The Philippine Embassy in Brunei Darussalam reported that various activities were held on 12 June 2011 to commemorate the 113th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence and the 150th Anniversary of the Birth and Heroism of Dr. Jose Rizal, the country's national hero.

Thanksgiving Mass

A Thanksgiving Mass was held at 7:00 a.m. at the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption (COLA). The mass was attended by officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy led by Ambassador Nestor Z. Ochoa and Madame Maria Tomasa E. Ochoa and members of the Filipino Community.

Bishop Cornelius Sim of the Vicariate of Brunei Darussalam celebrated the Mass.

Before the final blessing, Ambassador Ochoa was invited to deliver his Independence Day Message.

Flag-Hoisting

The hoisting of the Philippine flag was held at 9:00 a.m. at the new Philippine Chancery by Ambassador Nestor Z. Ochoa assisted by Colonel Emmanuel G. Cacdac PA (GSC), Philippine Defense and Armed Forces Attaché, and T/Sgt. Napoleon B. Abacan III, Philippine Air Force, Administrative Assistant.

A leader of the Filipino Community, Mr. Leovy Camacho, led the invocation which was followed by reciting the Oath of Loyalty to the Flag (Panunumpa sa Watawat) and singing of "Pilipinas Kong Mahal."

Reading of Independence Day Messages

Ambassador Nestor Z. Ochoa delivered his Independence Day Message to the members of the Filipino Community in attendance followed by the reading of Independence Day Messages of government officials by the following:

1. Message of President Benigno S. Aquino III by Minister and Consul Celeste Vinzon Balatbat;
2. Message of DFA Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert F. Del Rosario by Minister and Consul General Raymond R. Balatbat;
3. Message of DOLE Secretary Rosalinda D. Baldoz by Labor Attaché Atty. Ana C. Dione; and
4. Message of OWWA Administrator Carmelita S. Dimzon by Welfare Officer Zenaida S. Ramos.

Prayer for the Nation

Prayers for the Nation were led by Messrs. Crisanto Medrano of the San Lorenzo Ruiz Catholic group and Hataman Noor Paraman, President of the Overseas Muslim-Filipino Workers Association in Brunei.

Commemoration of the 150th Birthday and Heroism of Dr. Jose Rizal

Activities also included a program to honor the 150th Birth and Heroism of Dr. Jose Rizal, the Philippines's national hero. To pay tribute to Dr. Jose Rizal, Dr. Rommel A. Curaming delivered a short talk entitled "Rizal for our time."

This was followed by a floral offering made by Madame Maria Tomasa E. Ochoa.

Blessing of the new Philippine Chancery

As part of the activities, Bishop Cornelius Sim of the Vicariate of Brunei Darussalam blessed the new Philippine Chancery.

Cutting of the Independence Day Cake

The day's festivities was capped by the cutting of the Independence Day Cake by Ambassador and Madame Ochoa, who were joined by selected members of the Filipino Community representing the four districts of Brunei Darussalam.

The program ended with brunch/fellowship involving all participants and guests. END