PH Embassy in Lisbon Hosts Celebration for 126th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence with Filipino Community in Portugal 

LISBON 21 June 2024 – The Philippine Embassy in Lisbon celebrated the 126th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence with the Filipino community in Portugal through a festive event entitled Lisboa XXIV: Kalayaan, Kasiyahan, at Kainan on 16 June 2024, at the Missionaries of the Divine Word in Lisbon.

The full-day festivities began with a Catholic mass led by Fr. Jovito Osalvo. This was followed by a formal program where messages of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo were delivered by Ambassador to Portugal Paul Raymund P. Cortes and Third Secretary and Vice Consul Maria Flordeliza A. Tuiza, respectively.

In his speech reflecting on President Marcos Jr.'s 2024 Independence Day message, Ambassador Cortes highlighted the enduring spirit of the Filipino people, no matter where they are in the world.

The official celebration was followed by an outdoor program showcasing performances and creative talents from the Filipino community. Events included a poster-making contest, a Filipinos Got Talent singing contest, and an inspirational talk by Filipino-American businesswoman and author, Ms. Loida Nicolas Lewis.

The festive atmosphere was enhanced by Filipino entrepreneurs who delighted attendees with an array of home-cooked Filipino dishes such as adobo, lumpia, humba, dinuguan, and other beloved Filipino delicacies, offering a nostalgic taste of home.

Over 250 Filipinos from across Portugal, including the cities of  Lisbon, Porto, and Algarve, as well as Portuguese locals, attended the celebration. In a true spirit of camaraderie, the community also participated in traditional Filipino games such as sungka, sack race, tug of war, and Chinese garter.

Members of the Filipino community in Portugal expressed their appreciation to the Philippine Embassy in Lisbon and the Filipino community groups for organizing a joyous occasion that renewed their sense of pride and connection to their Filipino roots. END

For more information, visit https://www.lisbonpe.dfa.gov.ph,  https://www.facebook.com/PHLinPortugal/ or https://www.instagram.com/phinportugal/.