PH Embassy in Paris Holds Annual Flag-Raising Ceremony for 122nd PH Independence Day
Philippine Ambassador to France Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro (center) is joined by Embassy personnel and Filipino organization representatives in the singing of the Philippine national anthem during the flag-raising ceremony held at the Chancery in celebration of the 122nd anniversary of Philippine Independence on 12 June 2020. (Paris PE photo)
PARIS 15 June 2020 – The officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy in Paris held its annual flag-raising ceremony at the Chancery in commemoration of the 122nd anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence on 12 June 2020.
In attendance also were officials representing Comité Général des Association Philippines en France (CGAPF), the umbrella organization of Filipino communities in France and stringers of Philippine media companies.
Still mindful of hygienic measures prescribed by France as it continues to de-confine following the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, the Embassy believed it was important to push through with the event to celebrate the most important day for all Filipinos.
Highlighting the theme, “Kalayaan 2020: Tungo sa Bansang Malaya, Nagbabayanihan at Ligtas (Freedom 2020: Towards a Free, United and Safe Nation)”, Philippine Ambassador to France and Monaco Maria Theresa Lazaro read aloud the messages of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr.
Ambassador Lazaro remarked that, “Though we see continuous transformation as to how the world does things because of the pandemic, nothing has changed when it comes to our sentiments and what we hold dear. In fact, this global health crisis has amplified our humanity, our sense of community and compassion for our fellow cohabitants of this planet.
We may not be able to congregate this year and celebrate Philippine Independence the way we have always done it, but I have no doubt that the ember of patriotism and love of country amongst all of us has not died down, especially for those overseas and still longing for their homeland. In this time of physical and economic hardships, I am so proud to have seen our kababayans be there for one another, even to the point of sacrificing their own health and well-being.”
The Philippine Embassy joins the online celebration of the 122nd Philippine Independence Day by supporting the initiatives of the DFA’s Office of Strategic Communications and Research, the Presidential Communications Operations Office, Tanghalang Pilipino Foundation, Inc. and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. This will include the live streaming of the Independence Day celebrations in the Philippines, NHCP documentary, “Apolinario Mabini: Talino at Paninindigan” and a video tribute to OFW frontliners. END
Philippine Ambassador to France Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro (center) reads the Philippine Independence day message of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during the Embassy’s celebration of the 122nd anniversary of Philippine Independence on 12 June 2020. (Paris PE photo)
For more information, visit https://www.parispe.dfa.gov.ph, http://www.facebook.com/PHinFrance or https://twitter.com/PHinFrance