The Philippine Consulate General in Milan (Milan PCG) led the early observance of the 120th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence with the customary flag-raising ceremony and reading of the message of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs at its new offices in Viale Stelvio 71 on Sunday, 10 June 2018. A portion of Via Bernina fronting the consulate was closed by the local police of Milan for the occasion.
Officers and personnel of Milan PCG and the attached agencies were joined by more than 200 leaders and members of the Filipino community (Filcom) in northern Italy for the singing of the “Lupang Hinirang” led by Ms. Michelle Brijuega followed by the Panunumpa ng Watawat led by Vice Consul Flaureen Dacanay. Fr. JP Avila, Chaplain ng Lingkod ng Espiritu Santo, Sant’Eusebio, Santissima Trinita Carita at Nativita di Maria Virgine Filipino Catholic Community and Pastor Benny Alcantara, Jesus is Lord Church, led the ecumenical prayers.
In her welcome remarks, Consul General Irene Susan B. Natividad thanked the Filipino community for their participation in the annual observance. She said that like Philippine heroes, Filipinos today continue their fight for change reflecting the theme of this year’s celebration, “Pagbabagong Ipinaglaban, Alay sa Masaganang Kinabukasan”.
She outlined new measures to be undertaken by Milan PCG to help ensure more efficient delivery of services, including the early opening of the consulate at 8:30 a.m. starting 1 July 2018 (instead of 9:00 a.m.); pilot opening of the consulate on one Sunday, 15 July and another Sunday on 28 October, which will be adjusted based on the response from the public; re-launching of the web site www.milanpcg.dfa.gov.ph, which now features a Filcom Corner that allows Filcom organizations to publicize important notices; and the launching of Milan PCG’s Facebook account.
Consul General Natividad also announced plans for a much bigger Independence Day celebration with more involvement of the Filcom in 2019 and at a bigger venue.
The program featured performances by Ms. Brijuega who sang “Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo” and traditional folk dances by performers of the Cebuanos and Friends Association and Filcom Sports and Cultural Society of Milan.
The morning ceremony was followed by a Pinoy salu-salo featuring all-time Filipino culinary favourites.
Consul General Irene Susan B. Natividad delivers her message during the Flag-raising ceremony to celebrate the 120th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence in front of the Consulate at Viale Stelvio 71 on 10 June 2018.
Top: Members of the Filipino community join Consul General Irene Susan B. Natividad and the officers and staff of Milan PCG in a group photo; Bottom photos: The cultural performances featured during the Flag-raising ceremony including by Ms. Brijuega who sang “Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo” and traditional folk dances by performers of the Cebuanos and Friends Association and Filcom Sports and Cultural Society of Milan.
