6 March 2013 – The officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy, the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) and the Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration (OWWA) in Beirut, together with the members of their family and the leaders and members of the different Filipino community organizations in Lebanon, commemorated the 27th Anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution last February 24 at the Function Hall of the new Philippine Embassy chancery.
The event started with the singing of the Philippine national anthem and was followed by the welcome remarks of Philippine Ambassador to Lebanon Leah M. Basinang-Ruiz, the showing of the documentary film entitled “Ninoy: The Heart and the Soul” and a dialogue with the Filipino community.
In her remarks, Ambassador Ruiz dwelt on the theme of the 27th Anniversary commemoration “Pilipinas Ngayon: Abot Tanaw Na!”, which aims to highlight the Filipinos’ dream and vision for transparent, clean and good governance, justice and the rule of law, as well as sustained and equitable socio-economic development. She quoted the assessment and reviews from foreign observers that, under the leadership of President Benigno S. Aquino III and his commitment to follow the “Straight Path” (Daang Matuwid), concrete, positive results have been achieved thus enabling the country to move closer towards this goal.
Ambassador Ruiz also reaffirmed the firm commitment and dedication of the Philippine Team in Beirut to exert all efforts to promote the welfare and protect the rights of Filipinos in Lebanon as well as to provide effective and efficient service to the community.
The Ambassador invited the Filipino community members to air their concerns and queries during the dialogue session.
Vice Consul Dennis John Briones expounded on the consular and assistance-to-nationals (ATN) services of the Embassy while Labor Attaché Irma Valiente responded to the queries on the new Balik Manggagawa Program. Vice Consul Rona Beth Goce, meanwhile, briefed them about on-going efforts to ensure smooth Embassy operations. END