Press Release
PR-100-2016

Philippine Embassy in Riyadh Celebrates the 118^th
Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine
Independence with the Filipino Community

Ambassador Ezzedin H. Tago giving his Independence Day message to the Filipino community

(Riyadh, 3 June 2016) – In commemoration of the 118^th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence with the theme, “Kalayaan 2016: Pagkakaisa, Pag-aambagan, Pagsulong”, the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, held a program with the Filipino community on 3 June 2016 at the Liwasang Bonifacio Philippine Embassy Multi-Purpose Grounds.

In his speech, Ambassador Ezzedin H. Tago encouraged the Filipino community to be united and to take pride in their identity as Filipinos. He conveyed his hopes for Filipinos to look beyond their ethnicity, religion, gender, social-economic status to define his or her being a Filipino and instead highlight our oneness as a people.

During the program, Independence Day Messages from Secretary of Foreign Affairs Jose Rene D. Almendras, Secretary of Labor Rosalinda M. Baldoz and Secretary of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Jasmin Busran – Lao were read.

In keeping with the Embassy’s tradition, Embassy personnel themselves participated during the program: A medley of Philippine Folk Dances from the three (3) major islands of the Philippines were presented. Salidumay (Luzon), Kuradang (Visayas) and Sagayan, Kapamalong-Malong, Singkil and Kulintang (all from Mindanao).

Salidumay dancers

Kuradang dancers

Kuradang dancers

Kulintang

Sagayan

Kapamalong-malong

Singkil

The dependents of Embassy personnel aged ages 6 to 12 years old, recited Rizal’s poem, sa Sa Kabataang Pilipino.

A medley of Ako ay Filipino, Pilipinas Kong Mahal and Bayan Ko sung by Philippine Embassy personnel served as the final number.

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