Press Release
PR No. ETA-06-2024
Jeddah PCG commemorates 126th Anniversary of Philippine Independence with a diplomatic reception and flag-raising program
Jeddah, 12 June 2024- The Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah (Jeddah PCG) celebrated the 126th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence with a series of activities that were participated in by its personnel, members of the Filipino community, Saudi government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and business community representatives, among others.
The commemoration of Independence Day at the Consulate commenced as early as 28 May 2024, which was also the first day of the nationwide observance of National Flag Days. Personnel of the Consulate gathered on the said date at the Consulate grounds for a flag-raising program and recitation of the Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat ng Pilipinas, which was followed by a message from Consul General Edgar Tomas Q. Auxilian. In his message, Consul General Auxilian paid homage to the Philippine flag and to all the national heroes who have been instrumental in the country’s regaining of its independence. He also urged the personnel to show utmost respect to the Philippine flag and other symbols of our nation’s sovereignty.
Consulate personnel singing the Lupang Hinirang during the National Flag Days program held at the Consulate grounds
On June 10, the Philippine Consulate held a diplomatic reception at the Iridium Hotel- Jeddah, with Saudi government officials, the business community, various members of the diplomatic corps in Jeddah, as well as the Filipino community in Jeddah, in attendance at the event. Mr. Adnan Murad, Director of Protocol Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs-Makkah Al-Mukarramah Branch was the guest of honor at the event. Secretary Sabuddin Abdurahim of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) and Mr. Rommel Romato, Chargé d'affaires of the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh were also in attendance at the activity.
Consul General Edgar Tomas Q. Auxilian welcomes Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director of Protocol, Mr. Adnan Murad, who was Guest of Honor at the Independence Day reception of the Philippine Consulate
In his message at the reception, Consul General Auxilian underscored the advances the Philippines has undergone since the country has regained its independence 126 years ago, through the sacrifices and heroism of Filipino compatriots who fought hard and lost heir lives to gain the much sought after independence from the colonizers.
Consul General Edgar Tomas Q. Auxilian delivering his message to the guests in attendance at the National Day reception held at Iridium Hotel Jeddah
Consul General Edgar Tomas Q. Auxilian (4th from right), with Director of Protocol Mr. Adnan Murad of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (5th from left), Philippine Embassy in Riyadh CDA Rommel Romato (3rd from right), and the different Consuls General and officials of the Asian Consuls General Club in Jeddah during the cake-cutting ceremony
Consulate personnel take a family photo during the Independence Day reception held on 10 June 2024
General Auxilian also thanked the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for being active partners of the country in national development, with its vibrant trade partnership with the Philippines, and by being a hub for hundreds of thousands of Filipino workers who have contributed greatly to the Philippine economy. Consul General Auxilian expressed his hopes for sustained dynamic partnership between the Philippines and Saudi Arabia for both countries to achieve its development goals.
The IPSJ Dance Troupe performing the Malong Dance, an ethnic Philippine dance from Mindanao
During the reception, various cultural presentations showcasing original Filipino songs and dances were performed by various Filipino groups in Jeddah, such as the International Philippine School in Jeddah (IPSJ) Dance Troupe, Sayaw Likha Dance Company, and performers from the Filipino community in Jeddah, with Mr. Sherwin Zuniga as Production Director. Ms. Sylvia delos Santos, founder of the internationally-renowned musical group Serenata, together with musical genius Ms. Kharvy Mari Eser, also gave a violin and piano rendition of the songs “Cavatina” by Nicanor Abelardo and “Bayan Ko” by Constancio de Guzman. Filipino delicacies, such as palitaw, bibingka, kalamay, puto, etc., prepared by Filcom organizations OFW Council of Leaders (OCL) and Philippine Professional Organization - Western Region Saudi Arabia (PPRO-WRSA) were also served during the event.
Ms. Sylvia delos Santos (playing the piano), with Ms. Kharvy Mari Eser (with violin) playing the Cavatina and Bayan Ko
Filcom singers Ms. Thessa Ladroma and Mr. Alfie Penaflor serenading the guests with OPM songs
Mr. Michael Ingal singing another powerful Filipino song, with a dance performance from Mr. Chris Ligon
On 12 June 2024, the Consulate held an Araw ng Kalayaan flag-raising program with Consulate personnel, including attached agencies Migrant Workers Office-Jeddah, Office of the SSS Representative, and the Office of Hajj Attache. The program included the reading of the messages of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., Vice President Sara Duterte, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo, Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, SSS President and CEO Rolando Macasaet, and National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Secretary Sabuddin Abdurahim.
Jeddah PCG officials, together with the personnel, singing the Philippine national anthem during the Araw ng Kalayaan flag-raising program held at the Jeddah PCG grounds on 12 June 2024
Jeddah PCG officials, together with the personnel, reciting the Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat ng Pilipinas during the Araw ng Kalayaan flag-raising program held at the Jeddah PCG grounds on 12 June 2024
During the program, Consul General Edgar Tomas Q. Auxilian underscored the importance of strengthening patriotism, developing stronger sense of nation, and establishing stronger collaboration and cooperation between the government and the Filipino community in order to achieve the aspirations of the country, which would lead to the goal of a new Philippines (Bagong Pilipinas).
Consul General Edgar Tomas Q. Auxilian delivering his message to the personnel during the Araw ng Kalayaan program at the Consulate grounds
During the program, SSS Representative Mr. Michael Ingal serenaded the personnel with Original Pilipino Music (OPM).
Consulate personnel take a family photo during the Araw ng Kalayaan flag-raising program held on 12 June 2024
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. The theme for this year’s Independence Day celebration is “Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan.”–END-
