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-513-06                                                                                                                                                                                                                             21 June 2006

 FILIPINO GROUPS IN CANBERRA UNITE TO CELEBRATE ONE INDEPENDENCE DAY BALL

21 June 2006 — Philippine Ambassador-designate to Canberra, Australia Ernesto H. de Leon reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that the Filipino community in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) celebrated the 108th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence on 17 June 2006 with an Independence Day Ball, the first time that the various Filipino groups have united to commemorate the event. 

Ambassador-designate de Leon said that the Ball, held at the Ridges Lakeside Hotel in Canberra, was organized by the Filipino Community Council of the ACT (FCCACT), the mother organization of all the Filipino-Australian associations in the Territory. 

“The Ball was a historic and memorable occasion for the more than 500 guests, including myself.  I was likewise moved by the show of unity among Filipinos in the ACT,” the Ambassador-designate said. 

Ambassador-designate de Leon stated that there are an estimated 3,000 to 4,000 Philippine-born residents in the Territory, constituting one of the largest migrant groups in Australia’s small capital city. 

Ambassador-designate de Leon and Mr. Gary Humphries, Senator for the ACT, were the Guests of Honor during the occasion. 

The Ambassador-designate, during his speech, congratulated the organizers for spearheading the unity of all the groups in the ACT.  He also thanked the members of the community for the warm welcome he received, and promised to do his best to advance the friendly ties between the Philippines and Australia and to build new bridges of friendship and community for the Philippines and the Filipino people. 

Ambassador-designate de Leon also mentioned that among the tasks given to him by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is to further strengthen the defense and security cooperation between the Philippines and Australia, and to attend to the market access of Philippine bananas.  He promised to support existing projects such as Pasko Sa Canberra and the Bahay Pilipino project initiated by his predecessor, Ambassador Cristina G. Ortega.  

The Ambassador-designate then encouraged all Filipino-Australians to reacquire their Philippine citizenship and “take the opportunity to explore new horizons.” 

Aside from the messages given by the Guests of Honor, the Ball was highlighted by performances from local Filipino artists and a live band, entertaining the guests until midnight.  END 

/jay