Philippine Ambassador Christopher B. Montero (standing at the podium) leads a Flag-Raising ceremony on the occasion of the 122ndAnniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence. (Pinoy Shutters BD photo)
Bandar Seri Begawan, 12 June 2020 – The Philippine Embassy in Brunei Darussalam led by Ambassador Christopher B. Montero held a simple yet meaningful commemoration of the 122ndAnniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence at its Chancery along the Diplomatic Enclave.
Under the theme “Kalayaan 2020: Towards a Free, United and Safe Nation,” the event started early at 7:00 am and was beamed live through the Embassy’s Facebook page (@PhinBrunei), allowing hundreds of members from the Filipino community in Brunei Darussalam to watch and witness the ceremonies online.
The program included a reading of Independence Day messages from Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and other high-ranking officials of the Philippine Government.
In his own message, Ambassador Montero highlighted the immense contribution and sacrifices of Filipino modern-day heroes -- healthcare professionals, essential workers and other front liners -- in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Like our forefathers who valiantly fought for our freedom, Filipino front-liners put their lives on the line to care for COVID-19 patients not only in our motherland but all over the world,” Ambassador Montero said.
The Ambassador likewise acknowledged that in the midst of the global pandemic, Filipinos in Brunei Darussalam are in a relatively safer and better situation than those in other countries. “We convey our deepest appreciation and admiration to the Government of His Majesty, the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam, for taking decisive and robust actions not only in effectively containing the spread of the virus but also in implementing a well-calibrated de-escalation strategy as we transition to what is now called as the “new normal,” he emphasized.
Following the ceremony, a commemorative tree-planting activity was held at the Chancery grounds to symbolize the resiliency of the human spirit and to serve as a tribute to all the Filipino front-liners courageously fighting the global pandemic. END
Philippine Ambassador Christopher B. Montero delivers his message for the Filipino Community in Brunei Darussalam on the occasion of the 122nd Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence. (Pinoy Shutters BD photo)
Ambassador Christopher B. Montero leads a commemorative tree-planting activity at the Philippine Chancery to pay tribute to Filipino front-liners all over the world for their courageous service amidst the global pandemic. (Pinoy Shutters BD photo)
