20 June 2012- About a hundred Filipinos in Ireland joined the Philippine Embassy in Dublin in commemorating the 114th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence through a special flag-raising ceremony held in front of the Embassy on St. Stephen's Green last June 12.
The attendees travelled from different parts of Ireland such as Galway, Limerick, Waterford, and Cork.
The ceremony was attended by members of the Irish National Parliament who form the Irish-Philippines Friendship Group, such as Senator Ned O'Sullivan, Senator Terry Brennan, Deputy Eric Byrne, and the Chairman of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade Deputy Pat Breen.
Also present were officials of the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs.
The Embassy also spearheaded a special display of the Philippine flag at prominent locations in Dublin.
Members of the Filipino community have complimented the Embassy for flying the flag in the Dublin skyline.
The Embassy took the occasion to recognize some individuals for the "Ulirang Pilipino sa Ireland" award. Among the awardees were the Galway Filipino-Irish Community (Model Filipino Community Organization), Ms. Monica Arangorin, Mr. Joseph Lauguico, Ms. Elza de la Cruz (special commendation), and Ms. Hilda Arenas (special commendation).
A big national celebration is also scheduled to take place at Phoenix Park, Ireland's National Park, on June 23, spearheaded by the Filipino Community Network (FCN).
Philippine Embassy in Dublin Charge d'affaires, a.i. Hjayceelyn Quintana remarked that the high-profile commemorative activities help to raise the visibility of Filipinos in Ireland.
The Embassy's theme for the Phoenix Park event is "It's More Fun in the Philippines."
About 5,000 people are expected to turn up for the day-long celebration. END