12 July 2012 - The officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria and their families, headed by Chargé d'Affaires (CDA) a.i. Alex V. Lamadrid, commemorated the 114th anniversary of Philippine Independence, with a flag-raising ceremony held at the Embassy grounds last June 12.
The activity was followed by a luncheon at the Sawadee Restaurant in Abuja.
The Embassy team, composed of CDA Lamadrid, Ms. Brenda Mabansag, Mr. Arthur Blas and Mr. Clifford Legal, also attended Filipino community celebrations of the 114th Philippine Independence Day on June 16.
The first part of the event was held in the morning of June 16 at the Caverton Clubhouse, Ikeja, Lagos. The program included the Embassy's consular and OAV services; thanksgiving mass celebrated by Filipino Missionary Fr. Eliodoro "Dory" Tubesa, OSJ, flag ceremony, and reading of the Independence Day messages of President Benigno S. Aquino III and Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario.
The event was organized by the Philippine Barangay Society in Nigeria (PBSN), headed by its chairperson, Engr. Esperanza R. Derpo.
In the evening of June 16, PBSN organized and enjoyed a dance party at the Mozida Lounge Bar and Restaurant at the Ikeja Palace Hotel in Lagos.
Highlights of the affair included the reading of the Independence Day message by CDA Lamadrid, the performance of the Fresh Pluck Band, and a raffle draw. Proceeds of the raffle were earmarked for the PBSN's charity project, which provides free schooling for less privileged children. The charity project is a Kiri-kiri Initiative.
