DOHA 12 June 2025 — In celebration of the 127th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence, the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in the State of Qatar held a reception for Qatari officials, diplomats, members of the Filipino expatriate community, and partners at Mondrian Doha on 11 June 2025.

The reception was graced by His Excellency Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ibrahim bin Ali al-Mohannadi, His Excellency Director of the Department of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah Fakrouh, University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) President Dr. Salem Al-Naemi, along with other notable Qatari officials, heads of diplomatic missions, and stakeholders.

In his keynote address, Philippine Ambassador to the State of Qatar, His Excellency Mardomel Celo D. Melicor, said, “This significant national holiday serves as a reminder of the profound challenges faced by our forefathers, their remarkable courage, their boundless creativity and resourcefulness, and their sacrifices, to lay the groundwork for a respected and peaceful sovereign nation among other nations in our part of Southeast Asia.”

In Qatar, the Philippine envoy said Filipinos have contributed, and continue to contribute, to the country’s development, bringing with them their skills and talents, their dependability and dedication to work, and their unique zest for life that enrich Qatar’s dynamic and multicultural environment.

He also highlighted the Embassy’s engagements with its Qatari friends and partners on political issues, labor, economic, transport, and cultural relations, as well as a wide range of other areas of cooperation that provide depth to the robust bilateral relations between Manila and Doha. 

On the multilateral front, Ambassador Melicor underscored the Philippines’ continuing role as a responsible, trusted, and reliable actor in a world increasingly fraught with tensions on land and at sea. He also highlighted the Philippines’ bid for a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council for the term 2027-2028, which is premised on the great importance the Philippines attaches to the rule of law and the peaceful settlement of disputes in maintaining international peace and security.

The diplomatic reception featured performances by the Maharlikans Vocal Ensemble Philippines, singer and theater artist Kenneth Cataylo, Banyuhay Dance Troupe, and student dancers from Philippine School Doha and Philippine International School Qatar.

This year's commemoration of the 127th anniversary of Philippine independence underscores the profound interconnectedness of the nation’s past, present, and future, alongside a renewed focus on honoring the legacy of its heroes.

The theme, “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan.” (Freedom. Future. History.), articulates a national narrative that connects the hard-won liberties secured by past generations to the envisioned future of the nation, while underscoring the present generation’s commitment to honoring that historical legacy.

The multiyear milestone celebration – set to last from 2023 to 2026 – traces the journey of Philippine independence from its declaration in Kawit, Cavite on 12 June 1898, to the end of the first Filipino government in Palanan, Isabela on 23 March 1901.

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