Canberra, 13 June 2010

Philippine Ambassador to Australia Ernesto H. De Leon leads Embassy officials and members of the Filipino Community in Canberra in the singing of the Philippine National Anthem

Philippine Ambassador to Australia Ernesto H. De Leon welcomed members of the Filipino Community in Canberra to “a celebration of the past, the present and the future of a nation firmly anchored on the ideals of democracy and freedom” during the Flag Raising organized by the Philippine Embassy to mark the 112th Philippine Independence Day.

“With the raising of the flag, we re-enacted a snippet from that historic moment when General Aguinaldo unfurled the first Philippine flag from his home’s balcony in Kawit, Cavite and declared the birth of a new nation,” the Ambassador said in his welcome remarks. 

Despite the trials and travails, Ambassador De Leon said that we overcame many obstacles and triumphed over the challenges to democracy.  “Today, the Philippines - Asia’s first republic and constitutional democracy - stands tall and proud in the family of nations,” he stated. 

Ambassador De Leon expressed appreciation for the participation of his kababayans in the meaningful ceremony.  “Your presence is indeed a testament of your love and concern for our motherland, the Philippines.  Indeed, a Filipino is a Filipino wherever he may be,” he said. 

With the success of the Philippine’s first automated national elections and the forthcoming change in leadership, Ambassador De Leon said that the Filipino nation is now at “the dawn of a new era in Philippine democracy, one that is filled with hope in the future.” 

A simple salu-salo, with pancit molo and puto on the menu, capped the ceremony.

Filipino cadets in the Australian Defense Force Academy carry the Philippine Flag to the pole for the Flag Raising ceremony organized by the Philippine Embassy to mark the 112^th Philippine Independence Day.

Philippine Ambassador to Australia Ernesto H. De Leon welcomed members of the Filipino Community in Canberra to “a celebration of the past, the present and the future of a nation firmly anchored on the ideals of democracy and freedom” during the Flag Raising organized by the Philippine Embassy to mark the 112^th Philippine Independence Day.

Philippine Ambassador to Australia Ernesto H. De Leon administers the oath of allegiance and awards certificates of dual citizenship to Ms. Perpetua Tagalog and Ms. Victoria Pamilar during the program following the Flag Raising Ceremony organized by the Philippine Embassy to commemorate the 112^th Philippine Independence Day.

Ambassador De Leon thanks Mr. David Hart for the services that his father, Mr. William David Hart, rendered during Leyte landings in 1944 to 1945. Mr. Hart received, on behalf of his father, the Philippine Liberation Medal (posthumous) during the program following the Flag.