24 June 2014 - With a show of full support and the spirit of bayanihan, members of the Filipino community in Nigeria, together with the officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy in Abuja, commemorated the 116th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence in a day-long celebration commencing with a holy mass at the Apostolic Nunciature on June 12.
The flag raising ceremony at the Embassy grounds followed. The Philippine National Anthem “Lupang Hinirang” was sung and the ”Panunumpa sa Watawat” was recited by Embassy staff and overseas Filipino workers. Ambassador Lamadrid took the opportunity to read the Independence Day message of President Benigno S. Aquino III, while Vice Consul Ralf Roldan and Mr. Alex Maestrado, Administrative officer of the embassy, read the message of Vice President Jejomar Binay and Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario.
The event also saw the inauguration of the new Chancery officiated by Rev. Fr. Jose Antonio Rodriguez Garcia of the Apostolic Nunciature of the Holy See. Attendees to the inauguration, mostly members of the Filipino Community, were treated to a hearty breakfast marking the first community get-together in the new Chancery.
At noon, Ambassador Lamadrid hosted a well-attended Vin d’honneur for the members of the Diplomatic community, Nigerian government representatives, business representatives, and friends of the Embassy. In his message, the Ambassador highlighted the socio-economic gains of the Philippines under the Aquino administration. He likewise thanked the international community for the support given in response to Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) and other calamities experienced by the country.
In the afternoon, the Embassy opened its doors to Filipinos who availed themselves of consular services. First-time overseas voters registered for the upcoming 2016 presidential elections.
The reception was widely covered by the Nigerian media, with Ambassador Lamadrid being interviewed by several members of the broadcast and the print media. END
