20 June 2016 - The Philippine Embassy in Jakarta kicked off the celebration of the 118th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence with an early morning flag-raising ceremony at the Embassy grounds on June 1.
Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia Maria Lumen B. Isleta, and Permanent Representative to ASEAN Elizabeth P. Buensuceso, together with the officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy and Mission as well as representatives of various sectors of the Filipino community in Indonesia, raised the Philippine flag as the national anthem “Lupang Hinirang” was being played.
Consul Shirlene Mananquil led the crowd of more than 150 people in the ceremonial “Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat ng Pilipinas” (Oath of Allegiance to the Philippine Flag).
Ambassador Isleta read the national day message of President Benigno S. Aquino III, while Ambassador Buensuceso read the national day message of Secretary of Foreign Affairs Jose Rene D. Almendras. Two Filipino teachers, Ms. Maggie Pascual and Ms. Aimee Baldonado, sang iconic Filipino songs to conclude the program.
After the ceremony, everyone shared in a traditional Pinoy Almusal. END
