CDA Mariano Dumia and spouse Gloria Dumia (6th and 5th from left, front row) with other embassy officials and members of the Filipino community who joined the celebration of the 114th anniversary of Philippine independence at the Embassy Chancery

TEHRAN -- Filipinos from all over Iran converged at the Philippine Embassy Chancery Friday to celebrate the 114th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence. On June 12, 1898, General Emilio Aguinaldo, president of the Philippine revolutionary government proclaimed Philippine independence after 333 years of Spanish colonial rule. 

 

Charge d’ Affaires Mariano A. Dumia and his wife Gloria led embassy officials in welcoming more than two hundred Filipinos, some of whom were accompanied by their Iranian spouses and children who travelled to Tehran for the special occasion. Many came from far-away places like Kish Island, Bandar Abbas, Yadz, Isfahan, Mashhad, Semnan, Rasht, and Ahwaz. The rest arrived from Tehran and nearby Karaj. Most of the Filipinos in Iran are professionals like dentists, doctors, nurses, and teachers who arrived in the country in the 1970s and 1980s. 

 

 

This year’s anniversary celebration with the theme, “Freedom: The Accountability of a Sovereign Nation of Responsible Citizenry” commenced with the flag-raising and pledge of allegiance to the flag, reading of messages, and cultural presentations. In his welcome remarks, CDA Dumia reminded his countrymen to always adhere to the ideals, values and sacrifices espoused by the national heroes that blossomed into the birth of Filipino freedom, democracy and independence. Dumia also conveyed his thanks and appreciation to all the celebrants who found time and traveled far to join the celebration.  Dumia also cited the presence of more than 7,000 Iranian students and businessmen in the Philippine as well as more than 800 Filipina-Iranian families in Iran as hallmarks of the close and friendly relationship between the two countries.

 

Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert F. Del Rosario in his message read by Consul General Rosario Lemque, called on all Filipinos “to remain united and steadfast to the ideals of freedom, democracy, justice, and equity to build a prosperous nation.” President Benigno S. Aquino III in his message read by CDA Dumia called on all Filipinos worldwide “to reaffirm the values that have shaped and strengthened our nation, and to forge ahead in fulfillment of the destiny envisioned by our heroes.”

Many of the Filipinos especially those who came from distant places and who attended the celebration for the first time were very happy saying they felt like they were in the Philippines after witnessing various cultural presentations and enjoying Filipino foods for lunch. 

 

They were also happy to renew friendships with old pals as well as meeting new members of the Filipino community. Lilyn Golazar, a dentist from Kish Island as well as Jeanette Bautista and her husband Mirmohammadi from Yadz who attended the independence day celebration for the first time said they enjoyed the festivities aside from meeting new acquaintances. Others who came all the way from afar were NimfaAraja Roshanaie and her family from Mashhad, Emma Ramos and her family from Bandar Abbas, Margie Shomalzadeh from Ahwaz, Massih Chitsuzand her family from Isfahan, Salvacion Odena and her family from Semnan,  and Floresita Bustamante and her family from Rasht. 

 

They all expressed happiness in being part of the celebration saying their sense of patriotism and pride as Filipinos are strengthened and expressed appreciation to embassy officials for inviting them to participate in the special national celebration.