Philippine Ambassador Ramon S. Bagatsing, Jr. led the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi, Philippine Honorary Consulates General Officials in India (Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata) and Nepal (Kathmandu) and the Filipino Community in a flag raising ceremony at the Embassy Grounds on 12 June 2019 to commemorate the 121st Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Philippine Independence.
For this year’s Independence Day theme, “Courage of the nation, compassion for the people,” Ambassador Bagatsing read the message of President Rodrigo R. Duterte while Deputy Chief of Mission Arvin R. de Leon delivered the message of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr.
The fag raising ceremony was followed by photo opportunities, breakfast, and short program at the Ambassador’s residence.
Photo opportunities
Philippine Ambassador Ramon S. Bagatsing, Jr. in a photo-op with the Philippine Embassy Officers and Staff; Philippine Honorary Consulates General Officials in India (Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata) and Nepal (Kathmandu); attached agencies; and the members of the Filipino Community after the Flag Raising Ceremony at the Embassy Grounds on 12 June 2019
Independence Day Program at the Ambassador’s Residence
Philippine Ambassador Ramon S. Bagatsing, Jr., in his welcome remarks, he informed everyone of his leadership thrust - to increase trade and investment, reinvigorate people-to-people exchange, and to strengthen the tourism industry. He encouraged the Filipino Community to promote the Philippines as tourist destination for the Indian nationals.
Ambassador Bagatsing also met with Filipinos in India Community (FIC) and Kapisanan Ng Mga Pinay Na may Asawang Indiano sa Hindustan (KAPIHAN) leaders during the event.
Ambassador Bagatsing is the first Philippine Ambassador to India of Indian descent. He is a lawyer, businessman, and former politician who served as Congressional Representative of the 4th District of Manila from 1987 to 1998.
His father was the late Manila Mayor Ramon D. Bagatsing, Sr. He was the only Indian Filipino who served as the longest-serving Mayor of the City of Manila for 15 years from 1971 to 1986.
The Philippine Embassy children showcased the well-known folk dances from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao such as Manang Biday (ethnic serenade song in Ilocos), Subli (traditional dance in Batangas and Luzon to honor the Holy Cross of Alitagtag), and Itik-itik (mimeticfolk dance from Cantilan, Surigao del Sur) during the program
More photo opportunities
Philippine Ambassador Ramon S. Bagatsing, Jr. (seated 2nd from left) together with the Philippine Embassy Officers and Philippine Honorary Consulates General Officials in India (Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata) and Nepal (Kathmandu), and Jaipur Foot, Staff, attached agencies, families, and children.
Philippine Ambassador Ramon S. Bagatsing, Jr. (seated in the middle on both photos) together with the Philippine Embassy Officers, Philippine Honorary Consulate Official in Chennai, and the Filipino Community in India.END
