12 June 2023, Monday - The Philippine Embassy in Berne, Switzerland commemorated the 125th Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Philippine Independence with a flag ceremony at 08.10H at the Embassy grounds.
Around 100 members of the Filipino community, proudly in their Filipiniana attire, and friends of the Embassy joined the Embassy Team led by Ambassador-designate Bernard Faustino M. Dy in commemorating the event.
The ceremony started with the singing of the Lupang Hinirang by Ms. Armela Fortuna, a soprano, followed by the recital of the Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat sa Pilipinas by Ms. Sophie Bartolome.
The Embassy, led by Ambassador-designate Bernard Faustino M. Dy (right photo, middle in Barong Tagalog) with the Filipino Community and guests sang the national anthem Lupang Hinirang,
as the Philippine flag was being raised (right photo).
Ambassador-designate Dy (middle in Barong Tagalog) and the Embassy Team together with the members of the Filipino Community
who joined the commemoration raised their right hand as they recite the Panumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat ng Pilipinas.
DCM and CG Reynante (left photo) as she read the Independence Day message of Secretary Manalo
Following the Flag Ceremony, Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) and Consul General (CG), Ms. Josephine M. Reynante read the national day message of Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Enrique A. Manalo.
Immediately after, Ambassador-designate Dy welcomed and thanked the guests for joining the event and for sharing their time to commemorate a milestone event in Philippine history.
He then proceeded to read Independence Day message of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to the Filipino nation. In his message, the President express his hopes that the Araw ng Kalayaan would “inspire us all to become responsible and conscientious citizens who can make a difference in the lives of others and in our respective communities”.
Ambassador-designate Dy welcomes the Filipino community and delivers the message of President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, Jr. on the occasion of the commemoration of Philippine Independence
Following the reading of the messages, the Philippine tricolors was unfurled as Ms. Fortuna led the guests in singing, with pride, Pilipinas kong Mahal.
Filipino soprano, Ms. Fortuna (in red dress) led the singing of Pilipinas Kong Mahal as the Philippine tricolor was unfurled at the top balcony of the Embassy.
Two (2) children Mr. Jacob Rillo (holding the pole with the flag) and Ms. Loren Athena Bartolome unfurled the Philippine flag.
The commemoration was capped with a simple Filipino salo-salo.
Ambassador-designate Dy and the officers and staff of the Embassy pose for a souvenir photo as they led the event to commemorate the 125th Proclamation of the Philippine Independence
Some members of the Filipino Community pose for a candid souvenir photo with Ambassador-designate Dy and the officers and staff of the Embassy following the conclusion of the ceremonies.
