09 June 2016 - The Filipino Community in Santiago, in coordination with the Philippine Embassy in Santiago, led the celebration for the 118th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence at the Parroquia Italiana in Santiago, Chile on June 05.
An unprecedented number of around 200 community members attended the event. For the first time, the community coordinators took the lead in planning the celebrations, with guidance and logistical assistance from the Embassy. The coordinators are active members of the community tapped by the Embassy to be the designated point persons for groupings of Filipinos in Chile. Aside from disseminating information about the Embassy’s activities, the coordinators have been especially helpful in checking on the status of their fellow Filipinos in times of disasters. Such a network is vital in an earthquake-prone country like Chile.
The Independence Day 2016 message of DFA Secretary Jose Rene D. Almendras was read by Philippine Embassy Chargé d’affaires Ms. Raisa Mabayo. A number of cultural activities, including folk dances and community singing, were performed throughout the event. Filipino food were also brought and shared by participants among each other, while raffles with prizes were held. END