PH Consulate General in Milan Celebrates 127th Anniversary of Philippine Independence with Cultural Tribute, Community Engagement
MILAN 23 June 2025 — The Philippine Consulate General in Milan marked the 127th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence with an official celebration at Kalayaan Hall on 12 June 2025. The annual observance remains one of the most significant events in Post’s calendar, serving as a solemn occasion to honor the nation’s history, celebrate Filipino cultural identity, and engage the community in Northern Italy in meaningful civic reflection.
The program commenced with ecumenical prayers led by three respected leaders of the Filipino religious community in Milan. Rev. Fr. Ulysses Reyes of the 4tified By Christ Communities opened the invocation, followed by Rev. Fr. Sonny De Armas of the San Tomaso Filipino Catholic Community and President of the Pastoral Council for Filipino Catholics in Milan. Pastor Benny Alcantara of the Jesus is Lord Church - Italy Chapter concluded the segment. Their collective prayers invoked peace, unity, and gratitude, setting a reverent and unifying tone for the day’s proceedings.
This was followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, “Lupang Hinirang,” performed with collective solemnity and pride by the assembly. The anthem reaffirmed the enduring relevance of the values of freedom and sovereignty, resonating powerfully with Filipinos abroad.
The program then featured a series of official messages from key Philippine government officials. Welfare Officer Pet Bergado read the message of Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), followed by the message of Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac of the Department of Migrant Workers, delivered by Labor Attaché Margarita Eugenia Victorino. Consul General Elmer G. Cato delivered the message of Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo. These messages underscored the vital role of overseas Filipinos in nation-building and reaffirmed the Philippine government’s steadfast support for its citizens abroad.
The official Independence Day message of President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. was then presented via video. In his address, the President emphasized national unity, democratic values, and the country’s ongoing journey toward inclusive development.
Post also presented a short documentary that traced major milestones in Philippine history and celebrated the resilience and achievements of the Filipino people. The audiovisual presentation served as both historical reflection and a call to renewed national purpose.
A highlight of the program was a cultural performance by Ms. Jean Clarizz Petrasanta, a multi-awarded flutist currently pursuing her Master’s in Music Performance at the Conservatorio Statale di Musica Antonio Vivaldi in Alessandria. Ms. Petrasanta performed a selection of classical and patriotic pieces including “Bayan Ko,” “Nahan,” “Kabukiran,” “Ugoy ng Duyan,” “Cavatina,” and “Pilipinas Kong Mahal.” Her masterful renditions captured a spectrum of emotions, from nostalgia and longing to national pride, offering the audience a deeply moving musical experience.
The celebration also showcased the rich culinary heritage of the Philippines through a featured segment titled “Mekeni, Mangan Tamu! A Taste of Pampanga in Milan.” Chefs Cherry Tan and Vince Garcia presented a curated selection of traditional Kapampangan dishes, each introduced with a brief commentary on its cultural significance. This culinary experience highlighted Filipino food as a vital expression of heritage and identity.
The event concluded with a Filipino brunch, providing the community with an opportunity to gather informally, share stories, and strengthen bonds of friendship and solidarity. The atmosphere was one of festivity and kinship, encapsulating the spirit of bayanihan that endures among Filipinos overseas.
The Philippine Consulate General in Milan noted the enthusiastic participation and dignified conduct of the community throughout the event. This year’s Independence Day celebration reaffirmed the deep patriotic pride of Filipinos in Northern Italy and the Philippine Consulate General in Milan’s continuing commitment to promoting national identity, cultural pride, and civic engagement in the host country.
For more information, visit https://www.milanpcg.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinMilan/.