In the presence of more than 60,000 people from the Filipino community in the country, Nahyan bin Mubarak witnesses a public celebration on the occasion of the 128th anniversary of Philippine independence.
DUBAI, 7 JUNE / WAM / His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, His Excellency Alfonso Ver, the Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, and His Excellency Ambrosio Enciso III, Consul General of the Philippines, witnessed the public celebration held on the occasion of the 128th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of the Philippines, hosted by the Dubai World Trade Centre.
The event, which was organized by the “Emirates Loves the Philippines” page, which shares inspiring content highlighting the success stories and contributions of the Filipino community in the UAE, was attended by a large audience of more than 60,000 people from the Filipino community, residents and visitors, in a scene that reflects the depth of the bilateral relations between the UAE and the Republic of the Philippines, and the country’s distinctive societal environment based on tolerance, openness and cultural diversity.
His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, stressed that the celebration of Philippine Independence Day represents an occasion to be proud of the values on which the Republic of the Philippines was founded, pointing out that the history of this friendly country was shaped by courage, strengthened by sacrifices, preserved by values and faith, and strengthened by the spirit of dedication, and also enriched by the strong ties between family, society and the nation. He said that the Philippines was founded on the insistence of its people to uphold dignity and freedom, values that are embodied today in the lives of the members of the Filipino community. Living and working in the United Arab Emirates.
His Excellency spoke about the depth of friendship that unites the UAE and the Republic of the Philippines, and about the knowledge, talent, energy and spirit of giving that characterizes the members of the Filipino community. He also spoke about the UAE as a homeland that welcomes people of different nationalities, cultures and backgrounds, stressing that this year he returns to these same meanings, but with a greater appreciation for the added value and positive contribution that the Filipino community represents to Emirati society.
His Excellency pointed out that he sees directly how the Filipino community embodies the values that the UAE believes in and works to consolidate. He explained that more than 200 nationalities call the UAE their home, and that the country embraces and celebrates this diversity, based on its firm belief that coexistence based on mutual respect between different cultures, religions and traditions turns diversity into a source of strength and enrichment for society. He added that the UAE believes that diversity is not just a social reality, but rather a cultural and human value that contributes to building more prosperous and cohesive societies, stressing that this conviction represents the core of the country’s vision for its present and future.
His Excellency said that the strength of countries is not measured only in times of prosperity and celebration, but is also evident in their ability to face challenges and difficult circumstances. He stressed that the UAE was able to deal with all challenges with steadfastness, confidence and national unity, and that this steadfastness is based on the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, “may God protect him”, who led the country with a clear vision and firm determination during stages characterized by challenges, embodying the model of a leader with vision and insight who combines firmness and humanity. It places the well-being, security and stability of society at the top of its priorities, which has strengthened confidence among citizens, residents and friends of the UAE around the world.
His Excellency added that citizens and residents of the UAE continued, under the leadership of His Highness the President of the State, to stand by each other, support their families and communities, and adhere to the values of respect, tolerance, coexistence and responsibility. He stressed that these values reflect the national character of the UAE and its strength, cohesion, loyalty and belonging. He also expressed his appreciation for the development vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, “may God protect him,” praising his continued role in supporting the process of growth and development and enhancing the position of the UAE, and affirming the state’s pride in its national institutions and diverse communities and in everyone who lives and works on its land and contributes to its progress and success.
His Excellency stressed that the Filipino community has become an important part of the UAE’s success story through its contributions to various economic, social and cultural sectors, and its role in supporting the process of development and progress witnessed by the country. He also referred to the entries submitted by members of the Filipino community in the “Our Life in the Emirates” competition, explaining that these entries came from people who chose to build their lives and futures in the Emirates.
He said that these writings reflected authentic human values represented in love of family, dedication to work, the ability to face challenges, generosity, and community spirit, stressing that these values are greatly appreciated in the UAE, and that they are gaining increasing importance in a world facing many challenges and divisions, and represent a model of what can bring together different peoples and cultures within a framework of respect, understanding, and coexistence.
At the conclusion of his speech, His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan congratulated the Republic of the Philippines and its people on this national occasion, expressing his wishes for continued progress and prosperity. He stressed that celebrating independence represents an opportunity to take pride in national identity, culture and heritage, and reminds of the importance of national responsibility, and that the progress of nations is linked to the awareness, unity and ability of their people to work together for a brighter future, and that freedom is always accompanied by responsibility, and that hope for the future is built through unity, perseverance and joint work.
For his part, His Excellency Ambassador Alfonso Ver expressed his appreciation to the UAE and its wise leadership for the supportive environment it provides for cultural diversity and human coexistence, stressing that the celebration embodies the strength of relations between the two countries and reflects the status enjoyed by the Filipino community in the UAE.
His Excellency said: “This occasion represents an opportunity to celebrate the close relations between the two friendly peoples, and it also reflects the feelings of belonging and appreciation of the Filipino community towards the UAE, which has become a second home for hundreds of thousands of Filipinos.”
The celebration witnessed a diverse cultural, artistic and entertainment program that extended throughout the day, and included live musical performances, with the participation of Filipino actress Arce Muñoz, and contemporary Filipino pop performances with the participation of the bands First One, G22, and Alamat, which presented interactive public performances that reflected the diversity of contemporary Filipino music and its remarkable presence on the global scene.
The events also included heritage and cultural performances that embodied the Filipino folk heritage, the most prominent of which was the “Sagala” event, which included a celebratory procession in traditional and official costumes inspired by Filipino heritage, in addition to folklore performances and popular dances that reflect the diversity and richness of Filipino culture.
The event also included an integrated food area that presented a wide range of popular Filipino dishes and cuisine, in addition to entertainment areas and interactive experiences for families and children, which included mini-car races, motor games, community competitions, and a corner for artistic and educational activities, which provided an integrated festive experience that enhanced the atmosphere of community interaction and cultural celebration.
The organization of the celebration comes within the framework of the distinguished relations between the UAE and the Republic of the Philippines, and the common interest in enhancing cultural and humanitarian cooperation between the two countries, and consolidating the values of coexistence and cultural communication between different peoples and cultures.
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