Officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy led by Ambassador Nestor Z. Ochoa and Madame Mayie E. Ochoa, joined by members of the Filipino Community, sang the Lupang Hinirang in a ceremony marking the 114th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.

Ambassador Ochoa was assisted by Col. Carlos B. Cepe, Defense and Armed Forces Attaché, and T/Sgt. Napoleon B. Abacan III, ODAFA Administrative Assistant, in hoisting the Philippine flag.The flag-hoisting was followed by the Invocation/Prayer for the Nation which was led by Messrs Alan Filio (representing the Roman Catholic group), Hataman Noor Paraman (representing the Filipino Muslims), and Edgardo Feliciano (representing the Christian group).

The Panunumpa sa Watawat and the Closing Song (“Pilipinas Kong Mahal”) rounded out the first part of the program.

The second half of the program was marked by the reading of the various Independence Day Messages: Ambassador Nestor Z. Ochoa delivered his Independence Day Address; Minister and Consul Celeste Vinzon Balatbat read the Message of President Benigno S. Aquino III; Minister and Consul General Raymond R. Balatbat read the Message of DFA Secretary Albert F. Del Rosario; Labor Attaché Atty. Ana C. Dione read the Message of DOLE Secretary Rosalinda D. Baldoz; and the Welfare Officer Nerisa L. Mercado read the Message of OWWA Administrator Carmelita S. Dimzon.

The highlight of the morning festivities was the cutting of the Independence Day cake by Ambassador Ochoa and Mrs. Ochoa who were joined by representatives from the various districts of Brunei Darussalam. This was followed by the traditional breakfast salo-salo as Filipinos throughout Brunei Darussalam celebrated Philippine Independence Day. END