Expat Filipinos mark 110 years of independence

DUBAI & ABU DHABI — The Philippine national flag fluttered freely at the Philippine diplomatic missions in Abu Dhabi and Dubai to mark 110 years of independence on Thursday.

By Lily B. Libo-on (Our staff reporter)

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Published: Thu 12 Jun 2008, 9:21 PM

Last updated: Sun 5 Apr 2015, 6:28 PM

In a message read before Filipinos witnessing the flag-hoisting ceremony at the Philippine embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Philippine consulate-general in Dubai, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said that being Asia's first republic, the Philippines continues to stand proud among the free nations of the world.

She cited that the labour done to help guarantee peace, order and stability in the country paid off last year when the Philippines got the strongest economy in over 30 years. "Our investments are soaring and we are close to balancing our budget," she said.

The president said that the country's political discourse was vibrant, the Philippine press free and the country's Constitution shelters all who seek protection and embrace the rule of law.

The message of the president was read by Minister and Consul-General Noel Servigon at the Philippine embassy and Consul Vicente Bandillo at the Philippine consulate. It was followed by messages from Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo, Labour Secretary Marianito D. Roque and Trade and Industry Secretary Peter B. Favila.

In his message, Romulo stressed that this year's celebration is reminding the Filipinos that if they act with a common purpose and a unity of vision, they can achieve great things.

He reaffirmed the determination of DFA to fulfill its mandate of harnessing diplomacy for the protection, preservation and promotion of the national interest of the Filipinos in a free, stable and prosperous world.

Labour Secretary Roque, in his message, acknowledge the Filipino workers, including those working overseas, for always being involved in efforts to preserve and protect the country's hard-earned freedom.

"Your highly-regarded skills, insatiable yearning for new knowledge, diligence and strength of character have earned for us the respect of other races," he concluded.

He advised them to capitalise on the commendable traits in partnering with the Philippine government in a collective endeavour to free the country from poverty and work towards a progressive Philippines.

In the same manner, Trade and Industry Secretary Favila praised all Filipino workers in Dubai for their continued support to the country and for enjoying laudable terms of employment and benefits in the UAE.

He said that the overseas Filipino workers are the ambassadors of goodwill of the Philippines and through them, UAE and the Philippine will continue to strengthen and expand trade, economic, scientific, technological cooperation and other business relations.


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