28 July 2014 – The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh organized a program in celebration of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Apolinario Mabini and invited high school students from different Philippine overseas schools in Riyadh to participate in the activity.
The theme “Mabini@150: Talino at Paninindigan,” was aimed to promote awareness on the life and writings of Apolinario Mabini and why he was called the “Brains of the Revolution”.
Second Secretary and Consul Mary Jennifer D. Dingal delivered the opening remarks where she gave a snapshot on the life of Apolinario Mabini. Philippine Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ezzedin H. Tago led the wreath-laying ceremony and ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the mini photo exhibit about Apolinario Mabini. Two student representatives also recited Mabini’s “The True Decalogue.”
The highlight of the program was a short lecture conducted by Second Secretary and Consul Winston Dean S. Almeda on the History of Philippine Revolution and how Apolinario Mabini contributed and influenced the other Filipino leaders during that time. Consul Almeda also gave a brief background on the History of Philippine Foreign Service in which Apolinario Mabini was first appointed as the 1st Secretary of Foreign Affairs.
Further, in relation to the National Disability Prevention and Awareness Month which was also being celebrated this week, a short video presentation on Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) was shown to the students. The presentation showed them how PWDs were coping up with their everyday life and how they are learning to adapt to their environment in spite of their disabilities. The video also showed how the Philippine government has increased its efforts to extend assistance through livelihood and other programs for the PWDs.
The Embassy hopes to organize similar informative activities which can benefit the Filipino students in Riyadh in helping them be more aware of the Philippine history and culture. END