22 June 2012 - In addition to the customary morning flag-raising and evening diplomatic reception, the Filipino Community in Jeddah, in collaboration with the Philippine Consulate General, conducted a series of activities to make the commemoration of the 114th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence more meaningful, memorable and enjoyable.
On June 8, the Consulate, through Trade Representative Atty. Paizal Abdullah, in collaboration with the Alpha Phi Omega Alumni Association in the Western Region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (APO AAWRKSA), organized the second Kalayaan Cup Badminton Tournament at the Olympia Fitness Club of the Soliman Fakeeh Hospital.
Philippine Consul General to Jeddah Uriel Norman Garibay was the guest of honor at the opening and closing ceremonies.
On June 14, the first "Philippine Consulate General Jeddah Bowling Tournament" for the officials and staff of the Consulate and its attached agencies was opened.
The Tournament, which is being supported by the Pag-IBIG Fund, will run until June 28.
The Consul General also opened the Philippine Food Festival organized by Sarawat Superstore in collaboration with the Consulate, also through Trade Representative Abdullah on June 14.
The opening of the Festival was further highlighted by the celebration of Migrant Workers Day led by Philippine Overseas Labor Office-Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (POLO-OWAA) at the same venue.
The POLO-OWWA Team led by Acting Labor Attache Alejandro V. Inza Cruz promoted the Balik Pinay, Balik Hanapbuhay Program and the National Reintegration Fund which aims to provide loans to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who want to establish business but lack capital.
An on-site OWWA membership renewal and verification booth was set up to bring the administration's services closer to OFWs.
A magic show, face painting for the kids, raffle, and community eating were done to mark the event.
Other activities of the Filipino Community in Jeddah included the OFW Fun Day Summer Festival organized by the Pinoy Expatriates for Social Organizations and Sports (PESOS) at the Reem Riviera beach resort in North Obhur last June 14 and 15. The event included a singing competition, sports activities, selling of Filipino products, and food sampling.
The sports group SIGLAKAS also opened its 5th Intercolor Basketball League on June 15 at the NASRPAC Compound in Al Safa District.