17 June 2016 - The Philippine Embassy in Brunei Darussalam led by Philippine Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Meynardo LB. Montealegre, together with the officers and staff and the members of the Filipino Community, held a Flag Raising ceremony on June 12, marking the 118th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.
Ambassador Montealegre was assisted by Col. Ernest Mark P. Rosal, Defense and Armed Forces Attaché (DAFA), and T/Sgt. Isidro M. Diola, Jr., ODAFA Administrative Assistant, in hoisting the Philippine flag.
The Independence Day Messages of President Benigno S. Aquino III, Foreign Affairs Secretary Jose Rene D. Almendras, Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin, and Labor Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz were then read by Ambassador Meynardo LB. Montealegre, Consul Melvin C. Almonguera, Defense Attaché Col. Ernest Mark P. Rosal and Welfare Officer Ma. Luisa S. Reyes, respectively.
The Ambassador also thanked the members of the Filipino Community for the continued support and cooperation with the Embassy. In line with this year’s theme of “Pagkakaisa, Pag-aambagan, Pagsulong,” the Ambassador called on them to unite, and cooperate even more in moving the country forward towards sustained and equitable development. He likewise thanked the government of His Majesty the Sultan for the strong bond of friendship and affinity between the two countries and people of the Philippines and Brunei Darussalam.
After the ceremony, the exhibition on Philippine Woven Art and Heritage was opened to the Filipino Community and other guests. On display during the exhibit were woven crafts, particularly exquisite mats (banig) which came from Bukidnon, Palawan, Samar, Tawi-Tawi, and other regions in the Philippines. Also displayed are other woven products, such as the T’nalak, a textile produced by the T’bolis from South Cotabato and the Yakan from Basilan, which is known for its vibrancy in color.
The said exhibition aims to showcase the Filipino creative spirit as evident in woven crafts, which have been intricately designed and constantly admired through generations. END
PHL Embassy in Brunei Commemorates the 118th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence