A Sense of Normalcy in Syria, as Filipinos Celebrate Their Heritage
Philippine Embassy Chargé d’ Affaires Alex V. Lamadrid joins this year’s “Queens of Santacruzan” during the 2018 National Heritage Month launch in Damascus, Syria on 06 May 2018. (Damascus PE photo)
DAMASCUS 15 May 2018 – While security issues remain a concern in Syria, it did not stop Filipinos in Damascus from holding a Santacruzan or “Flores de Mayo,” as part of this year’s National Heritage Month celebration.
The Santacruzan was the launching event of the National Heritage Month by the Philippine Embassy in Damascus, in partnership with the Filipino Community in Syria (FCS) on 06 May, according to Chargé d’Affaires Alex V. Lamadrid.
During the event on 06 May, a select group of Filipinas began their respective reigns as the “Queens of Santacruzan” through their symbolic coronation by Chargé d’Affaires Lamadrid and other Embassy officials.
Apart from kickstarting the Embassy’s National Heritage Month celebrations, the Santacruzan also marked the 12th founding anniversary of the FCS and the 2018 Labor Day commemoration. The event also gave the FCS an opportunity to raise funds for the organization’s various activities.
Outstanding Filipinos were also recognized for their active involvement in the activities of the Embassy and the FCS. Ms. Mariabeth Tingson was awarded first prize in the poetry writing competition. Her award-winning poem, “Magigiting na Bayani ng Bansa,” recounted her personal journey as Overseas Worker.
“I am delighted to learn that despite the decreasing number of Filipinos, the bayanihan spirit is still very evident in your organization as shown by the preparations that your officers and members have exerted to make this gathering and celebration possible,” Chargé d’Affaires Lamadrid said in his remarks, lauding all those involved for the success of the event.
Chargé d’Affaires Lamadrid reassured Filipinos in Syria of the Embassy’s open-door policy to help those who wish to be repatriated to the Philippines. He also exhorted the OFWs to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions in the wake of few missile attacks and amateur shelling in Damascus.
May of every year is National Heritage Month, by virtue of Proclamation No. 439 signed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in 2003. For 2018, the National Commission on Culture and the Arts has chosen the theme, “Pambansang Pagkakaisa para sa Pamana” (National Unity for Heritage). END
For more information, visit www.damascuspe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinSyria/.
Chargé d’ Affaires Alex V. Lamadrid, accompanied by Vice Consul Al-Bari Macalawan and Filipino Community in Syria (FCS) President Jennifer Bandong, leads the cake-cutting ceremony to celebrate the 12th founding anniversary of the FCS.
Ms. Mariabeth Tingson, who took the first prize in the poetry writing contest, reads her award-winning poem on life as an OFW. The event also marked the Filipino migrant community’s observance of Labor Day 2018.