Press Release: Chongqing PCG Commemorates the 123rd Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence
14 June 2021, Chongqing, China – To mark the 123rd Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence, the Philippine Consulate General in Chongqing (Chongqing PCG) held a flag ceremony on 12 June 2021 at the Consulate’s premises.
In her remarks for the occasion, Consul General Flerida Ann Camille P. Mayo underlined the importance of honoring the country’s revolutionary heroes by valuing the liberties they fought for. Reflecting on this year’s Independence Day theme, Consul General Mayo thanked the consulate team for their collective hard work, patriotism and dedication which earned plaudits from Filipino communities under Post’s jurisdiction. She expressed the hope that the united efforts of the Filipino people would soon earn them freedom from COVID-19. The video messages of Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. and President Rodrigo Roa Duterte were highlights of the day’s program.
Capping the simple festivities, Chongqing PCG’s personnel gathered for a Filipino breakfast at the Consul General’s residence. Arroz caldo, adobo flakes, tokwa’t baboy, and pandesal, among other native dishes, were served.
Chongqing PCG’s commemoration of the 123rd Independence Day continued on 14 June 2021, this time with the members of the Filipino communities in Chongqing and Yunnan Province. The virtual gathering also served as an official introduction for Consul General Mayo and a platform for the Consulate General to listen to the latest stories of and challenges faced by the Filipinos in Chongqing PCG’s jurisdiction.
“For 123 years, and inspired by the grit of our heroic forebears, Filipinos have endured personal sacrifices, surmounted political and economic crises, and weathered natural disasters. Matibay po ang Pilipino at bumabangon matapos anumang hagupit ng panahon. Patuloy po kayong tinitingala ng ating bayan bilang mga bayani na lumalabang itaguyod ang ating mga pamilya at ang Inang Bayan sa kabila ng pandemiya. We in the Philippine Consulate General serve the Philippines. Over here in Chongqing, you are our Philippines. Together, we represent a noble, caring, hardworking and resilient Filipino nation,” Consul General Mayo reminded the gathering.
The audience appreciated the recorded Independence Day messages of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. and the opportunity afforded to them to ventilate their hopes and concerns. END