08 July 2016- On June 17, the Philippine Embassy in Mexico, led by Ambassador Eduardo Jose A. de Vega, celebrated the 118th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence with a wreath-laying ceremony at the monument of Dr. Jose Rizal and a diplomatic reception.
In the morning of June 17, Ambassador de Vega and the members of the Philippine Embassy offered a flower wreath at the monument of Dr. Jose Rizal along Paseo de Reforma, Mexico City.
This event was followed by Ambassador de Vega’s first National Day reception as Philippine Ambassador to Mexico. The guests in attendance comprised several Mexican government officials, including Congresswoman Nadia Haydee Vega Olivas, current Chair of the Philippine-Mexico Friendship Group in the Federal Chamber of Deputies; members of the diplomatic corps; prominent leaders from the private sector; academic experts in Philippine-Mexico relations; members of the historic Mexican Air Force Squadron 201; and members of the Filipino community.
The reception was honored with the presence of the other four ASEAN Ambassadors accredited in Mexico. Also present at the event was the newly-installed Philippine Honorary Consul to El Salvador, Atty. Enrique Portillo Peña, as well as all four Philippine Honorary Consuls in Mexico: Dr. Mario de la O from Acapulco, Eng. Francisco Cué of Monterrey, Capt. Hector Mora from Manzanillo, and Vice-Consul Martha Mejia from Guadalajara.
In his message, Ambassador de Vega mentioned the importance of the occasion as it marked the establishment of the first Democratic Republic in Asia. He spoke of the historical ties between Mexico and the Philippines, and also highlighted the achievements of the leadership of outgoing Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III and mentioned that the Philippines, as a strong and vibrant democracy, was now transitioning to new leadership with the incoming administration under President-elect Rodrigo Duterte.
Ambassador de Vega also referred to the Philippine diaspora, with Filipinos being present in practically every country of the world, and therefore expressed his gratitude to all Ambassadors present for the warm welcome given by their countries to Filipino nationals.
The Ambassador also acknowledged the presence of the members of Squadron 201 and their families, and thanked them for their gallantry during the Second World War, which helped secure Philippine freedom and further strengthened the special ties between Mexico and the Philippines.
In addition to the diplomatic reception on June 17, the Philippine Embassy hosted another reception especially for the members of the Filipino community on June 11, during which Ambassador de Vega expressed his enthusiasm in meeting the Filipino community for the first time and conveyed his appreciation for the support and cooperation they had extended to the Embassy. He spoke as well of his previous diplomatic posting to Mexico as a junior officer, and affirmed that he felt fortunate to be given the opportunity to serve the local Filipino community again.
In his remarks, the Ambassador informed the Filipino community of the historical and cultural links between the Philippines and Mexico, dating from the Manila-Acapulco Galleon trade era. The Ambassador also read out the Independence Day Message of President Benigno S. Aquino III, while Cultural Officer Rosabelle Q. Toledo read the corresponding message of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Jose Rene D. Almendras.
The occasion featured entertainment numbers from Filipino community members while Ambassador de Vega recited “Mi Ultimo Adiá½¹s” as a tribute to the great Dr. José Rizal and his immense contributions to the Filipino nation. The affair then culminated in a traditional salu-salo. END
