Philippine Embassy’s 2021 Independence Day Virtual Celebration

Highlights Resilience and Showcases the Heritage of Indigenous Filipinos

Phnom Penh, 13 June 2021 – The Philippine Embassy in Cambodia’s 2021 Independence Day was celebrated virtually with the theme “Spirit of Freedom in Unity and National Healing.”

Led by Philippine Ambassador to Cambodia, Maria Amelita C. Aquino, the celebration honored the resilience of Filipinos amidst the pandemic and showcased the rich heritage of our indigenous peoples. In her remarks, Ambassador Aquino highlighted the contribution of Filipino frontliners and encouraged the participation of each Filipino in Cambodia in combatting the pandemic with the “indomitable Filipino spirit of resilience, fortitude and unity.”

After the flag raising ceremony, the virtual program continued with an invocation from Fr. Roel Soto (Don Bosco Catholic Church in Phnom Penh) and Pastor David Von Bastes (Jesus’ Young Followers in Siem Reap). Independence Day video messages from Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro L. Locsin Jr., and Secretary of National Defense Delfin N. Lorenzana were also shown.

The special video entitled “Heritage”, produced by the Cordillerans in Cambodia (CiC), a sub-group of the Filipino organization Samahan ng mga Pilipino sa Cambodia (SAMAPI) was shown and featured the provinces in the Cordillera Administrative Region, including their distinct traditions, food, attractions, and popular songs. The presentation is in line with the concert "Lessons for a Changed World: The Legacy of the Indigenous Peoples of the Philippines" prepared by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Current restrictions in Phnom Penh prevented the participation of the diplomatic corps and members of the Filipino organizations in Phnom Penh in the celebration, and the event had to be held in a hybrid manner, with a webcast over the Embassy’s Facebook (live) page. Five officers from the SAMAPI, Mr. Francisco Serevo, Mr. Joel Dionco, Ms. Mayen Conde, Mr. Elcid Esperacion, and Ms. Vilma Ardina represented the organization in the national day event. Ms. Myra Bangad, a school owner in Phnom Penh, performed the Philippine National Anthem and sang “Ako ay Pilipino.”

Another highlight of the Embassy’s national day celebration was the distribution of care packages to Filipinos based in Phnom Penh who were severely affected by the pandemic.     Typical Filipino snacks were also given to the Embassy’s consular clients during the period June 1 to June 15 as part of the celebration. END