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DEPARTMENT
OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
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DEPARTMENT
OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
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SFA-AGR-412-08 |
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FILIPINO UN POLICE UNDERTAKE BEACH CLEAN-UP AND CAMP SITE CLEARANCE TO CELEBRATE 110TH ANNIVERSARY OF PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE |
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18 June 2008 – To commemorate the 110th anniversary celebration of Philippine independence on 12 June, around 100 Filipino UN Police led by Contingent Commander Amador Hernandez cleaned up the beach area from Pertamin wharf in Pantal Kelapa to the lighthouse in Motael, representing a stretch of about three kilometers. It was the first beach clean-up undertaken by a UN police contingent in Timor-Leste.
After the beach clean-up, the group proceeded to the Jardim located in front of Hotel Timor, the site of one of the largest internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in Dili which has since been evacuated, to help in site clearing. The site clearing was made upon the request of the Dili District Administrator.
A flag raising ceremony was held at the Philippine Ambassador’s residence in Surik Mas before the two events. In his remarks, Charge d’Affaires, a.i., Ariz Severino V. Convalecer praised the Filipino contingent for coming up with a unique way of celebrating Philippine Independence Day. He said that true independence does not only mean political emancipation but more importantly, it is the ability to empower people to improve the quality of their lives. Ecological independence, or the opportunity to live in a clean and healthy environment, is an important component of true independence and must be observed by all Filipinos wherever they may be. END |
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