03 June 2019 - On 12 June 2019, the Philippines, along with its diplomatic missions all over the world, will be celebrating the 121st Declaration of the Philippine Independence. This day reminds us once again of our inspiring history as we honor the sacrifices and courage of our forefathers that secured the freedom that we, Filipinos, enjoy and cherish as a people. On this auspicious day, we have many reasons to celebrate - the country’s continued economic growth, massive gains in the peace process in the Southern Philippines, and the country’s enhanced global presence in the community of nations through regional and international engagements and partnerships. Independence Day also gives us the opportunity to reflect on our past achievements and at the same time, examine ourselves as we confront the challenges that lie ahead.
Furthermore, this month, the Embassy is not only celebrating its National Day, it also commemorates the 39th year of diplomatic relations with the UAE. In this regard, the past year saw strengthened bilateral relations on all fronts with the United Arab Emirates seizing the momentum established in recent years. The Embassy continued to engage with UAE officials in the areas of counterterrorism, food security, trade and economics, culture and sports, and labor cooperation for the mutual benefit of the peoples of the Philippines and the UAE.
Notably, following the 2nd Philippines – UAE Political Consultations in May 2018 hosted by the UAE, the following exchange of high-level visits ensued between the two countries.
High-level visits to the Philippines
- H.E. Ali Mohammad Al Shamsi, Director of National Intelligence Authority and Deputy Secretary General of the Supreme National Security Council of UAE met with President Rodrigo Duterte on 17 October 2018 in Malacañan Palace.
- H.E. Mariam Al Mehairi, Minister of State for Food Security of the United Arab Emirates, visited the Philippines on 25 to 26 March 2019 which explored bilateral cooperation in agriculture and food security.
High-level visits to UAE
- Cong. Carlos Ramos Uybarreta, Representative of 1-CARE (1st Consumer Alliance for Rural Energy, Inc.) attended the Legislators Forum of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) on 10 January 2019.
- DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III attended the World Government Summit in Dubai, UAE in February 2019.
- Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General Isidro Lapeña visited the UAE in March 2019 where he discussed Philippine government efforts to enhance the skills of the Filipino workforce.
- Southern Philippines Development Authority (SPDA) Administrator and CEO Abdhulghani “Gerry” Salapuddin also visited the UAE where he met major private sector groups as well as charitable institutions in UAE.
As part of its contribution to the 2019 Year of Tolerance, the Philippines also participated in major events held in the UAE early this year:
- The Muntinlupa National High School participated and won the Zayed Sustainability Prize in the Global High Schools Category during the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2019 in January.
- The Philippines’ national football team Azkals, one of just three ASEAN teams, competed in AFC Asian Cup held in four cities across the UAE also in January 2019.
- Team Philippines, composed of 39 athletes, emerged strong in the Special Olympics World Games held in Abu Dhabi in March 2019.
All the teams came to UAE advocating sustainability, fellowship, camaraderie, inclusion and positive social change, values shared by both the Philippines and the UAE.
Philippine delegations also participated in major fairs and exhibitions held in the UAE to promote and advance Philippine trade, security and defense, and tourism:
- The Philippines’ Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) of the Department of Trade and Industry highlighted 23 export champions during Gulfood 2019 in January 2019;
- Three officials from the Armed Forces of the Philippines represented the Philippines during the International Defense Exhibition (IDEX) in February 2019; and
- A 28-member strong contingent organized by the Department of Tourism participated in the 2019 Arabian Travel Market held on 28 April to 01 May 2019.
The Philippine missions in UAE also recently concluded the conduct of overseas voting, where 14.48% of registered voters in Abu Dhabi and 13.57% of registered voters in Dubai and Northern Emirates came out to vote. The Embassy and Consulate staff have done their solemn duty to oversee the conduct of the elections which overall, can be declared a success.
Moving forward, the Philippine Government and the Philippine missions in UAE are to accelerate preparations for the Expo 2020 Dubai which the two million Filipinos in the Middle East, and beyond, could be proud of. The Philippine diplomatic missions will also begin preparations for the 40th Anniversary of the bilateral relations of the Philippines and the UAE in 2020.
The Philippines also looks forward to hosting the third political consultations with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation within the year. In the economic field, the country notes that the UAE continues to be the Philippines’ second largest trading partner in the Middle East. Finally, the Philippines will always be grateful to the government and people of the UAE for graciously hosting 700,000 Filipinos who call this country their second home. We also commend all the initiatives of UAE in improving the welfare of all foreign workers, including the Filipinos, across the Emirates.
Still part of the Philippine Government’s commitment to the UAE’s Year of Tolerance, and boosting efforts in cultural diplomacy, guests during the Philippine independence celebration on the 12th of June will not only enjoy select Filipino cuisine specially curated by FilFood Innovation Group but also a cultural feast. Works of Filipino artist Manuel Baldemor dubbed “Islamic Philippines” will be exhibited while Filipino pianist Josue Greg Zuniega and violinist Christian Tan will serenade the guests during the reception. This was made possible with the support of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.
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