Ambassador Robles (center), accompanied by Mrs. Nora Robles (left) and Philippine Embassy officers and staff, led the flag ceremony in commemoration of Philippine Independence at the Mindanao Hall of the Chancery.
11 June 2021, Ottawa – As the Province of Ontario initiated steps to ease COVID-19 restrictions, the Embassy of the Philippines in Canada held a flag ceremony in commemoration of the 123rd Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence at the Mindanao Hall of its Chancery.
The ceremony included playing a recording of the Lupang Hinirang and Panunumpa sa Watawat, as well as video messages from President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro Locsin.
Philippine Ambassador Rodolfo Robles delivered his Philippine Independence Day message to the small group of Embassy personnel and shared his thoughts on this year’s Philippine Independence Day theme: “Diwa ng Kalayaan sa Pagkakaisa at Paghilom ng Bayan” (Spirit of Freedom for Unity and National Healing).
He underscored that the global pandemic calls on Filipinos to unite and work together towards healing and recovery, noting that everyone has a role to play in helping their communities and their country. He commended Philippine Embassy personnel for being steadfast in their work despite the challenges from the last year and reiterated the Embassy’s continued commitment to serving Overseas Filipinos in Canada.