30 June 2010 - The Philippine Embassy in Moscow celebrated the 112th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence with a reception and cultural performance at the Russian Foreign Ministry's GlavUPDK Cultural Center with Senator Edgardo Angara as guest of honor.
Senator Angara was in Moscow to conduct a series of meetings with Russian officials and industry leaders.
Deputy Foreign Minister Alexei Borodavkin was the Russian Federation's representative during the event. More than 300 guests from the diplomatic corps. the Russian government, the business sector and the Filipino community in Russia attended the event.In his Independence Day remarks, Philippine Ambassador Victor Garcia III underscored the significance of this year's commemoration of the anniversary of the declaration of Philippines Independence, noting that history has dawned upon the country once again following the proclamation of Senator Benigno "Noynoy"Aquino III as the next President.
He highlighted that Senator Aquino's victory was an outcome of the successful conduct of the first automated national elections in the country, which the whole world praised as a triumph for Philippine democracy.
The Ambassador added the Senator's assumption to the highest office puts the smooth and peaceful transition of leadership in the Philippines in the limelight, and serves as an inspiration for renewed commitment and hope for building a great and prosperous nation.
Ambassador Garcia also emphasized that the Philippines' efforts to achieving its objectives are done in consonance with nurturing its relations with other countries, particularly the Russian Federation.
He noted that bilateral relations were given a significant boost following the visit to Russia in June 2009 of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who attented the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum as a guest of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.
From the visit, the Philippines has taken the momentum to enhance cooperation in areas such as trade, tourism, culture, education, energy, defense, air services, sports and science and technology with the Russian Federation.
In his remarks, Senator Angara noted that the great sacrifices and heroism of Filipinos who fought for Philippine Independence brought forth the birth of the first Republic and left a proud legacy of having the country recognized as Asia's first democracy for generations of Filipinos.
He stressed that the major challenge being confronted by the Philippines as a nation today is attaining economic prosperity and ensuring that there is food on the table for the poverty-stricken.
The Senator also mentioned that one of the factors keeping the Philippine economy dynamic is the remittances sent by Filipino workers across the globe.
He acknowledged the hard work and dedication of the Filipino workers in the Russian Federation and expressed his appreciation to the Russian Government for welcoming them.
Senator Angara also stressed that there is much potential for deepening cooperation between the Philippines and Russia and added that trade and investments between the two countries can be intensified given the symmetry in each countries' needs.
For his part, Deputy Foreign Minister Borodavkin conveyed his felicitations to the Philippines on its national day and also offered his congratulations to the country for the successful conduct of elections and the peaceful transition of leadership.
He also spoke positively of the strengthening of bilateral relations and the prospects of enhanced cooperation in many sectors.
Traditional dance performances and renditions of Filipino ballads and OPM by members of the Filipino community in Moscow spiced up the evening and highlighted the rich, colourful and lively culture of the Filipino people. END