PH Consulate General in Xiamen Commemorates 127th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence
Philippine Consul General to Xiamen Winston Dean S. Almeda (center) is joined by personnel of the Philippine Consulate General in Xiamen, their families, and the Filipino Community in Xiamen. (Xiamen PCG photo)
XIAMEN 21 June 2025 — The Philippine Consulate General in Xiamen, together with the Filipino community, proudly commemorated on 21 June 2025 the 127th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence through a solemn and meaningful ceremony held at the Consulate General grounds, centered on this year’s national theme, “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan.”
The event also marked the official introduction with the Filipino community of Philippine Consul General in Xiamen Winston Dean S. Almeda, who had recently assumed his post in Xiamen.
The program began with the singing of the Philippine National Anthem (Lupang Hinirang) led by Ms. Regina V. Dela Fuente. It was followed by an invocation led by Ms. Ann Marie Daphne Adeva-Hermosura, wife of Consul Charleson C. Hermosura. A highlight of the event was the reading of the official Independence Day message of the President of the Republic of the Philippines Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., delivered by Consul General Almeda. This was followed by the reading of the message of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo, delivered by Consul Hermosura.
The Consul General also delivered his message, encouraging unity and resilience among the Filipino community in Xiamen. As part of the program, the Philippine Consulate General awarded certificates of appreciation to Overseas Filipinos in Xiamen and Jiangxi who were featured in the book “#MadeItInChina.” The book is a public diplomacy initiative commemorating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China. “#MadeItInChina,” featured inspiring stories of Filipinos across various regions in China, highlighting their professional achievements and contributions to both the Filipino community and their host society.
In addition, an awarding ceremony for students who participated in a literary tribute through the reading of selected poems by renowned Philippine-Chinese writers. The poetry reading, a Consulate activity in commemoration of the Philippine National Literature Month in April 2025, underscored the importance of cultural heritage and cross-cultural understanding.
The Philippine Association in Xiamen (FAX) President Mr. Mitchel Africa presented plaques of appreciation to Xiamen PCG’s Communications, Records and Protocol Officer Kristian Manuel, Visa Officer Ma. Bibian L. Repuyan and Cultural, Political, and Economic Officer Faith P. Bautista, for their exemplary service to the community.
A simple reception followed the program, where members of the Filipino community, together with the Consulate personnel, shared a traditional Filipino breakfast, while exchanging messages of solidarity and celebration. END
The Consul General (center) joins the personnel of the Philippine Consulate General, all proudly wearing traditional Filipino attire in commemoration of the 127th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence. (Xiamen PCG photo)
Consul General Almeda presents Certificates of Appreciation to Overseas Filipinos in Xiamen and Jiangxi who were featured in the book “#MadeItinChina” as recognition of their inspiring achievements in China. (Xiamen PCG photo)
Consul General Almeda awards Certificates of Appreciation to Filipino students at Huaqiao University who participated in the Consulate’s celebration of Philippine National Literature Month in April 2025. (Xiamen PCG photo)
Filipino Association in Xiamen (FAX) President Mitchel Africa (second from right) awards plaques of appreciation to Xiamen PCG’s (from left) Communications, Records, and Protocol Officer Kristian Manuel, Visa Officer Ma. Bibian L. Repuyan, and Cultural, Political, and Economic Officer Faith P. Bautista, who are all concluding their tours of duty in Xiamen next month. FAX recognized their exemplary service to the community. Consul General Almeda and Consul Hermosura join them in this photo. (Xiamen PCG photo)
For more information, visit https://www.xiamenpcg.dfa.gov.ph. https://www.facebook.com/phinxiamen https://www.instagram.com/phinxiamen/.