PH Embassy in Brunei Darussalam Commemorates 127th Anniversary of PH Independence
The Philippine Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Marian Jocelyn R. Tirol-Ignacio during her keynote address. (Brunei PE photo)
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN 09 July 2025 — The Philippine Embassy in Brunei Darussalam commemorated the 127th anniversary of Philippine independence and nationhood with a solemn flag-raising and traditional wreath-laying ceremonies on 12 June 2025. The wreath-laying ceremony also honored Dr. Jose P. Rizal, whose ideas gave birth to Philippine nationhood and whose birth anniversary was on 19 June.
After the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies, the celebration featured an Independence Day program which included video messages from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., DFA Secretary Enrique A. Manalo and OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan. The Independence Day messages from DND Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. and MWO Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac were read by Defense Attaché, Col. Garry L. Atienza and Labor Attaché Roel B. Martin, respectively. The Philippine Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Marian Jocelyn R. Tirol-Ignacio also gave a keynote address emphasizing that “Our independence is not only our past. It is our daily act of remembering — and our daily act of choosing. Choosing to be one nation. Choosing to protect it. Choosing to stand by it. Choosing to love it.” The program concluded with a screening of José Rizal: Sa Landas ng Paglaya (On the Path to Freedom)—a documentary that delves into Rizal’s motivations and influence in inspiring the Filipino struggle for freedom. Featuring expert commentary and dramatized scenes from his life, the film offered a powerful reflection on his enduring legacy. An “Agahan sa Pasuguan”, a celebratory Independence Day breakfast followed featuring traditional Filipino breakfast fare. The celebration also marked the founding of the Knights of Rizal-Brunei Chapter.
The celebration brought together over 80 members of the Filipino community in Brunei on a working week day, along with embassy staff and representatives from attached agencies. Also present were the Hon. Judge Petronila P. Tanas-Arguelles, Presiding Judge, Branch 1, Municipal Trial Court In Cities, Batangas City, Batangas; Ms. Lynn A. Gutierrez, Chief Transportation Regulation Officer, Carmona District Office, Lto Region Iv-A; and Atty. Rebelia P. Garces, Clerk Of Court II, Municipal Trial Court, San Luis, Batangas.
Since 12 June is a blackout date in Brunei when song and dance are prohibited, Post will hold its 127th National Day reception with the diplomatic corps and the Filipino community on 15 September, the day when the Malolos Congress opened, signalling the birth of the first independent republic in Asia and as a nod to the multi-year celebration that began in 2023. END
Screening of José Rizal: Sa Landas ng Paglaya (On the Path to Freedom). (Brunei PE photo)
The wreath-laying ceremony also honored Dr. Jose P. Rizal, whose ideas gave birth to Philippine nationhood and whose birth anniversary. (Brunei PE photo)
For more information, visit https://www.bruneipe.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.philippine-embassybrunei.org, or https://www.facebook.com/PHinBrunei/, https://twitter.com/PHinBrunei or https://www.instagram.com/phinbrunei/.