DOHA 23 June 2024 — The Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in the State of Qatar, led by Her Excellency Ambassador Lillibeth V. Pono, joined another community-led Philippine Independence Day event on 20 June 2024.

"For us Filipinos, basketball is, in many respects, a way of life," Ambassador Pono highlighted in her remarks.

"And I am pleased to see this Filipino way of life brought to Qatar. Unity, resiliency, sportsmanship, the ability to overcome adversity, the desire to be the best, to hold one’s head high despite losing – these are traits that basketball teaches us and which we could also collectively apply in our goal of nation-building."

She added, "And so today, I encourage you not just to play basketball, but also to imbibe the lessons that basketball teaches us. In our own little way as individuals, we can do great things. But together as a team, we can do greater things."


In closing, Ambassador Pono said, "And so, in commemorating the declaration of the Independence of the Republic of the Philippines – 126 years ago, let us AIM HIGH, LEAP HIGH, and SCORE HIGH. For our people. For our country. For our freedom."

Organized by Arat na Pinas, Filipino sports enthusiasts in Qatar competed in a whole-day basketball tournament which was held at the University of Doha for Science and Technology multipurpose hall.

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