The Philippine Consulate General in Macau yesterday commemorated the 128th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence at Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau, spotlighting various Filipino delicacies while many donned traditional garb.
This year themed “Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan”, or “Freedom, Future, and History” and commemorating the event a day earlier, Philippines’ Independence Day (“Araw ng Kalayaan”) is annually celebrated on June 12 the declaration of independence from Spain in 1898.
The celebration saw various attendees, among which were other consular representatives in Macau, as well as members of Macau’s Southeast Asian community.
In her speech, Consul General Edna May G. Lazaro pointed out that as of late last year, there were close to 32,000 Filipino non-resident workers in Macau, making up 17 percent of the total non-resident workforce. “These dedicated individuals, from our highly skilled professionals in the hospitality, corporate, and creative sectors, to our resilient household service workers, serve as vital economic and social pillars. They do more than just work. They enrich the cultural fabric and daily life of Macau with their warmth and caring nature, ingenuity, and world-class work ethic”, Lazaro said.
Meanwhile, aside from highlighting their support, efforts and commitments to and for the local government, Lazaro also noted that they were grateful for their support, particularly from the Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) and the Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) for “consistently and generously embedding the Philippines into Macau’s premier events”.
She added that through their support, the Philippines achieved stellar milestones this past year, with participation during 13th Macau International Travel Industry Expo (MITE) and the Macau International Cities of Gastronomy Festival, as examples.
Speaking with the Post yesterday, Lazaro said that the event is a celebration that remains a highlight in their arranged activities.
On the significance of commemorating the anniversary of Philippine independence, she noted: “We try to remember and honour that because without our forebearers fighting for our freedom, we will not be enjoying the freedoms that we enjoy today”.
It remains important, even to Filipinos outside of the Philippines, while friends from the international community also commemorate its importance, the Philippines’ top official posted to Macau said.
Meanwhile, in terms of hosting more arts and culture workshops for the youth, Lazaro told the Post that following a recent one on the ancient, pre-colonial Philippine script Baybayin, they are planning a walking activity set to take place between October and November that will retrace the steps of national hero José Rizal (1861-1896), who had visited Macau and Hong Kong in 1888.
Undergoing continuous research, Lazaro said that they hope to introduce the places he visited to youngsters, hoping to remind them that relations between Macau and the Philippines “go a long way back”.
Philippine Consul General Edna May G. Lazaro poses during yesterday’s 128th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence reception at Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau. – Photo: Rui Pastorin
