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Ailyn Agonia
DOHA
OFFICIALS and staff of the Philippine Embassy Doha and the Philippine Overseas Labour Office (POLO) Doha gathered on Tuesday on the embassy premises to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence.
The theme for this year's celebration is"Independence Day 2018: Change We Fought For, an Offering to An Abundant Future".
The simple ceremony was led by Philippine Ambassador to Qatar HE Alan L Timbayan, Consul General Atty. Roussel Reyes, Philippine Labour Attache to Qatar David Des Dicang, Vice Consul Benjamin Celedio, Vice Consul Kristine Bautista and other officials.
On the occasion, messages of top Philippine officials were conveyed, including the message of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, to the Filipino people wherein the leader urged his compatriots to defend the nation's cherished democratic ideals now and in the years to come.
"I join the Filipino people in celebrating the 120th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence. This historic day forms the foundation of the liberties we enjoy today. Through the patriotic fervour shown by our forefathers, we have freed ourselves from colonial subjugation and proved to the world that we stand united as the pioneer of republican democracy in Asia," Duterte said in a statement.
"May the solidarity and heroism exhibited by our ancestors fuel our desire to spur meaningful and lasting change in our communities as we collectively battle social ills,such as corruption, drugs and crime that impede our country's progress! By cherishing the sovereignty that is borne out of the sweat and blood of our heroes, we stand firm and unwavering in our conviction to create a brighter and better future for all Filipinos regardless of their status in life," he added.
The statement of Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Allan Cayetano on the occasion highlighted Duterte administration's fight for a different kind of independence which includes freedom from crime, drugs and corruption. The foreign minister also reiterated the commitment to realise Duterte administration's vision of an independent foreign policy attuned to the needs and aspirations of the Filipino people and imbued with the highest standards of professionalism.
The official message of Philippine Labour Secretary Silvestre H Bello III was also conveyed to the gathering.
The embassy will be hosting a community celebration of the Philippine Independence Day at Al Rayyan Sports Club Multipurpose Hall on June 17. Through a circular, the embassy reminded attendees to register online for the event.
