PH Consulate in Osaka Commemorates 126th Anniversary of PH Independence

Philippine Consul General to Osaka Voltaire D. Mauricio delivers his opening remarks. (Osaka PCG photo)

OSAKA 26 June 2024 – The Philippine Consulate in Osaka, headed by Philippine Consul General to Osaka Voltaire D. Mauricio, held a two-day event on 12 June 2024 and 14 June 2024 to commemorate the 126th Anniversary of Philippine Independence. 

The activity commenced with a flag-raising ceremony on 12 June 2024 held at the Consulate building’s grounds participated by the Consulate officers and staff, members of the Consulate’s attached agencies, and Japanese representatives.

In his opening remarks, the Consul General briefly shared his reflections on the President’s timely Independence Day message.

In his welcome remarks, Consul General Mauricio conveyed the President’s message to all invited guests. In response to his message, the Japanese side, represented by Osaka Vice Governor Nobuhiko Yamaguchi and Osaka Deputy Mayor Toru Takahashi, congratulated the Philippines for its Independence Day celebration and mentioned the Osaka government’s preparation for EXPO 2025. 

Bringing the program to a close, Japanese Ambassador of the Kansai Region Tsutomu Himeno proposed a toast to the Consul General and the rest of the guests for the joyous occasion. 

Attendees of the diplomatic reception were able to take home some dried mangoes from Cebu and a drink coaster inlaid with t’nalak weaves. 

On 14 June 2024, the Consul General welcomed various leaders of Filipino organizations based in Western Japan (ex. Kishiwada Filipino Community, Sakai Filipino Community, One Nation Kurume, and Hiroshima Filipino Association), representatives from Philippine Embassy in Tokyo and the Philippine Consulate General in Nagoya, guests of the Consulate’s attached agencies, Japanese business owners, medical and legal associations, and university professors.

The Consulate’s guests also had the opportunity to meet OWWA Administrator Arnaldo “Arnell” Ignacio, Consul General Roy B. Ecraela of the Philippine Consulate General in Nagoya, Japan and National Development Company General Manager Antonillo Mauricio. 

In their respective messages, OWWA Administrator Ignacio expressed OWWA’s full support for Filipinos in Japan, while Consul General Ecraela shared historical notes about the struggles and triumphs that led to the Philippine’s independence.

This year’s celebration also marked the inaugural awarding of outstanding Filipinos and Japanese who have, through their exemplary leadership and commitment, have been instrumental in establishing and nurturing the growth of Filipino organizations. The recognition entitled, “The Consul General’s Community Leadership and Partnership Award,” was given to seven individuals coming from different backgrounds spanning from education, healthcare, trade, and business. 

To close the program, the Consulate, in partnership with the DOT office in Osaka, gave raffle prizes to lucky guests. The raffle draw includes stay at different resort hotels in Bohol and Cebu, as well as roundtrip tickets to the Philippines and Japan, courtesy of Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific. END

Japanese Ambassador of the Kansai region Tsutomu Himeno proposes a toast to the event guests. (Osaka PCG photo)

Flag-raising ceremony held at Twin 21 Tower on 12 June 2024. (Osaka PCG photo)

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