PR-12-2024
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – On 12 June 2024, the Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne held its Independence Day Flag Honoring Ceremony at the multicultural hub of Federation Square in the city center. The day saw rain and shine within the hour of ceremony, which culminated in a brunch at the Consulate General premises.
The event was attended by over 100 guests including Filipino community leaders, members of the Knights of Rizal and Kababaihang Rizalista, media representatives, students, retired Philippine military personnel, and Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel currently in Melbourne for training as well as Philippine Honorary in Hobart Consul Rick van Neutegem, former Philippine Honorary Consul in Melbourne Felix Pintado, and Mayor Lana Formoso of the City of Greater Dandenong, the so-called ‘multicultural capital of Australia.’
The program, with the theme Kalayaan 2024: Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan, began with a Prayer of Thanksgiving by Deacon Neil Daculan and a recorded Muslim Prayer. The Entry of Colors was performed by members of Katipunan Australia, Inc., followed by the singing of Lupang Hinirang and recital of Panatang Makabayan by Ms. Imelda Mclean, President of the Kababaihang Rizalista.
Consul General Maria Lourdes Salcedo read the Independence Day Message of President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr.; Consul Ralph Vincent Abarquez read the Independence Day Message of Foreign Secretary Enrique A. Manalo; and Consul Jan Sherwin Wenceslao read the Independence Day Message of Ambassador Maria Hellen De La Vega. Mayor Formoso also provided a brief congratulatory message, lauding their significant contributions of the Filipino community. The event, emceed by Mr. Raymond Pepito, President of the Filipino-Australian Student Council of Victoria, celebrated the spirit of unity, heritage, and cultural ties.
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