14 June 2012- Officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy in Brunei Darussalam, led by Ambassador Nestor Z. Ochoa and Madame Mayie E. Ochoa, joined by members of the Filipino Community, sang the Lupang Hinirang in a ceremony marking the 114th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence last June 12.
Ambassador Ochoa was assisted by Col. Carlos B. Cepe, Defense and Armed Forces Attaché, and T/Sgt. Napoleon B. Abacan III in hoisting the Philippine flag.
The flag-raising ceremony was followed by the Invocation/Prayer for the Nation which was led by Messrs. Alan Filio (representing the Roman Catholic group), Hataman Noor Paraman (representing the Filipino Muslims), and Edgardo Feliciano (representing the Christian group).
The Panunumpa sa Watawat and the Closing Song ("Pilipinas Kong Mahal") rounded out the first part of the program.
The second half of the program was marked by the reading of the various Independence Day Messages. Ambassador Nestor Z. Ochoa delivered his Independence Day Address while Minister and Consul Celeste Vinzon Balatbat read the Message of President Benigno S. Aquino III. Minister and Consul General Raymond R. Balatbat read the Message of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario while Labor Attaché Atty. Ana C. Dione read the Message of Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda D. Baldoz. Welfare Officer Nerisa L. Mercado read the Message of Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Carmelita S. Dimzon.
The highlight of the morning festivities was the cutting of the Independence Day cake by Ambassador Ochoa and Mrs. Ochoa who were joined by representatives from the various districts of Brunei Darussalam. This was followed by the traditional breakfast salu-salo as Filipinos throughout Brunei Darussalam celebrated Philippine Independence Day. END