PH Embassy in Norway Takes Part in PH Independence Day Celebrations in Halden, Stange, and Harstad
(from left) Ambassador Enrico Fos, Madame Myla Fos, Halden kommune Mayor Fredrik and Moss kommune Vice Mayor Michael Torp await the start of the parade, which was a part of the Cultural and Family Day held in Halden.
OSLO 12 August 2024 – In line with the “one celebration, several events” concept, the Philippine Embassy in Norway’s officers and staff were all around as several Filipino community organizations celebrated the 126th Anniversary of Philippine Independence in events all held on 22 June 2024.
Fredriksten Fortress in Halden, Norway’s largest and most important fortress during its war for independence, was the venue of the celebration as the storied venue played host to the Cultural and Family Day (CFD) .
The CFD also featured a parade with the participating organizations, a cannon salute to honor the Ambassador, a cultural program with Filipino and Filipino-Norwegian talents, a food fair with Filipino favorites, and a concert and after party to cap off the day.
It also boasted of a high-level guestlist, which included Halden kommune Mayor Fredrik Holm and Vice Mayor Linn Laupsa, Moss kommune Vice Mayor Michael Torp, and other municipality officials from Halden, Moss, Sarpsburg, Fredrikstad and Indre Østfold.
In his message, Philippine Ambassador to Norway Enrico T. Fos highlighted the Filipinos’ resilience and indomitable spirit, qualities that made the nation fight for its independence in 1898 that still live on until now. He also challenged those present to reflect on and live by the celebration's theme, Kalayaan.Kasaysayan.Kinabukasan.
For his part, Mayor Holm drew comparisons between the Philippines’ fight for independence in 1898 and how the Fredriksten Fortress was never breached in Norway’s fight for independence in the 17th and 18th century. He also expressed his appreciation to the Filipino community in Halden for their contributions to the economic and cultural life of the kommune.
The event was co-organized by the Embassy and Kalayaan Norge Østfold, the fifth of the month-long series of events in the country.
On that same day in Hamar, another Embassy team led by Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) Raul Dado joined the Filipino community in Norway’s Innlandet county in a sunny and fun-filled festivities held at the Tingvold Vertshus in Stange.
The event was organized by the Filipino Culture Group Hamar Innlandet (FCGHI), led by its president Rowena Ignacion Ranste, in cooperation with the Embassy. Special guest during the event was Stange Acting Mayor Truls Gihlemoen.
The celebration is the sixth such event co-organized by the Embassy and the Filipino community in commemoration of Philippine Independence this year, and featured an array of Filipino food, songs, dances and other activities.
In his message, DCM Dado extolled the heroism of our past heroes now reflected in the inspiring presence of Filipinos and their dedication to society and their work in Norway.
For his part, Mayor Gihlemoen highlighted the Filipino’s dedication, when he said that the integration of Filipinos into the social and economic life of Stange has brought positive benefits to the municipality itself and the larger community.
Stange, Norway’s vibrant agricultural municipality in Innlandet county, is geared towards livestock production and is one of the economic powerhouses in the region.
Another celebration was held in Harstad in Norway’s northern region, and featured a program featuring Filipino songs and dances, and a get together with the Filipino community members coming from Bodø, Narvik, and Harstad. END
Ambassador Fos, Mayor Holm and Vice Mayor Torp look at some Filipino dishes showcased at the food fair.
The Embassy delegation at the Fiesta På Filippinene in Stange. Deputy Chief of Mission Raul Dado and Stange Acting Mayor Truls Gihlemoen are second from right and second from left, respectively.
The celebration also featured a cultural performance.
Representatives of the Filipino communities in Harstad, Bodø and Narvik at the Philippine Independence Day celebration in Harstad. (photo courtesy of Erliza Apego)
For more information, visit https://www.oslope.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.facebook.com/PHinNorway/ or https://www.instagram.com/phinnorway/.