Philippine Mission Joins Overseas Filipinos in 126th Independence Day Celebrations in Geneva
Ambassador Sorreta hands a plaque of appreciation to Mr. Rody Guzman, a Filipino pioneer who worked in the UN International Office of Migration, for his dedicated service to the community, with Consul General Felipe Carino III.
GENEVA 28 June 2024 – Philippine Permanent Representative Carlos D. Sorreta led members of the Philippine Permanent Mission and Consulate General, Philippine government officials, and Filipino community members during the celebratory activities held in commemoration of the country’s 126th Araw ng Kalayaan in Geneva on 15 June 2024.
The event, dubbed as Isang Lahi, Isang Musika, was organized by the 23-member Filipino community association, Ugnayang Bayan, led by its President Mr. Gerry de Rama, and supported by the Philippine Permanent Mission and Consulate General in Geneva and Swiss Confederation National Council official, Honorable Nicolas Walder.
In his remarks, Ambassador Sorreta acknowledged the contribution to the country’s economic development of many Filipinos who have settled in Geneva. He acknowledged the role of the DFA and other agencies in the improvement of government systems for enhanced access to public, consular and passport services, as well as OFW assistance programs related to financial education and post-retirement reintegration in order to prepare the OFWs and their family upon the former’s return to the Philippines.
Swiss Federation Council official, Mr. Nicolas Walder, Department of Migrant Workers Undersecretary Yvonne Patricia Caunan, and close to a thousand community members attended the event which featured a Filipino cultural program, food fair, and musical entertainment featuring Manila-based performers Acapellago and local Filipino artists.
The activity in commemoration of Philippine Independence organized by the association of Filipino community organizations, in addition to its ancilliary activities hosted at Kalayaan Hall-PH Mission, has been continually supported by the Philippine Mission pursuant to the promotion of community relations and the appreciation of Filipino culture and heritage. END
(R-L) PH Ambassador Carlos Sorreta, Swiss Federation’s Mr. Nicolas Walder, Deputy Permanent Representative Kristine Leilani Salle, and DMW Undersecretary Caunan join the community in acknowledging prominent Filipinos in Geneva. (Photo courtesy of Ugnayang Bayan)
Manila-based singing group, Acapellago, perform Filipino hit songs during the program
For more information, visit https://www.genevapm.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.facebook.com.PHinGeneva/ or https://www.instagram.com/phingeneva.