22 June 2014 – In celebration of the116th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence, Officers and staff of Amman PE (including those of the attached agencies), together with their families and the members of the Filipino community in Amman, held a flag raising ceremony on 13 June 2014, at the Ambassador’s residence, where the National Day messages of President Benigno S. Aquino III, Vice-President Jejomar C. Binay, Secretary Albert F. Del Rosario and Secretary Rosalinda D. Baldoz of DOLE were read. A simple breakfast for everyone was served featuring Filipino delicacies like champorado, salabat, tuyo, pancit canton, rice sinangag, etc.
Afterwards, they proceeded to the Church of the Annunciation in Jabal Weibde, Amman, at 12noon, to attend the public Catholic mass together with the Filipino community. Special prayers for the Philippines were offeredduring the mass in commemoration of the anniversary of Philippine independence. Ambassador Palala addressed the public to enlighten them on the country’s independence history and read the National Day message of President Benigno S. Aquino III.
On 17 June 2014, Amman PE hosted a diplomatic reception at the Crowne Plaza Hotel which was well-attended by the members of the various diplomatic missions and international organizations, Jordanian government officials and businessmen and Filipino community leaders in Amman. The highlight of the event were cultural dances performed by selected Amman PE and POLO/OWWA personnel, including the Maglalatik of Luzon, Cariñosa of the Visayas and the Kappa Malong-Malong of Mindanao. While eating, the guests were serenaded with Kundiman songs, among which were Mike Velarde Jr.’s “Minamahal Kita” and “Dahil Sa Iyo,” sung by selected singers of the Embassy.
In her National Day speech, Ambassador Palala underscored the Philippines' outstanding economic performance and continuous fight against corruption. She also emphasized the world-class qualities of Filipino overseas workers who are highly-literate, professionally competent, hardworking, English-speaking, thorough in their work, friendly, clean, honest, God-fearing, and most importantly, their positive work attitude. She highlighted the resiliency of the Filipino people who continue to rise and move on with their lives despite being struck with several natural calamities and tragedies. END
