The members of the Filipino community in Chongqing joined the Philippine Consulate General’s staff and their families in the flag-raising ceremony and “Open House” breakfast held at Consul General Palala’s residence on 06 June 2015, in celebration of the 117th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence.

Consul General Olivia V. Palala welcomed the members of the Filipino community to her residence and expressed her appreciation for their support of all of the Consulate’s activities.

Administrative Officer Marietta Enriquez-Magno led the singing of the Philippine national anthem while Cultural Officer Emelyn Cosino led the “Panunumpa sa Watawat”. Consul General Palala read the message of President Benigno S. Aquino III, while the messages of Vice President Jejomar Binay, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert F. Del Rosario and Department of Labor and Employment Rosalinda Baldoz were successively read by Vice Consul Duke Villanueva, Ms. Enriquez-Magno and Ms. Maria Victoria Tambag.

Filipino food like sinangag, lechon, tuyo, Philippine-branded hotdogs and tsokolate e, made from fresh tablea, were among those served during the breakfast.

The Consulate took advantage of the event to encourage members of the Filipino community to register as Overseas Voters (OV) while reminding them that the registration period will end on 31 October 2015. Only one among the twelve guests, Mr. Ronie Villanueva, registered as an overseas voter because the rest have already been registered. END