Press Release
PR No. ETA-29-2022

Jeddah PCG Personnel Celebrate 124th Anniversary of Philippine Independence

Jeddah, 12 June 2022 - Officers and personnel of the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah celebrated the 124th anniversary of Philippine independence through a morning program that highlighted the virtues of nationalism in a foreign land and showcased Filipino talents. Members of the Filipino community in Jeddah and families of the officers and staff of the Consulate attended the event.

Consul General Edgar Tomas Q. Auxilian delivering the inspirational message at the flag-raising program

In commemorating the 124th anniversary of Philippine independence, Consul General Edgar Tomas Q. Auxilian underscored the importance of strengthening patriotism and having stronger Filipino identity especially to Filipinos far away from the country.  “Isinusulong natin ang ating kultura at kalinangang Pilipino upang mapaigting ang diwang makabayan at kamalayang Pilipino. Mahalaga ito para sa mga Filipino expatriates at next generation Filipinos na na-expose na sa banyagang kultura at mga samu’t saring pop culture na dulot ng social media. Mahalagang maikintal sa puso at diwa ng bawat Pilipino saan man sa mundo ang kamalayang Pilipino na magiging pundasyon ng kanilang pagmamahal sa sariling bayan at lahi,” Consul General Auxilian said.

(“We promote Filipino culture to strengthen Filipino nationalism and consciousness. This is important for Filipino expatriates and next-generation Filipinos who have been exposed to diverse foreign and pop cultures through social media. It is important to instill in the heart and soul of every Filipino anywhere in the world that continuing awareness of our Filipino heritage will be the foundation of their love for their country and race.”)

Personnel during the raising of the Philippine flag and the singing of the Philippine national anthem

Dependents of Jeddah PCG personnel performing a folk dance number

The Consulate’s Independence Day program included the reading of the messages of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Vice President Leni Robredo, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro Locsin, Jr., and the respective Heads of DOLE, DSWD, DTI and SSS. There were also performances from personnel of the Consulate and members of the Filipino community in Jeddah.

Jeddah PCG personnel dancing to the tune of “Bongga ka Day” and “Pinoy Ako”

The ribbon-cutting and opening of the Inaul and Beadworks exhibit at the PCG Hall took place after the program. The exhibit, which will run for the whole month of June, will feature the works of fashion designer Ms. Cinder Lim and select creations using the inaul fabric of Filipino fashion designers in Jeddah.

Consul General Edgar Tomas Auxilian and Dr. Vita Auxilian lead the ribbon-cutting and opening of the Inaul and Beadwork exhibit at the Jeddah PCG Hall.

Officers of Jeddah PCG lead the celebrations for the 124th anniversary of Philippine independence. From left to right: Michael Dingal, SSS Attache; Ms. Narabell Bue, Social Welfare Attache; Vice Consul Kristal Mary Padon-Rabanal; Vice Consul Lemuel C. Lopez; Consul General Edgar Tomas Q. Auxilian; Vice Consul Alfred Kristoffer Guiang; Vice Consul Jeremiah Picaso Attento; and Bugshan Abdullah Tendegaranao, PTIC Attache [Photo credit: Jeddah PCG].

In 1962, President Diosdado Macapagal issued Proclamation No. 28, s. 1962, effectively moving the date of Philippine independence from July 4 to June 12—the date when independence from Spain was proclaimed in Emilio Aguinaldo's home in Kawit, Cavite in 1898. END