DOHA 13 June 2023 — The Philippine Embassy in the State of Qatar, together with the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), SSS, and Pag-IBIG held a flag-raising ceremony and community breakfast with the diplomatic missions of ASEAN Member States in Doha, government ministries from Qatar, and leaders of Filipino groups to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine independence on 12 June 2023 at the Katara Drama Theater.

Professor Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, General Manager of Katara Cultural Village, was the guest of honor.

In her remarks, Philippine Ambassador to the State of Qatar H.E. Lillibeth V. Pono rued the vibrancy of the period since her assumption as Ambassador.

“In the past four and a half months, there was never a shortage of things to be excited about or look forward to,” she said.

“I take this opportunity to thank all of you who are present here, for the teamwork, the friendships, and the partnerships,” she added.

Ambassador Pono also highlighted the presence of over 260,000 Filipinos living and/or working in Qatar.

“I have met many of them, I have  listened to their narratives, and I have discovered the diversity of their experiences. I am proud to say that together, the Filipinos in Qatar have left and continue to leave an indelible mark on Qatar’s unique story of progress and development,” she said.

The rich maritime culture and history of the Philippines and Qatar also figured in Ambassador Pono’s remarks.

“The gulfs, the seas, and the oceans have played and continue to play a crucial role in shaping the history and future of our two nations. As a maritime and archipelagic country, the Philippines – just like Qatar – advocates for the responsible use of the world’s oceans and seas,” she said.

“The Philippines calls for the primacy of a rules-based international order in the world’s seas and oceans, so that the activities carried out therein are in accordance with international law, and duly respect territorial sovereignty,” she added.

Looking ahead, Ambassador Pono expressed optimism at the successful implementation of the Philippines’ sustainable and inclusive development agenda.

“With a young and dynamic workforce, sound macroeconomic fundamentals, a people-centered government, and a vibrant democracy, we are certain that the Philippines will chart the future with the proud resolve of the brave Filipinos of our collective history,” she said.

Ambassador Pono also thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar and the Katara Cultural Village for their support and assistance in organizing the event.

The flag-raising ceremony was followed by the recognition of Qatar-based Filipinos who recently made headlines for bagging world records and triumphing at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games.

A breakfast buffet that featured well-loved Filipino food staples capped off the event.

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