Filipinos Celebrate Kalayaan 2017 in Al-Khobar
AL-KHOBAR – More than 1000 Overseas Filipinos graced the commemoration of Kalayaan 2017 which included the 119th Philippine Independence Day and 22nd Migrant Worker’s Day 2017 at the International Philippine School in AlKhobar (IPSA) Multipurpose Hall on June 9.
The Filipinos, who came from 70 professional, civic, institutional and regional clubs and organizations in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia were happy to attend the annual celebration because it marked the end of more than three centuries of Spanish regime.
This year’s celebration with a theme “Pagbabagong Sama-samang Balikatin” was simple and straightforward compared to previous years. Since the date fell during the holy month of Ramadan, POLO-ERO officials and Filcom Core Group decided to hold the celebration in the evening after our Muslim brothers and sisters have broken their fast.
The program commenced with the flower offering for our national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal which was led by the Order of Knights of Rizal (OKOR-EPC). Welcome Remarks was delivered by Engr. Lamberto Pablo, Overall Chairman of Kalayaan 2017 and current President of AFCSCOM. A short OWWA Migrant video presentation and reading of OWWA Administrator Hans Cacdac’s message ensued.
Hon. Sitti Jaafar, OIC, POLO-ERO, read the message of DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III and Hon. Iric C. Arribas, Charge’ d’ Affaires, Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, delivered the message of DFA Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano.
Arribas, who attended the celebration for the first time, praised the Filcom for organizing the event. “Natutuwa nga ako na mayroong isang celebration dito na ang nag-organize ay mismong mga Filipino Community, so talagang pinapakita natin yong pagmamahal natin sa ating bansa, Arribas said.” Cultural presentations were rendered by students from Al Andalus International School, Al Majd International School Dammam and host school IPSA.
POLO-ERO granted the prestigious Outstanding Migrant Worker Award to five Pinoys and the Outstanding Filipino Community Organization to 14 organizations.
In his closing remarks, Andrew Nathaniel Santos, Co-overall Chairman of Kalayaan 2017 and President of OFW Congress, Eastern Province, thanked everyone for their support and for making this year’s celebration a successful one.
AFCSCOM Officers attending the Kalayaan 2017.
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