6 May 2004 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Domingo Albert praised the efforts of a group of Filipino-Australians who for the first time participated during the 89th ANZAC Day Commemoration March held on 26 April 2004.

“Just as ANZAC Day marks the expression of civic spirit in remembrance of the nation’s birth pains, this first ever participation of a Filipino-Australian contingent sends a clear message to all Filipinos to go forth and make their mark in mainstream society in keeping with the multicultural spirit that defines today’s Australia. For this, I encourage Filipino-Australians to continue to excel in their fields of endeavour”, the Secretary said.

Some 26 Filipino-Australians gathered together to participate in the parade, flying both Philippine and Australian colours. The group was comprised of Filipino war veterans and their descendants, former officers and enlisted men of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, former members of the Women’s Auxiliary Corps and those currently serving in the Australian armed services. The groups’ organizer, Major Thomas Baena, is currently serving in the Australian Defence Force.

“This (participation) is significant because we have shown to the Australian public that we are proud of our Filipino heritage and we are proud to be Australians as well”, he  said.

ANZAC (for Australia and New Zealand Army Corps) Day is one of Australia’s most important national holidays. Initially held in remembrance of the first major military action by Australian and New Zealander forces at the time of World War I (1915) in Gallipoli, Turkey, the occasion has through the years been viewed as a defining moment in Australia’s history as a nation. It has since included civic participation of all military veterans and their descendants.

The Philippine Embassy in Canberra and the Consulate General in Sydney also participated in wreath-laying ceremonies and commemoration services held the whole day along with members of the diplomatic and consular corps. END.