I join the entire Filipino nation in celebrating the 119th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.
More than a century ago, thousands laid down their lives so that we may live with the dignity and rights befitting a free nation. The journey to freedom was a long and arduous one - which our countrymen paid for with blood, sweat and the ultimate act of selfless sacrifice. Despite the insurmountable hardships, the patriotism and undaunted spirit of the Filipino led to our triumph against the shackles of slavery and abuse.
On that day, we showed our colonisers and the rest of the world what Filipinos are made of. Let us take inspiration from our forebears who valiantly fought and offered their lives so that we may have the liberties that we enjoy today. Let us pay homage to their heroism by preserving our sovereignty and performing our own civic rights and responsibilities. After all, it is our inherent duty as citizens to ensure that the Philippines fulfills its destiny as a great and prosperous nation.
Mabuhay ang ating kalayaan! Mabuhay ang sambaynang Filipino!

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CONSTANCIO R. VINGNO, JR.
Ambassador of the Embassy of Philippines, Abu Dhabi

The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi joins more than 600,000 Filipinos across the United Arab Emirates in commemorating today the 119th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.
The year 1898 marks the proclamation of Independence of the Philippines after 300 years of Spanish rule. It was a long and arduous battle but in the end, our forefathers emerged triumphant. It is their courage and sacrifice that we honour today.
The heroism of our forebears must also inspire us to work towards sustaining the economic growth of the Philippines, building more resilient communities, and most importantly, improving the welfare of our fellow countrymen.
This year's theme, Kalayaan 2017: Pagbabagong Sama-Samang Balikatin (Shouldering the Change Together), reminds us to remain united in effecting change in the country.
I call on all Overseas Filipinos in the UAE to contribute in nation-building and be agents of change in our pursuit of peace and development for our country.
May we all have a meaningful celebration! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

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PAUL RAYMUND P. CORTES
Consul General of the Philippine Consulate General Dubai

I share my warmest felicitations to my fellow Filipinos in Dubai and the Northern Emirates and in the rest of the UAE on the occasion of the Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence. One hundred and nineteen years ago, history made the Philippines the first Republic in Asia. Today, we find Filipino people spread over 210 countries across the globe, carving their niche as special ambassadors of humanity to the rest of the international community.
That feat is no less true here in the UAE, home to over 600,000 Filipinos speaking a multitude of Philippine languages, bearers of a wide expanse of cultures and traditions, and proud representatives of a population ready to contribute to the UAE community. For over 30 years, Filipinos have steadily sought the opportunities the UAE has to offer; a gem of a country providing a haven for the talents, skills, expertise, and professionalism to 10 million overseas Filipinos. We reiterate our thanks to the UAE's safe, secure, and innovative environment that thereby allows us and millions of others to reach and achieve our individual potentials.
We commemorate this day where our forefathers founded for themselves a nation that would be home to a proud people, resilient and resolute in their quest for excellence. Over a century later, we prove to the rest of the world, and more so to the global community that call the UAE their second home, what it is that makes Filipino nurses, doctors, engineers, architects, accountants, teachers, office assistants, sales professionals, and service providers truly unique. As your Consul General in Dubai, I am truly privileged to be part of a people who enjoy immense respect of other ethnicities and nationalities in this part of the world.
I urge my countrymen to continue being a genuine representative of the global Filipino - determined, industrious, respectful, circumspect, and inspired. As we take pride in the contributions of the Overseas Filipino community in the economies we play a significant role in, let us remain steadfast in our vision of a prosperous motherland, a home that has bred the best of humanity.
Maraming Salamat po and Mabuhay to each and every Filipino and to the rest of our brothers and sisters in the UAE!

Source: Khaleej Times