To mark the 126th anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence, the Philippine Embassy in Switzerland organized a commemoration event for the members of the Filipino community in Switzerland and Liechtenstein on 12 June 2024 on the Embassy grounds in Berne. Around 85 Filcom members were in attendance.
PH Ambassador to Switzerland Bernard Faustino M. Dy led the flag-raising ceremony. The Ambassador and Deputy Head of Mission Maria Anna Lilia de Vera-Schinazi then read the PH Independence Day messages of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique A. Manalo, respectively.
In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Dy urged the Filipino community to “take this opportunity as we celebrate Philippine Independence to affirm our Filipino values of kakayahan, kasipagan, kahusayan, diligence and resourcefulness, and the continuous pursuit of excellence in all our endeavors. May today's pagtitipon encourage us to see beyond differences, working together towards achieving progress with others… to build a Bagong Pilipinas.”
The short program ended with the unfurling of the Philippine flag and community singing of “Pilipinas Kong Mahal.” Attendees partook of a simple Filipino breakfast.
The Embassy also hosted the opening of the exhibit entitled “Sinulid at Karayom” (Thread and Needle), which showcased the collection of Basel-based Filipino artist, Arlo Jake Lagmay, and the launch of the book entitled “Agta” on one of the major indigenous peoples in Isabela province. The book is the result of a collaboration among the University of Zürih (UZH), Isabela State University, and Isabela local government agencies, led by Mr. Rodolph Schlaepfer, author and book designer, and Prof. Andrea Migliano of the UZH Department of Evolutionary Anthropology. The Embassy lent its support to the project to help raise awareness and preserve the culture and traditions of the Agta. END
PH Ambassador to Switzerland Bernard Faustino M. Dy reads out the message of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in celebration of Araw ng Kalayaan 2024.
Members of the Filipino Community participate in the community singing of Pilipinas Kong Mahal as the Philippine flag is unfurled.
Ambassador Dy greeting members of the Filipino community.
The Embassy hosted the opening of “Sinulid at Karayom,” an art exhibit showcasing the works of Basel-based Filipino artist Arlo Jake Lagmay
Ambassador Dy (center) with featured Filipino artist Arlo Jake Lagmay (right) and the Embassy’s Cultural Officer, Niña Barranta.
Ambassador Dy (center) with Agta book author and designer, Mr. Rodolf Schlaepfer (right), and lead researcher, Prof. Andrea Migliano (left) of the Department of Evolutionary Anthropology of the University of Zürich.
Brazilian artist Paulo Sayeg, who illustrated the Agta book, signs a copy for some attendees.
Deputy Head of Mission Maria Anna Lilia de Vera-Schinazi reads out the message of Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique A. Manalo in celebration of Araw ng Kalayaan 2024.
