Staff Writer
Yesterday in the nation of Qatar, the Philippine Embassy celebrated the 125th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day.
The celebration was marked by two activities: a flag-raising ceremony in Cultural Village Katara in the morning, and as night fell, the Philippine flag was illuminated on the facades of several notable Qatari towers, including the Torch Tower, Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel, and Al Jaber Twin Tower Lusail.
The topic for this year is “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan.” (Freedom. Future. History.) is a slogan that emphasizes the history that Filipinos want to preserve and honor, as well as the hard-won freedom that the country’s forefathers in the Philippines battled for.
In a statement, H E Lillibeth Pono, the Philippine ambassador to Qatar, discussed the historical background of the nation’s independence. On this day one hundred and twenty-five years ago, the Filipino revolutionary forces proclaimed the independence of the Philippine islands as the centuries-long Spanish colonial occupation came to an end.
She emphasized how the geographical distance between Qatar and the Philippines is insignificant compared to the strong cultural and historical links that unite Filipinos. “The cultural and historical links that unite us as Filipinos survive despite the distance in terms of both land and water between Qatar and the Philippines. We share a history of hardships and victories, of resiliency and hope, and of a love for our country that knows no bounds.
The ambassador expressed hope for better times to come by drawing comparisons between the perseverance and hope displayed by Filipinos throughout history and the difficulties encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pono acknowledged the significant challenges the Philippines will face in the future. The goal of the nation is to provide a deeply rooted, comfortable, and secure living for all Filipinos by the year 2040. This goal is guided by national development plans, socioeconomic agendas, and a long-term vision known as Ambisyon Natin 2040.
Pono emphasized the significance of teamwork in achieving this vision and overcoming obstacles like inequality, technical disparities, climate change, and false information.
The massive Philippine Independence Day event (PIDC) in Qatar, scheduled for June 23 at Sheraton, is currently in full swing. Jyerex Abrasado, the head of the PIDC organizing committee, told The pennisula.
The event, which is projected to draw 30,000 people, intends to highlight the rich cultural diversity, delectable cuisine, vivid fashion, and exciting festivals of the Philippines.
According to him, the event will offer an immersive and engaging experience that will let visitors get a taste of the colorful culture and rich history of the Southeast Asian nation via the lens of the local “Fiesta Filipinas” (Philippine festivals) concept.
