21 June 2012- To commemorate the Philippines' 114th Independence Day, the Philippine Embassy in Doha held a diplomatic reception at the Sheraton Doha Resort and Convention Hotel last June 10 with Minister of Education and Higher Education and Chairman of the Supreme Education Council Saad Bin Ibrahim Al -Mahmoud as guest of honor.
The event was also attended by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Chief of Protocol Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah Fakhro.
The reception was well-attended by members of the diplomatic corps, Qatari businessmen and their associates, Filipino community leaders, friends and supporters of the Embassy.
The Philippines declared its independence on 12 June 1898 after 333 years of Spanish rule, making it the oldest republic in Asia.
In his speech, Philippine Ambassador to Qatar Crescente R. Relacion highlighted the gains that the Philippines currently enjoys especially in the economic front with a gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate of 6.4% for the first quarter of 2012, the increase in revenue leading to an upgrade of positive credit rating outlook by Standard and Poor's and the stable outlook by Moody's Investor Services.
On the Philippines' endeavor to advance national security and territorial integrity, Ambassador Relacion reiterated the country's stance as a peaceful nation saying that "the Philippines renounces war as an instrument of foreign policy and seeks to resolve disputes with its neighbors through diplomatic means such as mediation, consistent with the principles of international law."
The Ambassador also mentioned the gains of the Aquino Administration on clean government and good governance, highlighting the President's excellent performance as indicated in his 65% public trust rating.
Ambassador Relacion also expressed his gratitude to the State of Qatar for ably hosting an estimated 200,000 Filipino workers in the field of medical and hospitality services, engineering, accountancy and household services.
He also highlighted the State Visit of the Emir, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, as an affirmation of the enhancement of the political and economic ties of both countries and as strategic development partners.
"The first-ever visit of the Qatari Emir to our country bolstered the vibrant and dynamic partnerships the Philippines and Qatar enjoy for 31 years," he added.
The Embassy's esteemed guests were also regaled by a cultural presentation during dinner by Qatar-based Filipino dance and singing groups, the Banyuhay Dance Group and The Lord's Choir showcasing Philippines' well known dances like Pandanggo sa Ilaw, Maglalatik, Sayaw sa Bangko and Tinikling as well as choral pieces like Hibang sa Awit, Maghihintay sa Yo, Nais Ko and Isang Dugo, Isang Lahi Isang Musika.
