PR-11-2024
30 May 2024
The Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne in partnership with NCCA and NHCP celebrated the Flag Day Begins with an online Forum: Honoring the Philippine Flag on 30 May 2024.
Ms. Lisa Guerrero Nakpil, NHCP chairperson was able to give an inspiring and very informative video message dedicated to the Filipino Community of Melbourne and other guests of the Consulate. She cited the two Filipino pearl divers, Candido Iban from Aklan and Mr. Franisco del Castillo of Cebu, both joined the Katipunan whom she called as “probably the first OFWs in Australia.” They won $1,000 from a lottery which they used to buy a printing machine to print the cartillas of Katipunan.
The online forum was moderated by Consul Ralph Vincent Abarquez and formally opened by Consul General Maria Lourdes Salcedo who read the message from the Philippine House of Representatives about commitment to the Filipino nation and values, including teaching our children the significance of the flag as a reflection of love for country.
The short film produced by Katipunan on the Battle of the Leyte Gulf was also shown before the main presentation. The film was officially launched during the Tree Dedication Ceremony and Unveiling of the Commemorative Plaque for the Battle of Leyte Gulf at the Shrine of Remembrance last 22 May 2024.
The main presenter for this online forum was Captain Gabayno. He served as the Director of Marine Corps Center for Leadership and Excellence before his selection as the Philippine Seconded Officer at Defence International Training Center at Royal Australian Air Force Base Williams at Laverton. His presentation included the history of the Philippine Flag and how to handle it properly with respect.
The forum had 39 log-ins, some with multiple participants in each log-in. Among them were from the Katipunan Australia, Filipino Australia Student Council of Victoria, Kilusang Kababaihang Rizal Inc., Victoria Chapter, other Filipino community leaders, Consulate staff and dependents.
