PH Embassy in Abuja Holds 126th PH Independence Day Flag-Raising Ceremony
Philippine Ambassador to Nigeria Mersole J. Mellejor during the opening remarks of the celebration. (Abuja PE photo)
ABUJA 20 June 2024 – The Philippine Embassy in Abuja held a flag-raising ceremony to mark this year’s proclamation of Philippine independence with the Filipino community in Nigeria and in 12 other countries in West Africa under its jurisdiction on 16 June 2024. Personnel of the Philippine Embassy, members and friends of the Filipino community and their families as well Nigerian officials and members of the business community attended the event, which was held at the Philippine Embassy in Maitama District in Abuja.
The late morning activity kicked off with ecumenical prayers followed by the Lupang Hinirang, Panunumpa sa Watawat, Bagong Pilipinas Hymn and Bagong Pilipinas Pledge. The Independence Day messages of Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac of the Department of Migrant Workers, Secretary Enrique A. Manalo of the Department of Foreign Affairs, and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. were played soon after. The TSH group of Filipino expatriates entertained the crowd with a cha-cha dance number.
In his message, Philippine Ambassador to Nigeria Mersole J. Mellejor thanked all those who came to make this year’s flag-raising ceremony a memorable one.
He pointed out that the theme of this year's celebration "Kalayaan, Kinabukasan and Kasaysayan", reflects the sacrifices of Philippine heroes in securing the freedom that the country is enjoying today and the unwavering commitment of Filipinos to work for the good of the nation and learn from history to guide the future. He added that the theme mirrors the zeal of overseas Filipinos in braving the distance from their families and friends and facing the challenges of life abroad all in the name of a better future for the country.
Ambassador Mellejor concluded that he is glad that Filipinos in Nigeria and in the 12 other countries under the embassy’s jurisdiction remain united. He expressed his confidence that the embassy and the Filipino diaspora will attain their collective mission of showing the best of the Philippines and of fostering strong and mutually beneficial relations with the host countries - in concrete terms by promoting the Philippines for trade, investments and tourism.
The second part of the program featured a Pinoy salu-salo with lechon, beef mechado, pancit bihon, turon, puto, among others, which started with the ceremonial cutting of an Independence Day cake especially made for the occasion.
In addition to the flag-raising ceremony, the Philippine Embassy in Nigeria is also hosting a diplomatic reception on 19 June 2024 at Fraser Suites Abuja. END
The second part of the program featured a Pinoy salu-salo with lechon, beef mechado, pancit bihon, turon, puto, among others. (Abuja PE photo)
For more information, visit http://www.abujape.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinNigeria/.