16 July 2012- Philippine Ambassador to Venezuela Jocelyn Batoon-Garcia attended the 114^th anniversary celebration of the declaration of Philippine Independence and the 10^th anniversary of the official Philippine flag-raising ceremony in Oranjestad, Aruba from June 10 to 14.

The flag-raising ceremony is always attended by senior government officials including the Aruban Governor General and the Prime Minister.

On June 11, the Embassy personnel held a flag ceremony at the Embassy with members of the Filipino community in attendance.

On June 24, the Philippine Embassy in Caracas culminated the month-long celebration of the 114^th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence with a holy mass officiated by Fr. Alfredo Infante, S.J.

The mass was attended by Embassy personnel, Philippine Honorary Consul for the States of Zulia and Carabobo Andres Duarte, the Filipino community in Caracas, and friends of the Embassy.

After the mass, Ambassador Batoon-Garcia read the Independence Day Message of President Benigno S. Aquino III while Mr. Raul Cuartero read the Independence Day Message of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario.

The Ambassador also took the opportunity to thank the Filipino community in Caracas for their cooperation and support for the Embassy.

Ambassador Batoon-Garcia likewise answered the various concerns of the members of the Filipino community.