GOVPH

Posted on 16 Jun 2011

Amb. Manuel M. Lopez and Madame Maria Teresa L. Lopez with the officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy.

The Philippine Embassy in Tokyo celebrated the 113th anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence on 13 June 2011 with simple ceremonies held at the Embassy, as a mark of respect to the victims of the Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami of 11 March 2011.

A flag raising ceremony was held in the morning at the Embassy grounds led by Ambassador Manuel M. Lopez and Madame Maria Teresa L. Lopez. The Independence Day messages of President Benigno S. Aquino III and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert F. del Rosario were read by Ambassador Lopez and Minister Gina A. Jamoralin, respectively.

Amb. and Mme. Manuel M. Lopez leads the personnel of the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo in singing the Philippine National Anthem.

The flag raising was later followed by a luncheon hosted by Ambassador Lopez to show appreciation to the donors and volunteers who collaborated with the Embassy in providing relief and assistance to disaster victims, particularly Filipinos affected by the earthquake, tsunami and the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident. These include organizations which offered food, relief goods and shelter to evacuees, volunteers who assisted in the Embassy’s consular missions to devastated areas, and those who helped man the Embassy’s 24-hour telephone hotline numbers.

In his speech thanking the donors and volunteers, Ambassador Lopez said they played an important role in enabling that the Embassy to respond to the inquiries and requests for assistance coming from the large number of Filipinos in Japan as well as their families back in the Philippines. The Ambassador noted that there are around 300,000 Filipino nationals in Japan.

In the evening, Ambassador Lopez hosted an informal reception for more than 100 members of the Filipino community. In his message to the community, Ambassador Lopez said that the simplicity of this year’s Independence Day celebration was a result of the Philippines’ solidarity with the people of Japan. The Ambassador encouraged the members of the Filipino community to continue to help those in need within their capabilities, and sought the community’s collaboration on future activities.

The reception was capped by a well-received musical performance by two talented Filipino performers based in Japan, Ms. Marlene dela Peña and Mr. Jay Vergara. Ms. dela Peña, a jazz singer who is known by the name of “Marene” in Japan, is considered a superstar in the Japanese jazz and fusion music industry. She has released almost 30 albums under Japan’s biggest music labels. Mr. Vergara, an R&B artist, has worked with many famous Japanese artists and has several CDs under his name.

Posted on 10 Jun 2011 

MALACANAN  PALACE
MANILA

My warmest greetings to my fellow Filipinos around the world, as you join our countrymen at home in celebrating the 113th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.

I am heartened by your dedication to honor our heritage, even as you participate in the different aspects of civic and national life in your respective adopted countries. We in the Philippines deeply appreciate your sacrifices in terms of supporting your families back home and contributing to our noble task of nation-building. This willingness to be part of genuine transformation demonstrates the reinvigorated solidarity that we affirm as we relive this momentous day in our country’s history.

Let us take this moment to not only celebrate the freedom that we cherish, but also to remember the brave men and women who valiantly fought for our liberty. Spurred by their undying love for our country and strong compassion for their fellow Filipinos, our forefathers launched a revolution that had marked our race’s strength and determination. Among them is our national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal, whose 150th Birth Anniversary we commemorate this year. Dr. Rizal stands for the power of change that lies within each of us: his life and works stirred a nation to answer the call of transformation, and his martyrdom galvanized our people’s struggle for liberty.

More than a century has passed, and our circumstances may be different, but the challenge remains the same: to never waver from the straight and righteous path, and to work together to establish a future of stability and peace. In our time, we are faced with the fight against poverty, the struggle to obtain equitable justice, the campaign for good governance. We share a vision of a Philippines free from poverty, hunger, corruption, and apathy. As the children of heroes, it is our obligation to persist and stay the course.

As we fight our own battles today, may we always find inspiration and strength from our rich history and heritage, our inherent brilliance and sense of purpose. Time and again, we have proven that, so long as we are united under the banner of transparency, accountability, and integrity, we can take on any challenge.

Sgd.
Benigno S. Aquino III

MANILA
12 June 2011