The Philippine Embassy reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs the successful conclusion of the 8th edition of its Filipino Language and Cultural Enrichment Program for Children ("Pilipino Po Ako: Mag-Aral Tayong Mag-Pilipino"), culminating in the graduation rites held in the Residence of the Philippine Ambassador last 24 March 2011.

Among the key events of program, held from 19 - 23 March 2012, are the following:

Filipino children attend flag hoisting and lecture on the Philippine flag

As part of the program, the children attended the flag hoisting ceremony held in Philippine Embassy every Monday. The children joined Embassy personnel and OFWs in attendance in singing the national anthem, reciting the pledge of allegiance to the Philippine flag, and offering a prayer.

Defense and Armed Forces Attaché Col. Carlos B. Cepe delivered a lecture on respecting the flag and national anthem of the Philippines.

Visit to Jollibee branch in Yayasan Complex, Bandar Seri Begawan

The children visited the Jollibee branch at the Yayasan Complex to view the operations of the Philippines's foremost food-chain. Incidentally, Jollibee, which is the no. 1 quick service restaurant in Brunei Darussalam, has 11 branches in the host country, and will soon be opening 2 more outlets.

On hand to meet the children, volunteer teachers, and a few Embassy personnel led by Madame Mayie Ochoa was Mr. Joy Cortez, operations manager of Jollibee in Brunei Darussalam, who provided a brief history of Jollibee's presence in the Sultanate.

Mr. Cortez also expressed interest in being more closely involved in the next edition of the Filipino Language and Cultural Enrichment Program adding that the values espoused by Jollibee (hard work, excellence and entrepreneurship) can be imbibed by the children at an early age through exposure to work. "Jollibee can provide that environment that will hopefully encourage the next generation of Filipino entrepreneurs, he added.

More importantly, it was an opportunity for the children to view first-hand how Jollibee burgers are made. As an added treat, the Jollibee mascot made a surprise appearance much to the great delight of the children.

Graduation Ceremony

A total of 37 students received their graduation certificates, with thirteen (13) from the Beginners Class, thirteen (13) from the Juniors Class, and eleven (11) from the Seniors Class.

The Filipino Language and Cultural Enrichment program is conducted free of charge by the Philippine Embassy in Brunei Darussalam and usually held during the months of March and September, when the students are on school break.

The 5-day intensive program introduced the children to the Filipino language, history, and culture to deepen their Filipino roots and sense of identity, while at the same time enhancing their basic Filipino language skills, to help prepare them for further studies once they return to the Philippines.

The graduation ceremony started at 2:00 p.m. at the Philippine Ambassador's Residence. Dressed in Filipiniana attire, the children were excited and in high spirits, eager to show their parents what they have learned during the one week course.

The program began with an invocation by Mr. Keith Reymarc T. Padernal, one of the graduates from the senior's batch.

This was followed by the signing of the national anthem by all the graduates who were led by Ms. Hana Isabella Raj E. Hautea, a graduating senior.

The Welcome Remarks were made by Ms. Bea Raissa V. Balatbat, another senior who has consistently enrolled in the program since its inception in 2008.

In his Inspirational Message, H.E. Ambassador Nestor Z. Ochoa thanked the volunteer teachers from the Brunei Filipino Educators Club (BFEC), the parents, and Embassy personnel who have worked hard to make the program a success.

"It is with great pride as Philippine Ambassador that through this program the graduates are now more aware of their language, history and culture. The experience has also deepened their understanding of their Filipino roots and sense of Filipino identity. I am confident that these students can now face the challenges that lie ahead of them when they return to the Philippines," he added.

Lastly, he invited the parents to again enroll their children during the 9th edition of the Filipino Language and Cultural Enrichment Program to be held in September.

The Beginners Class (children ages 6-8 years old) rendered their version of "Sitsiritsit," a lively local folk song about beetles and ladybugs.

Not to be outdone, the Juniors (children ages 9-11) and Seniors (children ages 12-14) performed the Cariñosa, a Spanish-influenced folk dance from the Maria Clara suite of Philippine folk dances, with the boys wearing the Barong Tagalong and the girls wearing the Maria Clara.

After the awarding of the certificates to the graduates, outstanding students, volunteer teachers and guest speakers, Ambassador and Mrs. Mayie Ochoa invited everyone to a salo-salo to celebrate the occasion. END