The Consulate General of the Republic of the Philippines, in celebration of the 115th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence, held a diplomatic reception at the Falcon Ballroom, Le Meridien Hotel last 12 June 2013 with H.E. Dr. Rashid Ahmed Bin Fahd, Minister of Environment and Water, as guest of honor.

Members of the diplomatic community, the Filipino communities in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, and friends of the Philippines from various sectors gathered as the Consulate General remember and honor the memories of the valiant Filipino men and women who fought and gained Philippine independence.

In his speech, Consul General Frank R. Cimafranca mentioned that the struggle for freedom continues for the Philippines and the Filipinos to be “free from poverty, ignorance, corruption, criminality, and injustice”. He also highlighted the President Benigno S. Aquino III “straight and righteous path towards political and economic stability” resulting to a 7.8% GDP growth for the first quarter of 2013, the highest among ASEAN-member countries in the same period driven by the services and industry sectors, manufacturing and consumption expenditures. He also stated with the inflation rate low and manageable, infrastructure spending, and correct management of fiscal deficit, “2013 will continue to be a banner year for the Philippines.”

The Consul General also harped on the very cordial relations between the Philippines and UAE with the latter an important trading partner and second top country destination in the Middle East for Filipinos with an estimated half a million mostly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Another area of possible growth is the tourism sector with arrivals from UAE also increased by 200 percent since 2006.

The evening was punctuated by lively presentations of Filipino dances and band performances by Filipino artists. Photos of various Philippine tourist destinations, select furniture and paintings were also exhibited.

Early in the day, the officers and staff of the Consulate General and its attached agencies held a flag raising ceremony at the PCG premises.This was followed by a morning mass celebrated by Fr. Tom Veneracion of St. Mary’s Church. A breakfast salu-salo concluded the morning activities.