Filipino teachers from St. Jude Thaddeus International School in Dili perform a traditional folk dance at the Philippine Embassy grounds.
The Philippine Embassy in Dili celebrated the 124th Anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence through twin in-person events held on 12 June 2022. These include the traditional flag-raising ceremony and breakfast for the Filipino community and a reception for members of the diplomatic corps and national government officials in Timor-Leste.
The flag-raising ceremony and breakfast featured the official Independence Day messages of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr., which were read by Ambassador Abdulmaid K. Muin and Second Secretary and Consul Dean Jason N. Arriola, and a medley of traditional and indigenous Filipino dance styles by Filipino teachers from St. Jude Thaddeus International School.
Aside from the messages and cultural performances, Ambassador Muin handed certificates of appreciation to representatives of Filipino-run international schools in Timor-Leste for their significant contribution to the various activities of the Embassy for the past year.
The Association of Filipinos in East Timor (AFET), the only Filipino community organization in Timor-Leste, welcomed the arrival of Consul Arriola in Dili and conveyed their appreciation for Ambassador Muin and Third Secretary and Vice Consul Laser Blitz B. Sumagaysay, whose respective terms in Dili will conclude later this month. Ambassador Muin delivered a brief message, expressing his appreciation to the Embassy staff and to the Filipino community members for their full support and active participation during his tour of duty as Philippine Ambassador to Timor-Leste.
Meanwhile, the evening reception was held at Timor Plaza Hotel. This event featured none other than Timor-Leste President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. José Ramos-Horta as the guest of honor.
Ambassador Muin thanked President Ramos-Horta, referring to him as his “good friend and of the Filipinos”, for his attendance at the reception. He also reaffirmed the commitment of the Philippines to advancing bilateral cooperation with Timor-Leste.
President Ramos-Horta expressed his appreciation to the Philippine government for “the standing friendship and support through the 20 years since the restoration of the independence of Timor-Leste.”
Following the remarks by both officials, Ambassador Muin and President Ramos-Horta led the traditional cutting of the cake and individual toasts. To cap off the program for the reception, Filipino teachers also performed several traditional folk dance styles. END
Timor-Leste President Dr. José Ramos-Horta (right) and Philippine Ambassador to Timor-Leste Abdulmaid Kiram Muin raise their glasses for a toast during the evening reception for the diplomatic corps and national government officials.