand of governance launched by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

Ambassador Tang also noted the expanding ties between the Philippines and Kenya, and the other countries in East Africa under the Embassy’s jurisdiction. She also stressed the Philippines' commitment to build stronger partnerships with Africa, bilaterally and multilaterally, including through south-south cooperation.

Director-General Ndung’u extended the Independence Day greetings of the Kenyan Government to the Philippines and reaffirmed Kenya's commitment to its long-standing friendship with the country. He also highlighted the visit to the Philippines by Principal Secretary for the State Department for Diaspora Affairs Roseline K. Njogu in August last year, which provided insights on best practices for the Kenyan government to strengthen its protection and promotion of the rights and welfare of its diaspora. 

Soprano Ms. Stefanie Quintin delivered a captivating performance of a repertoire that included Filipino folk melodies, Broadway and classical music, and Kenyan love song Malaika (Angel). Ms. Quintin performed in Kenya as part of the Embassy's Independence Day celebrations, supported by the Philippines’ National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). Additionally, the Wazalendo Group of Singers, a Kenyan choir composed of university students, performed the Philippine and Kenyan national anthems, adding a unifying element to the event. 

To promote people-to-people connectivity between the Philippines and Kenya, Emirates Airlines raffled off a roundtrip ticket to Manila to one lucky guest. END

Wazalendo Group of Singers performs the Philippine and Kenyan national anthems. (Nairobi PE Photo)

The officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy in Nairobi. (Nairobi PE Photo)

Ms. Stefanie Quintin presents beautiful renditions of Filipino folk melodies and Broadway and classical music. (Nairobi PE Photo)

For more information, visit https://ww.nairobipe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinKenya/