13 June 2012- The Philippine Embassy and the Filipino community in Lebanon marked the 114th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence last June 10, with the traditional flag-raising ceremony, followed by a breakfast salu-salo at the Embassy grounds.
Philippine Ambassador to Lebanon Leah M. Basinang-Ruiz led the Embassy, Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) personnel and the Filipino community in singing the Philippine National Anthem and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Philippine Flag.
After the prayer invocation, delivered by Fr. Agustin Advincula, CM, Ambassador Ruiz read the Independence Day Message of President Benigno S. Aquino III, while Consul Bernadette Mendoza and Labor Attaché Irma Valiente read the messages of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario and Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, respectively.
To cap the ceremony, Ambassador Ruiz, assisted by Labor Attaché Valiente and OWWA Welfare Officer Aquilina Tarrobago, presented the OWWA Plaque of Appreciation to Fr. Advincula for his efforts in promoting the spiritual welfare of the Filipino community in Lebanon.
Around 150 members of the Filipino community attended the ceremony and partook of the tapsilog, pan de sal and arroz caldo breakfast and expressed their appreciation for the joyful celebration.
The Embassy also delivered the independence day greetings of President Benigno S. Aquino III to the Filipino community members who attended the Sunday masses in the different churches of Beirut.
Vice Consul Rona Beth Goce read the President's message after the Holy Mass at St. Joseph Church in Tabaris, Ambassador Ruiz at the St Elie Church in Antelias, and Consul Mendoza at the St. Francis Church in Hamra.
Around 2,000 Filipino community members in Lebanon were able to hear the Independence Day Message of President Aquino. END
