Filipinos in the UAE mark homeland’s 118th independence anniversary

ABU DHABI // Filipino diplomats and members of the community celebrated the 118th anniversary of Philippine independence at their embassy on Sunday.

The day marks the nation’s independence from Spain on June 12, 1898, with this year’s theme being “Independence 2016: Unite, Participate and Progress”.

Constancio Vingno Jr, the Philippine ambassador to the UAE, thanked the expatriate community for their contributions in “enhancing the country’s culture, economy and reputation”.

He urged them to “unite as one Filipino people and march together as we turn the page to welcome a new chapter of the history of our free nation”.

“As our country is now on the cusp of a democratic political change, with one administration about to end and a new one about to begin, we submit to the sovereign will of the people and must unite as one to protect and build upon the gains of the past,” he said.

Benigno Aquino III will step down from office at noon on June 30. Rodrigo Duterte, the tough-talking mayor of Davao City, will be sworn into office as the 16th president of the Philippines at the same time.

“Six years have passed and we are well on our way towards resurgence,” said Mr Aquino, in a speech read out by Rowena Daquipil, vice consul at the embassy. “I call on all of you to engage deeper in nation-building, remain steadfast on morality and justice and always protect the weak and marginalised as transition to the next chapter of our country’s narrative.”

The islands that make up the Philippines were first colonised by Hispanics in 1521 and, in 1543, Spanish explorer Ruy López de Villalobos named them Las Islas Filipinas, in honour of Philip II of Spain.

The islands were part of the Spanish Empire for more than 300 years, which led to Roman Catholicism becoming the dominant religion.

Later, after the Philippine - American War, the United States gained sovereignty over the islands and maintained it until after the Second World War.

Earlier this month, Filipinos marked their country’s independence from Spain with cultural performances, competitions and a job fair at Dalma Mall in the capital. A similar celebration was held in Dubai.

Tony Morales, 61, who has been a mechanical engineer in Abu Dhabi for 14 years, said he hoped his countrymen would not forget the essence of the celebrations.

“It’s an opportunity for us to reflect that the freedom that we enjoy today is the result of the sacrifices of our forefathers,” he said.

"Under the new Duterte administration, we expect a lot of major changes: eradication of crime, drugs and corruption, an improved economy and better working conditions for Filipinos abroad and back home."

Jeffrey Uy, 34, chairman of Bayanihan UAE, an umbrella group of 50 organisations in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, agreed.

“This year’s Independence Day theme is very timely,” he said. “Filipinos in the UAE should unite to achieve long-lasting progress and move the country forward. We’re also looking forward to better protection of our rights and welfare under Duterte.”

In May, Mr Duterte pledged that he would create a separate department to cater to the needs of overseas Filipino workers, or OFWs, and promised to crack down on illegal recruiters.

“It will greatly help us OFWs,” Mr Uy said. “All our concerns will be addressed by one special department. We don’t need to go through the hassle of seeking help from different government agencies, since it’s going to be a one-stop shop.”