14 June 2012- The Philippine Embassy in Tehran hosted a reception for the diplomatic corps, officials from the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and local businessmen at the Embassy Chancery in celebration of the 114th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence last June 12.
Charge d' Affaires, a.i. (CDA) Mariano A. Dumia and his wife, Mrs. Gloria Dumia, led Embassy officials in welcoming the guests led by MFA officials - H.E. Abdulrasul Mohajer Hejazi, Director General for East Asia and Oceania, H.E. Mohammad Azad, Head, First Department, East and Oceania, and Mr. Ezatolah Alizadeh.
Also present were the Chiefs of Mission of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-member countries, namely, Indonesian Ambassador Dian Wirenjurit, Malaysian Ambassador Mohammad Sadik Kethergany, Thai Ambassador Udomsak Sritangos, and Vietnamese Ambassador Tran Trong Khanh.
Also in attendance were Archbishop Jean-Paul Gobel of the Apostolic Nunciature of the Holy See, Uzbek Ambassador Ilhom Akramov, North Korean Ambassador Jo In Chol, and Mr. Abdolreza Samadzadeh of the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Prominent businessmen in the reception were Mr. Nader Saeedi, Mr. Ido Picchioni, and Mr. Lavasani. Mrs. Madeline Marfori, an exporter of Philippine bananas currently on a trade mission in Iran, also attended the reception.
Iranians and other foreign guests said they enjoyed the various Filipino foods served during the occasion such as adobo, kaldereta, and kare-kare.
On June 8, Filipinos from all over Iran converged at the Embassy Chancery to celebrate the 114th anniversary of Philippine Independence.
CDA Dumia and his wife Gloria warmly welcomed more than 200 Filipinos, some of whom were accompanied by their Iranian spouses and children who travelled to Tehran for the special occasion. Many of them came from far-away places like Kish Island, Bandar Abbas, Yadz, Isfahan, Mashhad, Semnan, Rasht, and Ahwaz. The others came from various districts in Tehran and in the nearby city of Karaj.
Most of the Filipinos in Iran are professionals like dentists, doctors, nurses, and teachers who arrived in the country in the 1970s and 1980s.
This year's anniversary celebration with the theme, "Freedom: The Accountability of a Sovereign Nation of Responsible Citizenry" commenced with the flag-raising and pledge of allegiance to the flag, reading of messages, and cultural presentations.
In his welcome remarks, CDA Dumia reminded our countrymen to always adhere to the ideals, values and sacrifices espoused by the national heroes that blossomed into the birth of Filipino freedom, democracy and independence.
He conveyed his thanks and appreciation to all the celebrants who found time and traveled far to join the affair.
CDA Dumia also cited the presence more than 7,000 Iranian students and businessmen in the Philippines as well as more than 800 Filipino-Iranian families in Iran as the hallmarks of the close and friendly relations between the two countries.
President Benigno S. Aquino III, in his message read by CDA Dumia, called on all Filipinos worldwide "to reaffirm the values that have shaped and strengthened our nation, and to forge ahead in fulfillment of the destiny envisioned by our heroes."
In his message read by Consul General Rosario Lemque, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario, on the other hand, called on all Filipinos "to remain united and steadfast to the ideals of freedom, democracy, justice, and equity to build a prosperous nation."
Many of the Filipinos, especially those who came from distant places and who attended the celebration for the first time, were very happy saying they felt like they were in the Philippines after witnessing various cultural presentations and enjoying Filipino food for lunch.
They were also happy to renew friendships with old friends as well as meeting new members of the Filipino community.
Lilyn Golazar, a dentist from Kish Island, as well as Jeanette Bautista and her husband Mirmohammadi from Yadz, who attended the Independence Day celebration for the first time, said they enjoyed the festivities aside from meeting new acquaintances.
All of the guests expressed happiness in being part of the celebration, saying their sense of patriotism and pride as Filipinos were strengthened and expressed appreciation to Embassy officials for inviting them to participate in the special national celebration. END