The Philippine Embassy in Berne kicked off its celebration of the 118th anniversary of Philippine Independence by celebrating it with the Filipino community at an event held in Zurich on 11 June. The event, which was organized by the Filipino community in German-speaking cantons, was attended by close to 400 people from across Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Filipinos, Swiss and Liechtensteiner alike.
The celebratory activity in Zurich commenced with a Holy Mass concelebrated by Fr. Julipros Dolotallas of the Philippine Catholic Mission (PCM)-Switzerland and two visiting priests from the Society of St. Paul in the Philippines.
The official programme kick-started with a parade of banners by various Filipino organizations joined by officials of the Philippine Embassy. Various Filipino organizations across Switzerland gave their renditions of different Philippine traditional dances.
In his speech, Philippine Ambassador Joselito A. Jimeno stressed the importance of rising above the differences that sometimes divide members of the Filipino diaspora and helping one another and working towards achieving economic progress for the individual members of the Filipino diaspora and their motherland.
Following on the theme of this year’s celebration, “Pagkakaisa, Pag-aambagan, Pagsulong” Ambassador Jimeno said, “We just had our recent elections during which we chose our new leaders to whom we will entrust the governance of our country. Let us pray for the success of the incoming administration that they may be able to continue the growth trajectory of our country.”
Ambassador Jimeno mentioned that many countries, including Switzerland and Liechtenstein, are now increasing becoming interested in the Philippines as reflected in the planned visit to the Philippines by the EFTA parliamentarians in October, and in the reopening of the Swedish Embassy in Manila.
The Ambassador also urged the Filipino community to guard and maintain the good reputation that the Filipino diaspora has gained worldwide, and encouraged them to support and work with the Embassy in the celebratory activities for the 60th anniversary of the Philippine-Swiss diplomatic relations next year. He also called on the diaspora community to continue teaching and raising their children in Filipino values.
He added, “The Embassy plans to conduct consular outreach activities, hopefully from the fourth quarter of this year to reach out to as many Filipinos as possible, particularly those residing along the Swiss borders.” He mentioned that the Embassy also plans to review programs that affect the Filipino diaspora such as the au pair program.
On 12 June, a flag-raising ceremony was held at the Embassy compound followed by a Filipino breakfast. Leaders and some members of the Filipino community in canton Berne attended the event.
In his brief welcome message, Ambassador Jimeno thanked the members of the Filipino community who attended the event and reminded them of the theme of this year’s celebration, stressing the need to unite and surmount divisions among the Filipino diaspora. He also urged members of the Embassy to do the same.
Another celebratory activity was held in Chur on the same day. The event, which was attended by around 100 people from Chur and the neighboring areas, was similar to the one held in Zủrich. The Embassy was represented by Consul Jarie Osias and Attaché Florencio Francisco
Apart from the activities with the members of the Filipino community, the Philippine Embassy in Berne will also host a diplomatic reception on 15th June and a cultural event featuring the Leyte Dance Theatre on 17th June. END
