15 June 2004—Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Domingo Albert hailed the recent staging of Philippine Independence Day ceremonies at the Parramatta City Town Hall which was witnessed by over a hundred leaders and members of the Filipino community and well-wishers.

Parramatta City is Australia’s second oldest city which lies 35 kilometers west of Sydney and is home to some 2,126 Filipinos.  In 1997, it established sister-city relations with Cebu City.

“It gives me great pleasure to note the already close and deep ties between the Philippines and Australia”, Secretary Albert said, alluding to her efforts in promoting bilateral relations with Australia during her stint as Philippine Ambassador to the country.  “The yearly commemoration of Philippine Independence Day in Parramatta City is indicative of the potential and possibility of further raising the level of the two countries’ bilateral relations.”

Acting Head of Post Laureano C. Santiago and Parramatta Lord Mayor Julia Finn opened the ceremony in the morning of 11 June 2004 with the raising of the Philippine and Australian flags amidst the playing of the countries’ national anthems.  Also present were members of the New South Wales Parliament, Mr. Ross Cameron and Ms. Laurie Ferguson.

Santiago highlighted the historic importance of the role of Australia in the struggle for Philippine independence, emphasizing that Australia was one of four countries that formed part of the then newly-established appointment of Mr. Heriberto Zarcal as a diplomatic agent for Australia in August 1898.  He also paid tribute to the Australians who participated in the liberation of the Philippines during the Second World War.

Similar flag-raising ceremonies attended by representatives from the Philippine Consulate General were held in the cities of Blacktown and Campbelltown where a significant number of Filipinos reside.  END