PHILIPPINE EMBASSY IN POLAND LEADS THE CELEBRATION OF THE 123RD ANNIVERSARY OF THE PROCLAMATION OF PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE
The Philippine Embassy in Warsaw celebrated the 123rd Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence through a series of simple but meaningful activities for the Filipino Community, the Diplomatic Corps, and Polish officials and private sector leaders.
The celebration was kicked off with a flag-raising ceremony at the Chancery on 01 June, to mark the Philippine Flag Days, from 28 May up to the 12 June Independence Day.
The Embassy then hosted a virtual reception for the Diplomatic Corps and Polish officials on 11 June, through a video presentation posted on the https://youtu.be/VMIrntr7T-M.
In her speech, Philippine Ambassador to Poland H.E. Leah M. Basinang-Ruiz noted that the theme of Philippine Independence Day 2021 “Spirit of Freedom in Unity and National Healing” encapsulates the "resolve of the Filipino people to win this war against the pandemic with courage, sacrifice and perseverance, in the undying spirit of Bayanihan".
The Ambassador highlighted the country’s efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic and to rebuild and strengthen the country’s economy. The video also featured a presentation on Philippine history and culture, explaining the significance of the 12 June 1898 Proclamation of Philippine Independence to the Filipino people.
On 12 June, the Embassy livestreamed its Flag Ceremony to allow the Filipino Communities in Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Ukraine to virtually take part in the traditional raising of the Philippine Flag. The messages of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and of Foreign Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. were broadcasted.
In her own message to the Filipino community, Ambassador Ruiz reminded them of "their patriotic duty and responsibility to protect and preserve the nation’s hard-fought freedom, democratic way of life, sovereignty, and national patrimony".
To conclude the celebration, Ambassador Ruiz joined the Filipino Community in Warsaw and delivered a message at the Independence Day 2021 Thanksgiving Mass held at the Kosciol Rzymskokatolicki pw.sw. Rodziny (Roman Catholic Parish of the Holy Family in Zacisze) on 13 June, officiated by Filipino priest Fr. Herbie Cañete, RCJ.
The videos of the various activities may be viewed at the Embassy’s official Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/PHLinPoland/) and YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/VMIrntr7T-M). END
