27 June 2016 – In commemoration of the 118th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence with the theme, “Kalayaan 2016: Pagkakaisa, Pag-aambagan, Pagsulong”, the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi held a flag raising ceremony with the Filipino community on June 12 at the Embassy grounds.
For the first part of the program, the Philippine national anthem was sung, followed by a recitation of allegiance to the Philippine flag.
Independence Day messages from the Secretary of Social Welfare and Development, Administrator of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Secretary of Labor and Employment, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, and President of the Philippines, were read.
Philippine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Constancio R. Vingno, Jr. delivered his message to the Filipino community. He thanked fellow kababayans in the UAE for their contributions in enhancing the Philippines’ culture, economy, and reputation. He urged all Filipinos to unite as one in order to build upon the gains of the past while moving forward and helping one another to create a more prosperous Philippine society.
The second part of the program was the unveiling of the Dr. Jose Rizal bust, which was donated to the Embassy by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) of the Philippines.
The unveiling ceremony was led by Ambassador Vingno, who himself is a Knight Commander of Rizal, and Sir Antonio Morales, Chapter Commander of the Knights of Rizal – Emarat Abu Dhabi Chapter (KOR-EADC). They were joined by officers and members of the KOR-EADC.
In his remarks, Ambassador Vingno shared his recollection and admiration of Rizal. “It was because of him that ignited the spirit of nationalism in our minds and in our hearts. It is fitting that we remember him today and as we commemorate in advance his 155th birth anniversary. Every time you visit the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, you will feel the presence of our national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal,” he concluded.
Sir Antonio Morales expressed his appreciation to the Philippine Embassy and the NCCA for providing a Jose Rizal bust. “The approval of the request for a Rizal bust came very timely after the establishment of the KOR-EADC. The bust brings us all together in remembering our national hero,” he said.
The bust of Rizal is placed atop a wooden stand. Inscribed in the marker are the words: “Dr. Jose P. Rizal, Philippine National Hero, 1861-1896.”
The celebration was attended by officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy, Philippine Overseas Labor Office, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Office of the Social Welfare Attaché, Social Security System, and Pag-IBIG; the Executive Committee of the Bayanihan Council, the umbrella organization of all organizations accredited to the Philippine Embassy; officers and members of the KOR-EADC; other Filipino community leaders and guests. END
