21 June 2016 - The officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy in Wellington, along with their families, celebrated the commemoration of the 118th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence with a Flag Raising Ceremony at the Embassy Chancery on June 12.
After singing the Philippine National Anthem, the Independence Day Message of President Benigno S. Aquino III was read by Minister and Consul General Arlene Gonzales-Macaisa while the message of Foreign Affairs Secretary Jose Rene D. Almendras was read by Third Secretary and Vice Consul Glenn Joseph Q. Obach.
Immediately after the flag raising ceremony, the Embassy’s officers and staff together with the parishioners of the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Wellington held a special Philippine Independence Mass. Fr. James Lyons officiated the Mass and the Philippine Embassy officers and staff and their families participated in the Readings and Offertory.
The Philippine Embassy team thanked Fr. Lyons, officers and members of the Pastoral council, the liturgy committee, friends from New Zealand, and the wider communities for organizing and attending the Philippine Independence Day Mass in recognition of nations celebrating national days. END