Latest news with #ProclamationofPhilippineIndependence
Filipino Times
17 hours ago
- Politics
- Filipino Times
PH Consulate General in Dubai empowers Filipino students through migration and policy forum
In celebration of the 127th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence, the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai successfully hosted a landmark event entitled 'Bridging Generations, Bridging Futures: A Forum on Philippine Migration and Diaspora Policy' on 12 June 2025 at Al Habtoor Palace, Dubai. Consul General Marford M. Angeles formally opened the forum and welcomed over 65 participants, comprising students, faculty members, and administrators from leading universities in the United Arab Emirates, as well as members of the local media. Consul General Marford M. Angeles Consul General Marford M. Angeles In his remarks, the Consul General underscored the importance of cultivating awareness among the youth on migration-related issues. The forum was conceived as part of the Consulate's continuing efforts to engage overseas Filipinos in meaningful dialogue on migration governance, diaspora engagement, and the evolving role of Filipinos abroad in national development. The event brought together government officials, scholars, policy experts, industry leaders, and youth representatives for an enriching exchange of perspectives on the dynamics of Philippine migration policy and diaspora affairs. Distinguished keynote speakers included H.E. Alfonso A. Ver, Philippine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates; Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Assistant Secretary for Migration Affairs Mr. Robert Ferrer, Jr.; and Labor Attaché John Rio Bautista. Their addresses provided the audience with timely updates and in-depth insights into the Philippine government's strategic direction on migration, protection mechanisms for overseas Filipinos, and efforts to strengthen bilateral labor relations. The forum featured a robust line-up of esteemed experts and panelists, including Mr. Froilan Malit, renowned migration policy consultant; Dr. William Gueraiche, an expert on geopolitics and international relations; Mr. Akram Assaf, Chief Technology Officer of and H.E. Grace Relucio-Princesa, former Philippine Ambassador to the UAE. Mr. Froilan Malit, renowned migration policy consultant Dr. William Gueraiche, an expert on geopolitics and international relations H.E. Grace Relucio-Princesa, former Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Mr. Akram Assaf, Chief Technology Officer of Their thought-provoking discussions delved into critical issues such as the socio-economic contributions of Filipinos in the Gulf, the historical significance of Filipina migrants, migration politics within the UAE-Philippines corridor, and emerging labour market trends in the region and their implications for migrant workers. Interactive panel sessions and open fora enriched the dialogue further, offering attendees a platform to engage directly with the experts. A highlight of the event was the active participation of young Filipinos, who articulated their views on contemporary migration challenges and aspirations for the future. Their engagement underscored the importance of youth inclusion in policy discourse and affirmed their potential as future leaders of the Filipino diaspora. The forum was graced by the attendance and enthusiastic participation of faculty members and students from prominent academic institutions, including Bath Spa University–RAK, Canadian University Dubai, University of Bolton Academic Centre–RAK, Westford University College, and Mapúa Malayan Digital College. Their presence added depth to the discussions and reflected the event's objective to bridge generations through education and civic engagement. With its strong turnout and insightful contributions from all sectors, the event demonstrated the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai's dedication to promoting inclusive dialogue, community empowerment, and informed policymaking in support of the global Filipino.
The Star
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Marcos to Filipinos: Protect our liberty; ‘apathy' is freedom's enemy
MANILA: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr (pic) on Independence Day said that freedom must be defended and upheld, warning that its greatest enemy is 'apathy' toward national issues. In his speech during the 127th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence at Quirino Grandstand on Thursday (June 12), Marcos also paid tribute to the nation's forefathers who fought for freedom. 'From their sacrifices, the Republic of the Philippines gradually emerged,' he said. 'Today, we can freely express our thoughts without fear and pursue our desires without avoidance. In the New Philippines, sharing one's opinion is not a crime, much less is criticism a wrongdoing. On the contrary, it is what gives life and lustre to our democracy,' he added. Marcos stressed that freedom and democracy — like love for one's homeland — must be nurtured, protected, and fought for. 'Because the true enemy of freedom is apathy—apathy to the cries of the people, apathy to the condition of our fellow citizens, apathy to the welfare of our nation,' he added. As a public servant himself, Marcos urged all government officials not to take the public's trust for granted. 'From broken bridges and roads to expensive food and power shortages, the people long for genuine action and service. The solution lies in improving the quality of life for everyone,' he said. 'We must hasten our response to the needs of our fellow citizens, raise the quality of public service, and correct our shortcomings,' he added. 'Let us hold accountable not only those who abuse their power but also those who fall short in their duty to serve.' Marcos also said that fake news and misinformation can erase one's way of life, culture, and value system. 'Endless lies—false news and misinformation—are the plagues of our freedom,' he said. 'It is also disheartening that some of our fellow citizens continue to push false beliefs—not for the good of the Filipino people, but to serve the interests of others,' he added. He then called on Filipinos to always choose honesty, even when no one is watching, and to take a stand, especially when wrongdoing occurs. 'Let us honour this day not just by remembering the sacrifices of our forefathers. We must live with the same courage and love of country; for freedom is not just something that we inherit but a right that we must protect every single day,' he said. He also reminded the public that 'freedom is fleeting,' and it should be cherished every day. Marcos led the celebration of the 127th anniversary of Philippine Independence in a ceremony held at Rizal Park. He spearheaded the flag-raising at the Independence Flagpole and the wreath-laying at the Rizal National Monument, followed by the Parada ng Kalayaan 2025, which highlighted key historical events that shaped the nation's path to independence. Simultaneous flag-raising ceremonies were also conducted at various historical sites, including the Dambanang Emilio Aguinaldo in Cavite, Barasoain Church Historical Landmark in Malolos City, Bulacan, Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine in San Juan City, and the Andres Bonifacio National Monument in Caloocan City. In his Independence Day message earlier in the day, Marcos urged Filipinos to value the nation's heritage by protecting their rights and freedoms and using them to uplift and safeguard others. 'So, let us continue to bear the vigor of our ancestors as we defend our nation against those who seek to diminish the strength of our people,' he added. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
Daily Tribune
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Tribune
Lakbai Guitar Duo to take center stage
The Philippine Embassy in Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, in collaboration with the Philippine National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and in partnership with Gulf Air, is bringing the Lakbai Guitar Duo to the Kingdom of Bahrain for several performances. It is part of the Embassy's activities to commemorate the 127th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence on 12 June 2025. The cultural group, Lakbai Guitar Duo, is composed of Mr. Jeffrey Malazo and Ms. Jennifer de Vera. The couple are both under the Philippine Madrigal Singers Company of Artists. The Lakbai Guitar Duo has performed across the Philippines and in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Germany, US, Netherlands, Japan, Korea, Sweden and Kenya. Their biggest adventure was their Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in 2019, when they walked 800 km from France to Spain carrying their guitars and performing for their fellow pilgrims for 30 days. The Lakbai Guitar Duo won Guitar Ensemble Competitions in Malaysia and Japan in 2014 and 2015, respectively. They received the Philippines' Ani ng Dangal for Music Award in 2016, and were finalists in the Pilipinas Got Talent Season 6 in 2018. Musical styles In addition to playing classical guitar music, the duo aims to revolutionize classical guitar music by exploring other musical styles. The Lakbai Guitar Duo will hold a concert on 20 June 2025 at 4-6PM at the Cultural Hall.
