PH Embassy in Dili Marks 126th Independence Day with Flag-Raising Ceremony, Fiesta-Style Reception
Philippine Embassy personnel led by Ambassador Belinda M. Ante and members of the Filipino community sing the Philippine national anthem at the flag-raising ceremony on 12 June 2024.
DILI 24 June 2024 – The Philippine Embassy in Dili, Timor-Leste held back-to-back events from 12 to 13 June 2024 to celebrate the 126th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence, carrying the theme “Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan.”
On the morning of 12 June, a flag-raising ceremony was held at the Philippine Embassy grounds. Embassy personnel led by Philippine Ambassador to Timor-Leste Belinda M. Ante and members of the Filipino community participated in the event.
On the evening of 13 June, a reception was held at the Embassy grounds. Over 500 guests were present at the event, led by President José Ramos-Horta as the Guest of Honor. Former Timor-Leste Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak and daughter Angelina, and Vice Foreign Minister for ASEAN Affairs Milena Rangel grace the event, along with Timor-Leste government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and international organizations, members of the Filipino community, and Timorese alumni of schools in the Philippines.
Ambassador Ante encouraged the Filipino community to remember the sacrifices of all those who fought for the freedoms that the Filipino people enjoy. She also highlighted the warm ties between the Philippines and Timor-Leste since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2002 and key developments on technical cooperation.
President Ramos-Horta conveyed his appreciation to the Philippine government for sending troops to the peacekeeping force that helped maintain peace and stability in Timor-Leste during its term. He also acknowledged the contribution of the Filipino community to national development since the restoration of independence of Timor-Leste in 2002.
Students and teachers from several Philippine-owned international schools captivated guests with cultural performances representing various ethnolinguistic groups in the Philippines, showing the richness and diversity of Philippine culture. The participating institutions were St. Mary’s International School, St. Jude Thaddeus International School, Maharlika International School, Lighthouse International School, and Heritage International School
Ambassador Ante led a traditional cake-cutting ceremony in the presence of President Ramos-Horta and Ambassadors of ASEAN Member States in Dili.
Guests were treated to a sumptuous dinner, enjoying a wide range of Philippine dishes served from traditional market-style booths. END
Ambassador Belinda M. Ante and Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta stand together during the singing of the Philippine national anthem at the Independence Day reception held on 13 June 2024. (Dili PE photo)
Ambassador Belinda M. Ante and President José Ramos-Horta share a toast during the Independence Day reception held on 13 June 2024. (Dili PE photo)
Students from Lighthouse International School put on a refined performance during the Independence Day reception held on 13 June 2024. (Dili PE photo)
Students and teachers from St. Mary’s International School show their enthusiasm during the Independence Day reception held on 13 June 2024. (Dili PE photo)
Ambassador Ante leads the cake-cutting ceremony with Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta and ASEAN Ambassadors during the Independence Day reception held on 13 June 2024. (Dili PE photo)
Ambassador Belinda M. Ante, President José-Ramos Horta, former Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak (third from right), Vice Foreign Minister for ASEAN Affairs Milena Rangel (third from left), Indonesian Ambassador Okto Dorinus Manik (second from right), Brunei Ambassador Wan Hadfi Luftan (second from left), Malaysian Ambassador Amarjit Sarjit Singh (first from left), and Thai Ambassador Atipat Rojanapaibulya (first from right) join arms through the traditional ASEAN handshake during the Independence Day reception held on 13 June 2024. (Dili PE photo)
For more information, visit https://www.dilipe.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.facebook.com/PHinTimorLeste/, https://twitter.com/PHinTimorLeste, or https://www.instagram.com/phlintimorleste/.