GOVPH

DOHA 29 December 2023 – The Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in the State of Qatar commemorated the 127th anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr. José P. Rizal in ceremonies held on 28 December 2023 at the Embassy’s new chancery. 

A wreath-laying ceremony led by Her Excellency Philippine Ambassador to the State of Qatar Lillibeth V. Pono, along with officers of the Embassy and Migrant Workers Office-Qatar, headlined the program.


In her keynote address, Ambassador Pono highlighted the event’s theme, “Rizal: Pundasyon ng Kahapon, Isinasabuhay Ngayon” (Rizal: Foundation of the Past, Living Today), and underscored the continuing relevance of Rizal and his body of seminal works more than a century hence.

“José Rizal was one of the key figures who laid the foundation for the Philippine nation as we know it today,” she said. “He represented what it means to be a Filipino — he loved learning, he was a global citizen who loved exploring new cultures, and he loved his country so much even at the cost of his own life.”

The event was also an occasion to give thanks to Filipino community leaders and volunteers who have partnered with the Embassy in its programs and projects in 2023. The program featured musical performances by Qatar-based artists Maharlikans Vocal Ensemble, Tanghalang Overseas Pinoy, Catholic Charismatic Choir, and violinist Willie Munar.

For more information, visit dohape.dfa.gov.ph, facebook.com/PHinQatar, or instagram.com/phinqatar.

DOHA 14 December 2023 – The ASEAN Committee in Doha, under the chairmanship of the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Qatar and as coordinated by the Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, donated books of various genres to the Qatar National Library (QNL) on 13 December 2023.

In a simple ceremony at the QNL Plaza, Philippine Ambassador to the State of Qatar and the current ACD Chair, Her Excellency Lillibeth V. Pono, handed over the book donation to Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al-Kawari, Minister of State and President of QNL.

The seven (7) Southeast Asian Ambassadors in Doha representing Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, added to the valuable collection of books and other materials on Southeast Asia that are now available to the citizens and residents of Qatar.


In her message, Ambassador Pono expressed hope that the books will serve as the bridge between the cultures and the peoples of Southeast Asia and Qatar. She added that "through these books, readers will discover the harmony and unity that characterize the Southeast Asian region, notwithstanding their diverse cultures, religions, and socio-economic-political conditions."

The QNL team, including Executive Director Ms. Tan Huism, who, herself, is from Southeast Asia, members of the ACD Technical Working Group, and other guests also graced the event.

For more information, visit dohape.dfa.gov.ph, facebook.com/PHinQatar, or instagram.com/phinqatar.