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EVEN if they are miles away from home, various Filipino communities
abroad still took time to celebrate the 110th anniversary of the
Declaration of Philippine Independence.
In Australia’s capital city of Canberra,
Philippine Ambassador to Australia Ernesto de Leon led the
Filipino-Australian community in festivities that had the theme
“Republic Service, Tungo sa Ganap na Kalayaan at Kaunlaran.”
“The Filipino community in Australia enjoys
the respect of the Australian government because of its
proactiveness and capable representation of the Philippines.” the
envoy said.
“The Filipino community must work together in
promoting Philippine culture, in maintaining their heritage and in
advancing the country’s interest in Australia, which will
ultimately contribute to achieving true freedom and development for
the Philippines.”
Ambassador de Leon then administered the
re-acquisition of Philippine citizenship of five
Filipino-Australians. Two Australian soldiers, Hugh Joseph Patrick
de la Motte, and Francis Xavier Morris Willis, were awarded the
Philippine Liberation Medal, with Willis receiving the posthumous
token. Several Filipino-Australians were also given Certificates of
Appreciation for their support and contribution to the success of
several Embassy activities.
In Bangladesh, Philippine Ambassador Zenaida
Rabago in cooperation with the Apostolic Nunciature in that country
offered a mass for the Filipino people in celebration of
Independence Day.
Dhaka’s Apostolic Nuncio in Dhaka Archbishop
Joseph Marino prayed for the progress and peace of the Philippines,
its leaders, and its people.
Closer to home, the Philippine Embassy in Kuala
Lumpur, Malaysia together with the Philippine Ladies of Kuala Lumpur
opted to showcase diplomacy during Independence Day by spearheading
the Second Kalayaan Golf Cup 2008 at the Nilai Springs Golf and
Country Club in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.
-- Katrice R. Jalbuena
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