The Philippine Consulate General in Xiamen successfully celebrated the 119th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence with the Filipino community in Fujian province on 25 June 2017 at the Consulate General’s grounds with the support of the Filipino Association in Xiamen (FAX) and the Filipinos in China (FINCH), Filipino organizations both based in Fujian Province.
More than 200 OFWs, students and guests attended the event that commenced with the traditional singing of the Philippine National Anthem. Reading of the messages of President Rodrigo Duterte and Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano were followed by a Catholic mass service. The whole day event included a “salu-salo” lunch, parlor games and entertainment numbers from Filipino musicians.
In his National Day remarks, Consul General Flores underscored that the event was an opportunity for the Filipinos in Fujian province to rekindle their unity, patriotism and nationhood within the context of this year’s chosen theme, “Kalayaan 2017: Pagbabagong Sama-samang Balikatin”. He called on the Filipinos in Fujian province to be united and work together with the aim of helping not only their families in the Philippines but the country as a whole in its drive for progress and prosperity.
He also took the opportunity to remind the OFWs to continue observing the laws of the host country, take necessary precautions to ensure their personal safety and avoid being involved in illegal activities. He also underscored the importance for every Filipino to have a valid passport to establish their real identity in the midst of the local authorities’ drive to apprehend overstaying foreigners.
Despite the late date of festivities, it was observed that there was an excellent turn-out from among the members of the Filipino community, including OFWs and students END
