Officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate General, POLO-OWWA and other attached agencies.

Officers of the Philippine Consulate and the leaders and members of Filipino Community in Dubai.

12 June 2017, Dubai, U.A.E. The 119th Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Philippine Independence was celebrated today, 12 June 2017, at the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. POLO-OWWA and other attached agencies, Filipino community leaders and members, and the media joined the officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate in celebrating the event.

Consul General Paul Raymund Cortes, in his welcome remarks, highlighted the ties between the Filipino community in Dubai and the Northern Emirates and Muslim Mindanao.  He urged everyone to continue praying and hoping that the issues will be resolved immediately as the country’s leaders work towards attaining greater economic prosperity and development.

During the flag raising ceremony.

The event also witnessed an interfaith celebration led by leaders of various religious groups who offered messages and prayers for the unity and the peace in Marawi City.

In his message which was read during the occasion, President Rodrigo Duterte encouraged Filipinos to pay homage to forebears by preserving the sovereignty and performing civic rights and responsibilities. Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, on his message, also underscored the importance of an independent foreign policy and pledged that the Department will help the country’s leadership in accomplishing this task.

Philippine Independence Day 2017 OPM champion, Ms. Norynelle Hernandez, and Mr. Jhuriel Baretto also serenaded the guests with OPM songs.END