PH Embassy Commemorates 126th Philippine Independence Day with Filipinos in Berne 

Philippine Ambassador to Switzerland Bernard Faustino M. Dy reads out the message of President Ferdinand  R. Marcos, Jr. in celebration of Araw ng Kalayaan 2024. 

BERNE 24 June 2024 – To mark the 126th anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence, the  Philippine Embassy in Switzerland organized a commemoration event for members of the Filipino community in Switzerland and Liechtenstein on 12 June 2024 at the Embassy grounds in Berne. Around 85 Filcom members were in attendance. 

Philippine Ambassador to Switzerland Bernard Faustino M. Dy led the flag-raising ceremony. The Ambassador and the Deputy Head of Mission, Maria Anna Lilia de Vera-Schinazi, then read the Philippine Independence Day messages of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and  Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique A. Manalo, respectively. 

In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Dy urged the Filipino community to “take this  opportunity as we celebrate Philippine Independence to affirm our Filipino values of  kakayahan, kasipagan, kahusayan, diligence and resourcefulness, and the continuous  pursuit of excellence in all our endeavors. May today's pagtitipon encourage us to see  beyond differences, working together towards achieving progress with others… to build  a Bagong Pilipinas.” 

The short program ended with the unfurling of the Philippine flag and community singing  of “Pilipinas Kong Mahal.” Attendees partook of a simple Filipino breakfast. 

The Embassy also hosted the opening of the exhibit entitled “Sinulid at Karayom” (Thread  and Needle), which showcased the collection of Basel-based Filipino artist, Arlo Jake  Lagmay, and the launch of the book entitled “Agta” on one of the major indigenous  peoples in Isabela province. The book is the result of a collaboration among the University  of Zürih (UZH), Isabela State University, and Isabela local government agencies, led by  Mr. Rodolph Schlaepfer, author and book designer, and Prof. Andrea Migliano of the UZH  Department of Evolutionary Anthropology. The Embassy lent its support to the project to  help raise awareness and preserve the culture and traditions of the Agta. END

Deputy Head of Mission Maria Anna Lilia de Vera-Schinazi reads out the message of Foreign Affairs  Secretary Enrique A. Manalo in celebration of Araw ng Kalayaan 2024.

Members of the Filipino Community participate in the community singing of Pilipinas Kong Mahal as the  Philippine flag is unfurled. 

Members of the Filipino Community singing Pilipinas Kong Mahal to close the program.

Ambassador Dy greeting members of the Filipino community. 

The Embassy hosted the opening of “Sinulid at Karayom,” an art exhibit showcasing the works of  Basel-based Filipino artist Arlo Jake Lagmay.

Ambassador Dy (center) with featured Filipino artist Arlo Jake Lagmay (right) and the Embassy’s  Cultural Officer, Niña Barranta. 

Ambassador Dy (center) with Agta book author and designer, Mr. Rodolf Schlaepfer (right), and lead  researcher, Prof. Andrea Migliano (left) of the Department of Evolutionary Anthropology of the University of Zürich.

Brazilian artist Paulo Sayeg, who illustrated the Agta book, signs a copy for some attendees.

For more information, visit www.bernepe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinSwitzerland.