Philippine Embassy - New Zealand

ORIENTATION SEMINAR FOR FILIPINOS IN AUCKLAND KICKS OFF PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS IN NEW ZEALAND

Presented by the Philippine Embassy and the Philippine Honorary Consulate General, an Orientation Seminar for Filipinos in Auckland was held on 25 May 2013 at the Good Shepherd Church Hall, in Balmoral, Auckland. This marked the start of a series of activities celebrating the 115th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence. The first ever orientation seminar was aimed at providing Filipinos with useful, relevant and up-to-date information on several aspects about living in New Zealand.

Philippine Honorary Vice Consul Virginia Russell welcomed the participants from all over Auckland and neighboring areas who eagerly attended the event despite the heavy rain that afternoon. In her welcome remarks, Philippine Ambassador Virginia H. Benavidez reiterated the importance of being informed of the laws, regulations and systems of the different sectors in the adopted country, as well as seeking assistance from appropriate agencies to avoid expending of unnecessary resources and to prevent future problems and complications.

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FIRST PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY BALL TO CELEBRATE THE 115TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PROCLAMATION OF PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND

Ambassador Virginia H. Benavidez graced the first-ever Philippine Independence Day Ball of the Filipino Community in Auckland, New Zealand to celebrate of the 115th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence on 08 June 2013 at the Rendezvous Grand Hotel.  Consul Arlene Gonzales-Macaisa and Vice Consul Glenn Joseph Obach also attended the Ball together with other guests from Wellington, Hamilton and surrounding areas.

Philippine Honorary Consul General to Auckland Atty. Paolo Garcia and Mrs. Malou Garcia, Honorary Vice Consul Virginia Russell and Mr. Sean Russell and President of the Federation of Filipino Associations, Societies and Clubs, Inc., Dr. Tony Noblejas and Mrs. Cora Noblejas, Chairman of the New Zealand Philippines Business Council Mr. Lito Banal and Mrs. Sharon Banal, leaders and members of the various Filipino organizations in Auckland, friends from the Auckland Council, businessmen and the Filipino community enjoyed a memorable evening of music, dancing and fellowship and feasting on tables with a generous array of Filipino food and other dishes.

Read more: FIRST PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY BALL TO CELEBRATE THE 115TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PROCLAMATION OF...

PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE MESSAGE

MALACANAN PALACE
Manila

We join the international Filipino community in commemorating the 115th Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Philippine Independence.

More than a century ago, our forebears fought for freedom, granting every Filipino the right to pursue what is good and right for himself, his loved ones, and his country. Their sacrifices had not been in vain. Today, our people remain united in independence, and are now fighting another battle - to free ourselves from the shackles of ignorance, corruption, injustice, and poverty. May you ignite the patriotism and bayanihan spirit in your hearts, as together, we build and fortify the structures on which our nation is built; may this event be an opportunity to further promote our cultural heritage and uphold the Philippines' revived distinction in this globalized, multicultural milieu.

We are our country's modern-day heroes in this period of revitalization; let us work as one collective, playing our part as custodians of peace and democracy, and as stakeholders in our movement towards equitable progress and lasting reform.

May you have an engaging and meaningful celebration.

(Signed)
BENIGNO S. AQUINO III
President
Republic of the Philippines

M A N I L A
12 June 2013

MALACANAN PALACE
Manila

My warmest greetings to all our Philippine Foreign Service Officers across the globe, as we celebrate the 115th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.

Overseas celebrations of our independence demonstrate the unwavering spirit of bayanihan that binds our people. We join you in commemorating the sacrifices of our heroes who fought for the liberties we now enjoy - granting every Filipino the right to pursue what is good and right for himself, his loved ones, and his country. Today, our people remain united in freedom, and are now fighting another battle - to rid ourselves of the shackles of ignorance, corruption, injustice, and poverty, in pursuit of inclusive growth and lasting reform. Our Philippine Embassies are crucial to the fulfillment of this goal, for you help advance the welfare of Global Filipinos. May you remain among our steadfast partners in reinforcing our diplomatic relations with the rest of the world and in contributing to their cultural and economic landscapes, while also fulfilling your mandate of representing the Philippines and providing assistance to our kababayans abroad.

Let us keep the flame of patriotism alive in our hearts, as together, we build and fortify the foundation upon which our nation lies; may this event be an opportunity to further promote our cultural heritage and uphold the Philippines' revived distinction in this globalized, multicultural milieu.

I wish you a meaningful celebration.

(Signed)
BENIGNO S. AQUINO III
President
Republic of the Philippines

M A N I L A
12 June 2013

Department of Foreign Affairs
Kagawaran ng Ugnayang Panlabas

One hundred and fifteen years ago, Filipinos stood victorious and proud as the Philippine flag was raised for the first time to signify the birth of an independent nation. It was a time when the task of nation-building, daunting as it was, served to form a shared vision of a free, prosperous and just society that would be worthy of the pride of every Filipino.

This year's  them, Kalayaan 2013: Ambagan tungo sa Malawakang Kaunlaran, reminds us that each of us has a role to play in turning the vision of a prosperous Philippines into reality. With the principled leadership of President Benigno S. Aquino III, the Philippines endeavors to achieve inclusive growth that will ensure an improving quality of life for all.

We call on Filipinos all over the world to join in our country's march towards economic development and social progress. By investing in the Philippines and engaging in entrepreneurship, overseas Filipino workers can be more powerful drivers of growth. Our collective efforts will eventually transform overseas employment from a necessary means of survival to a real economic choice.

The Department of Foreign Affairs remains steadfast in its resolve to contribute to nation-building. Guided by the three pillars of Philippine foreign policy - the preservation of national security, the enhancement of economic diplomacy, and the protection of the rights and welfare of Filipinos overseas - we continue to engage the international community and represent Philippine interests abroad to ensure an environment that is conducive to growth.

Today we commemorate the sacrifices of the men and women who valiantly fought for our independence. From their example, we can draw strength and inspiration for the work that lies ahead. As we celebrate our Independence Day, let us all come together in forging a bright future for our country.

Mabuhay at Maligayang Araw ng Kalayaan!

(Signed)
ALBERT F. DEL ROSARIO
Secretary of Foreign Affairs
12 June 2013
Pasay City

CFO MESSAGE FOR THE 2013 INDEPENDENCE DAY