Filipinos Celebrate Independence Day with Pride and Gratitude

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

In honor of the 127th anniversary of the Philippine Independence Proclamation, a flag-raising ceremony and a commemorative program took place at the Sentro Rizal, Philippine Embassy Manama, on June 12, 2025.

The event was led by Philippine Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain, Her Excellency Anne Jalando-on Louis, alongside her spouse, Dr. Gerard Joseph Louis, and the officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy.

This ceremony served as a reminder of the nation’s hard-earned freedom and the sacrifices made by its heroes. Attendees included representatives from various Filipino community organizations, partner groups, and distinguished guests.

This year’s celebration echoed a distinctly deep sense of national pride, highlighting the lasting spirit of freedom and unity that connects Filipinos transcending distances.

The event began with a sincere ecumenical invocation. Fr. Anthony Almazan, OFM Cap., opened the proceedings with a Christian prayer, which was then succeeded by a Muslim prayer led by Ismail Dimapuno, illustrating spiritual diversity and unity.

Subsequently, a solemn rendition of the Philippine National Anthem took place, evoking a profound sense of patriotic pride, which was then followed by the pledge of allegiance to the Filipino flag.

The event was honored by a series of inspiring messages from prominent figures in Philippine governance. John C. Baluba of the Social Security System (SSS) conveyed a special message from SSS President and CEO Robert Joseph Montes de Claro.

This was succeeded by a video greeting from Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan, who acknowledged the invaluable contributions of overseas Filipinos.

The program paid particular tribute to the significant role played by Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

“Each of us has a responsibility and a part to play in nation-building — whether we are in government, the private sector, civil society, or as Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Through our collective efforts, we contribute to the growth of our nation and our communities both here and in our homeland.”
— H.E. Anne Jalando-on Louis,
Ambassador of the Philippines to the Kingdom of Bahrain