PH Embassy in Port Moresby Celebrates 127th Philippine Independence Day with Grand Event

Philippine  Ambassador to Paua New Guinea Edgar Tomas Q. Auxilian (right) and Honorable John Rosso, Deputy Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea (left), raise a toast to enduring friendship during the 127th Philippine Independence Day celebration at the Stanley Hotel. (Port Moresby PE photo)

PORT MORESBY 19 June 2025 — The Philippine Embassy in Port Moresby successfully hosted the 127th commemoration of the proclamation of Philippine independence at the Stanley Hotel, gathering a distinguished array of guests including Papua New Guinea (PNG) government officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps, representatives from International Organizations, and the vibrant Filipino community on 12 June 2025. The evening commenced with a formal program, featuring the national anthems of both nations, setting a tone of shared respect and camaraderie. Philippine Ambassador to Papuan New Guinea Edgar Tomas Q. Auxilian and Deputy Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea John Rosso delivered heartfelt messages and led a toast, underscoring the robust and enduring partnership between the two countries.

Ambassador Auxilian's address highlighted the Philippines' journey to sovereignty and its current economic strength, noting its projected average growth rate of 6.0 percent from 2024 to 2026, positioning it as the second fastest-growing economy in ASEAN. He also expressed profound gratitude for PNG's hospitality towards the nearly 40,000 Filipinos contributing significantly across various sectors, including the expansion of Filipino seafood companies which are set to create over 2,000 new local jobs. The Ambassador reiterated the Philippines' commitment to strengthening bilateral relations through initiatives like the Pacific Initiative, focusing on health security, food security, labor mobility, and disaster resilience, and highlighted the growing trade relations and shared agricultural development goals.

The celebration also featured a rich display of Filipino culture with captivating performances by Southbridges International School and the renowned Philippine Baranggay Folk Dance Troupe, showcasing traditional dances from various regions of the Philippines. Attendees enjoyed an exhibit on traditional Philippine attire and a Philippine-inspired photo corner. The evening concluded with a raffle draw of a round-trip air ticket to Manila, courtesy of Philippine Airlines. The event underscored the strong bonds of friendship, mutual respect, and shared aspirations between the Philippines and Papua New Guinea. END

The Philippine Baranggay Folk Dance Troupe mesmerizes the audience with vibrant traditional dance performances, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines to an audience composed of the diplomatic community, PNG officials and Filipino community in Papua New Guinea. (Port Moresby PE photo)

Ambassador Edgar Tomas Q. Auxilian and Dr. Maria Vita E. Auxilian (standing on stage, 6th & 7th from left) gather with members of the Philippine Baranggay Folk Dance Troupe to deliver a memorable celebration of the 127th Philippine Independence Day. (Port Moresby PE photo)

For more information, visit https://www.portmoresbype.dfa.gov.ph.