PH Embassy in Wellington Celebrates 122nd Anniversary of PH Independence, Holds Cultural Programme in St. Benedict's School
WELLINGTON 12 June 2020 – The Philippine Embassy in Wellington joined the rest of the Foreign Service Posts around the world in commemorating the 122nd Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence. The Embassy held a flag raising ceremony at the Embassy which was broadcasted via Facebook live on 12 June 2020.
Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand Jesus S. Domingo read the message of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. While the audio messages of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. and Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III were played, respectively.
Moreover, the Embassy held a Cultural Programme for the students, parents, and faculty members from St. Benedict's School in Khandallah, Wellington as its contribution to promotion of Filipino Heritage. The School served as the launching venue for the Embassy’s flagship “Filipino Language and Culture Programme” (FLCP-NZ) for Filipino and Kiwi youth in New Zealand initiated in 2019.
St. Benedict’s School Principal Michael Hinds, said “this is an excellent opportunity to connect our cultures together and we are glad that the Embassy had offered its Filipino Language and Culture program as an elective last year.”
Ambassador Domingo said that, “Filipinos and Maoris, NZ’s indigenous community, have are cousins as the Maori people passed by the Philippines many years ago in their great Pacific trek to their present home. The Embassy is reviving the ancient linkages between our two peoples.”
The Embassy led and explained the Pambansang Awit and Panunumpa sa Watawat and briefed on the significance of 12 June. Students were taught the song Leron Leron Sinta and how to play the musical instruments Angklung and Agong. All were then treated to a merienda of ensaymayda, cuchinta, and gulaman drink.
The Embassy and St. Benedict’s Community agreed to continue its joint collaboration for the promotion of Filipino Culture among the youth of New Zealand. END
Left photo: Philippine Embassy in Wellington personnel during the Flag Ceremony. Rigt photo: Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand Jesus S. Domingo delivers the message of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for the commemoration of the 122nd Anniversary of Philippine Independence. (Wellington PE photo)
Students in the background from St. Benedict’s School in Khandallah, Wellington warmly welcome Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand Jesus S. Domingo (second from left). Also in the photo are Vice Consul Feamor Tiosen (second from right) and St. Benedict’s School Principal Michael Hinds (rightmost). (Wellington PE photo)
Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand Jesus S. Domingo introduces the Cultural Programme which includes various activities that showcase Filipino language and culture to the students, parents and faculty members of St. Benedict’s School in Khandallah, Wellington, New Zealand. (Wellington PE photo)
For more information, visit https://www.wellingtonpe.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.philembassy.org.nz or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinNZ/.