PH Embassy in Abu Dhabi Honors Contribution of FilCom Institutions in UAE During COVID-19 Pandemic

Philippine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Hjayceelyn M. Quintana (center) with Filipino Social Club (FilSoc) President Ericson P. Reyes (left), and Chief Executive Officer of The Filipino Times’ (TFT) parent company, New Perspective Media Dr. Karen Remo (right) during the conferment ceremony of the “Parangal sa Araw ng Kasarinlan.” In the background is the world’s largest Philippine flag formed by the lights of the Burj Khalifa (tallest building in the world) during its tribute for the Filipinos on Philippine Independence Day on 12 June 2020. (Abu Dhabi PE photo)

ABU DHABI 23 June 2020 – Philippine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Hjayceelyn M. Quintana conferred the “Parangal sa Araw ng Kasarinlan 2020” awards to media outlet The Filipino Times (TFT) and community organization Filipino Social Club (FilSoc) during a special awarding ceremony held in front of the Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest building), coinciding with the latter’s flag tribute in celebration of Philippine Independence Day on 12 June 2020.

“The ‘Parangal sa Araw ng Kasarinlan 2020’ was awarded individually to these two organizations in recognition of their institution-building efforts in the UAE.  Filipinos would be best served by such organisations that build linkages and partnerships beyond the Filipino community. The TFT and FilSoc have become the default contact of UAE entities for engagement with Filipino community, specially during this crucial time of the pandemic. These two organizations are key to building a community support ecosystem,” said Ambassador Quintana.

“The Filipino Social Club has represented the Filipino identity that Emirati and international institutions in the UAE can connect and partner with, and the Filipino Times presented the voice and viewpoints of Filipinos in the UAE and has proven to be a reliable source of timely news and information. They should serve as an example to Filipino groups to excel and to cultivate connections to further ensure the meaningful participation of Filipinos in the diverse and multicultural society of the UAE,” added the Ambassador. END

For more information, visit https://www.abudhabipe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinUAE/.