17 June 2012 - Philippine Ambassador to Vietnam Jerril Santos hosted a diplomatic reception for the diplomatic corps, government officials and prominent members of the business and cultural communities in Hanoi last June 12 to commemorate the 114thAnniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence.
In his short remarks, Ambassador Santos said: "We honor our forefathers who repeatedly fought foreign invaders and local tyrants to gain our liberty and independence. It is therefore our duty to ensure that what has been gained should never be lost. It is our responsibility to move our country forward through better and more accountable government as envisioned by President Benigno Aquino III."
In response, the Guest of Honor, Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Quang Vinh said: "We congratulate the Philippines in its remarkable achievements on national reconstruction and development."
The Deputy Foreign Minister also affirmed the warm ties between the two countries and the value of good neighborliness as countries in the region approach the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Community in 2015.
The casual and warm-hearted exchange of salutations between Ambassador Santos and Deputy Minister Vinh was well-received by a crowd of well-wishers including high-ranking officials from the host government, members of the diplomatic corps, businessmen and members of the Filipino Community in Vietnam.
The celebration was also marked by a promotion of the new tourism campaign, "It's more fun in the Philippines," which was officially launched by the Department of Tourism (DOT) in Hanoi last May 22 during a gathering of 50 travel agents' representatives hosted by Cebu Pacific.
A video of the tourism campaign was played during the reception.
Meantime, Philippine Honorary Consul General Le Thi Phung welcomed Ambassador Santos and his wife, Mrs. Rizabel Cloma-Santos, at a reception for the consular corps and local authorities and representatives from Philippine businesses last June 14 in Ho Chi Minh City.
Earlier, on June 10, the Embassy hosted an Open House and treated members of the Filipino Community in Hanoi to a Filipino breakfast to celebrate the anniversary of Philippine Independence.
