15 June 2016 - The observance of the 118th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence in Singapore started in earnest in the early morning of June 12, with the traditional flag-raising ceremony at the Philippine Chancery grounds in Nassim Road.
Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Antonio A. Morales led the rites. Officers and personnel of the Philippine Embassy and its attached agencies, as well as leaders, members and friends of the Filipino community in Singapore, joined Ambassador Morales in raising the Philippine flag and the “Panunumpa sa Watawat” led by Third Secretary and Vice Consul Laarni Zorayda Gandarosa.
Philippine Defense and Armed Forces Attaché Col. Aderito Navata made a touching rendition of his “Pagpupugay sa Watawat,” which was followed by ecumenical prayers of leaders of the various faiths in the Filipino community.
Labor Attaché Ramon Tionloc Jr. read the message of Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz and Minister and Consul General Victorio Mario M. Dimagiba, Jr. read the message of Foreign Affairs Secretary Jose Rene D. Almendras.
Prior to reading the 2016 Independence Day message of President Benigno S. Aquino III, Ambassador Morales conveyed his thanks to the Filipino community and their friends for giving their time to participate in the observance. He encouraged the audience to remain conscious of the sacrifices of Philippine heroes who fought for the country’s liberty and to emulate their good deeds.
Ambassador Morales also thanked the Filipino community leaders for their contribution in the successful conduct of the 2016 Overseas Voting in Singapore even as he reminded them to continue playing their role as “ambassadors” to help promote good PHL-Singapore relations and to play an active part in the ‘positive change’ envisioned by the incoming PHL administration.
The morning ceremony was followed by a Pinoy salu-salo featuring all-time Filipino culinary favorites.
In addition to the flag-raising ceremony, officials of the Philippine Embassy participated in other events including the 118th Philippine Independence Day celebration organized by the Foreign Domestic Association for Social Support and Skills Training (FAST) at the FAST Clubhouse in Raeburn Park and “Celebracion 118” at Comida Fiesta, Changi Business Park, featuring a mini-concert by Ms. Pamela Wildheart. END