Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — The Philippines, under leadership of President President Rodrigo R. Duterte, is working to turn the country as most preferred business hub in Southeast Asia with sustainable business environment, said Adnan V. Alonto, Philippine Ambassador to Kingdom.

Addressing a formal reception to mark the 120th Philippine Independence Day on Friday here, he said that achieving economic growth is priority of the government with good governance.

This year’s celebration was commemorated under the theme, Kalayaan 2018: Change We Fought For, An Offering to an Abundant Future, to mark independence of the Philippine from 333 years of Spanish colonial rule and its proclamation as the first ever republic in Asia in 1898.

“Our forefathers sacrificed their lives 120 years ago to boot out the colonizers and now millions of Filipinos go out of our country to look for suitable employment and provide for their families. Our struggle today is in the economic sphere and with strong determination we shall overcome this challenge,” Ambassador added.

Hailing the contribution made by Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW), the Ambassador said Filipinos in Kingdom have gone a long way to harness their potentials in this part of the world.

“They have worked hard to contribute in nation-building efforts in this region and can work with the same enthusiasm back home to help build one of the most advanced countries in the region,” Alonto added.

He also commented that Philippines is indeed a friend in hour of need for friends.

Welcoming the gathering, Consul General Edgar B. Badajos said that the Philippines and Saudi Arabia relations have been growing since 120 years of Philippine independence.

He also said that OFWs have significantly contributed in the development of Saudi Arabia for a long time, dating back from 1949.

Badajos hoped that bilateral relations between both countries will expand into new areas in coming years.

To mark the event, a symbolic celebration cake was cut by Badajos and Alonto along with the guest of honor, Jamal Balkhoyor, director of Foreign Ministry in Makkah region, in the presence of host of other members of the diplomatic crops.

The community too participated in the event with strong patriotic fervor and festivities, where some of consulate officials preformed various traditional folk, cultural programs that reflected country’s diverse ethnic groups.

The emotional song of OFWs being away from children and other musical efforts, solo and group, also enthralled the audience.

A formal and simple, due to Ramadan, Independence Day celebration was held earlier last week at the consulate where the community also commemorated the 157th Anniversary of the birth of Dr. Jose P. Rizal. However, a grand reception was held on Friday.