PH CONSULATE GENERAL IN SYDNEY HOSTS FLAG CEREMONY WITH FILIPINO COMMUNITY LEADERS AND MEDIA IN NEW SOUTH WALES

(Left photo) Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis speaks about the important role of overseas Filipinos in building the nation, in line with the theme, “Kalayaan 2017: Pagbabagong Sama-samang Balikatin”. (Right photo) Consul General Louis with Mr. Ben Bongat and his wife, Edith, who donated the cake especially decorated for the event.

(Left photo) Dr. Maria Cynthia Leigh, Honorary Fellow, Australian Catholic University (ACU) School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, an awardee of the Balik-Scientist Program, urges her fellow Filipino-Australians to share their expertise and skills to help empower Filipinos back home. (Center photo) Mr. Armando Vergara, President of the -Australia Seniors Social Club (PASSOC) recites a rousing poem he composed for the occasion, entitled, “Pagbabagong Pangarap”, on how Filipinos can collectively achieve their dreams. (Right photo) Young Filipino-Australian, Ms. Tiara Nyuzo, sings “Bayan Ko”.

(Left photo) Filipino community leaders and members of the media who attended the celebration at the Consulate . (Right photo) The guests enjoying the traditional Filipino of , sinangag at itlog with pandesal, ensaymada and cake after the program.

On 4 June 2017, the Philippine Consulate General in Sydney hosted a flag ceremony, program and a traditional Filipino breakfast in commemoration of the 119th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence attended by Filipino community leaders in New South Wales as well as members of the media.

Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis discussed the theme of this year’s commemorative celebration of Philippine Independence, “Kalayaan 2017: Pagbabagong Sama-samang Balikatin”, emphasizing the way by which overseas Filipinos could contribute in bringing about positive changes for further growth and development of the Philippines. She also expressed the hope that the Filipino community in New South Wales will continue to be an active partner of the Consulate in raising the profile of the Philippines in Australia through activities that promote the country and the many business and tourism advantages it has to offer.

In line with the theme, the Consulate invited Dr. Maria Cynthia Leigh, a retired nurse- educator and now Honorary Fellow, Australian Catholic University (ACU) School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, to speak about her participation in the Department of Science and Technology’s Balik-Scientist Program (DOST-BSP). Following a briefing on DOST-BSP organized by the Consulate in May 2016, which Dr. Leigh attended, she is now undertaking a project with the De La Salle Cavite School of Nursing. Dr. Leigh encouraged other fellow Filipino-Australians to likewise contribute to the growth and development of the Philippines with their skills and expertise.

Mr. Armando Vergara, President of the Philippines-Australia Seniors Social Club (PASSOC), recited a poem he composed especially for the event, entitled, “Pagbabagong Pangarap”, focusing on the theme for this year’s Philippine independence celebration. Ms. Tiara Nyuzo, who opened the program by leading the singing of the Philippine national anthem, sang, “Bayan Ko”.

Capping the morning’s activities was a Filipino breakfast featuring tapa, sinangag at itlog (or tapsilog), pandesal and ensaymada, with contributions of Filipino-owned , Melchrischel , owned by Mr. and Mrs. Prudy and Marilyn Miranda, and Benedith’s Cakes, owned by Mr. and Mrs. Ben and Edith Bongat.

This year, a total of 20 activities related to the commemoration of Philippine independence was kicked off on 3 June 2017 by a flag-raising ceremony jointly organized by Filcom organization Filipiniana Friends Group of Bathurst and Central West with the Bathurst City Council. Along with similar flag-raising ceremonies organized by the Filcom with local councils, the other independence-related activities that will take place throughout NSW in June this year include golf tournaments, balls, and art exhibitions. END