Ambassador Erlinda F. Basilio led the officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy in Beijing and their families as they gathered together on 12 June 2014 at the Embassy to commemorate the birth of the Philippines as a nation and the freedom of Filipinos as a people.
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Ambassador Erlinda F. Basilio talks about patriotism in her remarks |
The commemoration started at 8:30 a.m. with a flag-raising ceremony, followed by the Ambassador’s remarks and the reading of the messages of President Benigno S. Aquino III; Vice President Jejomar Binay; Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. Del Rosario; Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo;Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez; Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala; and Philippine National Police Chief Allan Purisima by the Embassy’s officers and heads of the attached agencies.
In her inspiring remarks during the program, Ambassador Basilio reminded Embassy personnel to always instill in their minds and hearts their love for their homeland as they recommit themselves to serve the Filipino community in Beijing as well as Filipinos back home and to continue working together for a free, peaceful and prosperous Philippines. Ambassador Basilio said, ”Kahit na marami sa ating mga Pilipino ang nasa iba’t ibang bahagi ng mundo, nawa’y ang mga ginintuang aral na iniwan sa atin ng ating mga bayani ay ating isabuhay at isapuso sapagkat iisa ang ating bayan na nagbibigay ng kaligayahan sa ating lahat.”
The Colors of Freedom exhibit, an art installation depicting highlights in the history of the Philippine flag, served as a backdrop of the program.
Following the program, everyone was invited to partake of some traditional Filipino breakfast fare of daing na bangus, sinangag, itlog na maalat, mainit na tsokolate and other delicacies, while original Filipino music videos played in the background.
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| Ambassador Basilio with the officers and staff of the Embassy in a group photo |
