14 March 2016 – The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, together with the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Social Security System (SSS), and Pag-IBIG, joined the Filipino community’s Family Fun Day held on March 04 at the Khalidiya Park, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The event started with a “Walk for Health” parade of participants inside the park, followed by warm-up and Zumba dance exercises.  Engr. Antonio Morales, Chairman of the Bayanihan Council, the umbrella organization of all Filipino organizations accredited by the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, delivered the Opening Remarks.

Philippine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Constancio R. Vingno, Jr., in his speech, thanked the Bayanihan Council for annually organizing the Family Fun Day to gather the members of the Filipino community in Abu Dhabi.  “Through this and other gatherings, Filipinos project an image in Abu Dhabi that we are always united and happy,” he said.

Ambassador Vingno also introduced to the Filipino community newly-arrived Third Secretary and Vice Consul Von Ryan G. Pangwi.  He also acknowledged the presence of PhilHealth representatives who traveled to the UAE to conduct an audit on PhillHealth’s Overseas Filipino Program.

Leaders and members of various Filipino organizations participated in the “Laro ng Lahi” games such as Carabao relay, pakwan eating, and tug-of-war.  Filipino food and delicacies were shared among the community.

There are currently 51 Filipino organizations under the umbrella of the Bayanihan Council and under the auspices of the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi. END