The Philippine Embassy and the Filipino community in The Netherlands conducted a virtual celebration of the 123rd Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence on 12 June, 10:00 A.M. (CEST).

The program featured songs and other cultural performances by the members of the Filipino-Dutch community.

The event was streamed live via Facebook: www.facebook.com/PHinTheNetherlands

At the sidelines of the virtual celebration, the Embassy joined the Filipino LGBT Europe Foundation in its commemoration of the 123rd Anniversary of the Philippine Independence held at the Mozes and Aaron Church in Amsterdam on 11 June 2021.

The event coincided with the Foundation’s weekly Ayuda sa Amsterdam program where Filipinos in need are provided grocery vouchers and food aid as well as basic medical checkups. Some 300 community members were assisted. The Ayuda program was initiated by Chris Sta. Brigida and friends at the onset of the pandemic early last year and is conducted in collaboration with the Red Cross Netherlands, Doktors van de Wereld’s ZORGBUS (Medical Bus Mission) and the Community of Sant’ Egidio, a lay Catholic association dedicated to social service and founded in 1968 under the leadership of Andrea Riccardi.

In his remarks, Ambassador Malaya commended Chris Sta. Brigida, the Filipino LGBT Europe and the hardworking Ayuda team, including the volunteer Filipino nurses, for their compassion and commitment to their fellow Filipinos.

The Ambassador also conveyed appreciation to Deacon Colm Dekker and the Community of Sant’ Egidio for providing the venue for the Ayuda and their steadfast support to the Filipino LGBT Europe’s programs and activities.

The Embassy also joined the Filipino Catholic Community (FCC) in Rotterdam at a mass held at the St. Bavo Church on 13 June 2021, Sunday, after which community members conducted a brief program commemorating the 123rd Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence.

The mass was celebrated by Fr. Gilbert Razon S.V.D., together with Fr. Regis Chima Anyaeze, Fr. Urbanus Kioko, Fr. Francois Numbi and Fr. Cyril Inam.

In his remarks after the mass, Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya commended the members of the FCC headed by Ms. Grace Cabactulan for looking out for one another, including the Filipino seafarers who transit Rotterdam, the biggest seaport in Europe.

The Ambassador also conveyed appreciation to the Diocese of Rotterdam for providing a welcoming church for the Filipino community.

Ambassador Malaya concluded his remarks by quoting Apolinario Mabini who stated, “Love your country after God and your honor, and more than you love yourself, because your country is the only paradise that God has given you in this life; the only patrimony of your race; the only inheritance from your ancestors; and the only future of your descendants: because of your country you have life, love and interests; happiness, honor and God.”