01 December 2015 – Philippine Ambassador to Mexico Catalino R. Dilem, Jr. joined the 70th Founding Anniversary of the La Escuela Primaria Escuadron 201 on November 25 in Tepotzlan, State of Morelos. He was accompanied by Cultural Officer Rosabelle Q. Toledo and Consular Assistant Raymond Ondiano.
La Escuela Primaria Escuadron 201 was the first school established and named in honor of the Squadron 201 of the Mexican Air Force which helped in the liberation of the Philippines from Japanese occupation in World War II. It provides primary education to more than 500 Mexican students.
Close to 500 people were in attendance including the surviving veterans of Squadron 201 and their families, town and military officials, school administrators, teachers, students, parents and the general public.
The program began with the singing of the Mexican national anthem and the ceremonial flag honors followed by a welcome message by school director Professor Citlally Soamy Sanchez Vega and reading of the school´s history by Prof. Carmina Yafneli Martinez. Traditional State of Morelos dances were also performed by the Grade 5 and 6 students with the participation of the ballet folklorico de San Andres de la Cal.
A wreath of flowers was offered at the Squadron 201 marker inside the School premises, led by the families of Squadron 201 member Angel Bocanegra. Sgt. Bocanegra, a member of Squadron 201, was the one who requested then President Manuel Avila Camacho in 1944 for the building of a school for the children of Tepotzlan in Morelos.
On behalf of the Squadron 201 Veterans Association, Secretario Alberto Gonzales Ramirez acknowledged and thanked the guests for their attendance and the school administrators for organizing the commemoration activities.
At the end of the Program, the Philippine Embassy presented the school administration with Philippine posters and brochures for display at a classroom dedicated to the Philippines called “Republica de Filipinas”. END