BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, 24 February 2021 – Wonderfully clad in traditional Filipino costumes, the Philippine contingent marched proudly at the Grand Parade marking the 37^th Anniversary of the National Day of Brunei Darussalam held at the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saiffuddien in Bandar Seri Begawan on 23 February 2021.

Unlike in previous years where the Filipino community contingent usually comprised of 200 individuals, this year’s scaled down celebrations limited the participation of each expatriate group to 20 members, in line with the social gathering protocols and guidelines of the Ministry of Health (MoH).

To ensure the health and safety of all participants and spectators, this year’s National Day parade was attended by close to only 4,000 participants from various sectors of Brunei’s military and police establishments, civil servants, non-profit organizations, community associations, business and industries, as well as a COVID-19 front-liners team of doctors, nurses and youth volunteers.

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, presided over the event, joined by members of the Royal Family, Government Ministers and senior officials.  

Philippine Ambassador Christopher B. Montero, together with Defense and Armed Forces Attaché Col. Angelo Gerard P. Ariles, joined other members of the Diplomatic Corps in witnessing the grand parade.

The Philippine Embassy spearheaded the preparations for, and organization of, the Filipino community’s participation in the celebrations, including the provision of costumes and food and refreshments to the 20-member Philippine contingent. END

Members of the Philippine contingent pose for a photo with Ambassador Christopher B. Montero following the National Day parade.