DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS 
P R E S S  R E L E A S E
www.dfa.gov.ph                                                                                           2330 Roxas Blvd., Pasay City, Philippines                                                                                 Tel. No. 834-4000 
SFA-AGR-474-06                                                                                                                                                                                                                             15 June 2006

FILIPINOS IN PORT MORESBY JOIN EMBASSY’S CELEBRATION OF 108TH ANNIVERSARY OF PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE

15 June 2006 – The Philippine Embassy in Port Moresby lauded the efforts of the Filipino community in contributing to the success of the dinner-show presentation held in the celebration of the 108th Philippine Independence Day on 12 June 2006.

In his remarks during the program, Officer-in-Charge Hermoso A. Belarmino thanked the Filipino community for their support as he recognized the important role of the OFWs in the Philippine economy.   “The OFWs serve as the frontline for our quest for prosperity, determination, endurance and resiliency,” Mr. Belarmino said as he noted a news report from a local newspaper “The National” that highlighted President Arroyo’s speech urging Filipinos overseas to “devote collective energies to the battle against poverty by uniting and working as one.”

Mr. Belarmino informed the Department that cultural presentations on the rich cultural and ethnic diversity of Philippine society as well as Papua New Guinea’s traditional dances were presented during the program. Filipino and Western songs rendered by local artists in accompaniment with the popular Filipino music band Mr. Suave entertained the audience.

The occasion was graced by members of the diplomatic corps, government dignitaries, businessmen, expatriate community and prominent Papua New Guineans. END

 

/epa