AMBASSADOR-DESIGNATE IN CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA MEETS FILIPINO COMMUNITY
 AT CELEBRATION OF 108^TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE

14 June 2006 — Philippine Ambassador-designate to Canberra, Australia Ernesto H. de Leon reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that around 300 Filipinos and former Filipinos gathered on 11 June 2006 at the Ambassador’s Official Residence to commemorate the 108^th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence as well as to formally meet the new Ambassador for the first time.

Ambassador-designate de Leon said that the celebration was moved to the Residence instead of at the Embassy grounds due to inclement weather.  “Despite the cold morning and the limited space, however, the guests enjoyed the cozy and cordial atmosphere,” the Ambassador-designate said.

He stated that the program started at 10:00 a.m. with the Parade of Colors featuring Filipino military students in Australia.  This was followed by the singing of the National Anthem led by the rondalla group “Rondanihan,” composed of Filipino-Australians and their children.

Ambassador-designate de Leon then introduced himself to the guests and read the Independence Day message of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.  This was followed by the reading of the message of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo, read by Consul Maria Lourdes M. Salcedo.

The Ambassador-designate then administered the Oath of Allegiance to seven former Filipinos who had reacquired their Philippine citizenship.  Prior to the oath-taking, Kate Exaltacion, daughter of Embassy Administrative Officer Ariel Exaltacion, rendered a moving interpretation of “Bayan Ko.”

In his remarks during the occasion, Ambassador-designate de Leon thanked the Filipino community for the warm reception he received from them and congratulated everybody for the unity shown in supporting the Embassy in all its activities.

The Ambassador-designate also praised the Filipino Community for its active participation in realizing the establishment of the Bahay Pilipino, a project to build a multi-purpose structure inside the Embassy grounds.  He promised that all the projects begun by his predecessor will be continued during his term.

Ambassador-designate de Leon likewise congratulated those who took their Oaths, and urged those who haven’t done so to reacquire their Philippine citizenship.  He also awarded a Philippine Liberation Medal to Mr. Richard James Ellis, an Australian veteran who helped in the liberation of the Philippines during World War II.

After the short program, the guests were invited to a traditional Filipino salo-salo while the Rondanihan provided the music and a solo rendition from Ms. Rina Policarpio, a local Filipino-Australian talent.  END

/epa