Dubai: The Filipino community on Monday celebrated their 119th Independence Day with prayers for their motherland amid threats of terrorism in some parts of the southern Philippines.
Consul-General Paul Raymund Cortes led the flag hoisting ceremony at the consulate premises on Monday morning as the leaders of the Filipino community joined the consulate staff in remembering the valiant efforts of the country’s heroes more than a century ago.
The Philippines proclaimed its independence from Spain after more than 300 years of colonial rule on June 12, 1898.
The embassy held the celebrations in advance on Saturday with a flag-raising ceremony attended by Ambassador Constancio Vingno Jr, embassy staff, and leaders of the Bayanihan Council and representatives from the different Filipino groups in the capital.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s message to the nation was also read on the occasion in which he urged his countrymen to be inspired by its heroes who fought against the Spanish colonial rule.
“More than a century ago, thousands laid down their lives so that we may live with the dignity and rights befitting a free nation. The journey to freedom was a long and arduous one — which our countrymen paid for with blood, sweat, and the ultimate act of selfless sacrifice. Let us take inspiration from our forebears who valiantly fought and offered their lives so that we may have the liberties that we enjoy today,” Duterte said in his message.
At the consulate on Monday, an interfaith celebration followed where leaders of various religious groups offered prayers for peace and order in their motherland, especially in Marawi City that has been ravaged by ongoing clashes between government forces and extremists linked to Daesh for the past three weeks.
Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said in his message: “As a nation, we Filipinos on bended knees implore the aid of the Almighty God to guide us to maintain a just and humane society especially amid the international terrorism and transnational crimes.”
Cortes, for his part, said he shares the hopes of the country’s leaders for the Philippines to be prosperous and to overcome the challenges it is facing now.
“We remember the plight of our brothers and sisters in Muslim Mindanao, especially in the city of Marawi. We do have a lot of ties between the Filipino community in Dubai and the Northern Emirates down south and we continue praying and hoping that the issues will be resolved as we work towards greater economic prosperity and development,” Cortes said.
Catherine Rivera, a community leader, said she has only one hope for the country: “Peace and order especially for our fellow Filipinos in Mindanao.”
Another community event to celebrate the day will be held on June 30 at Khalidiya Mall in Abu Dhabi
