Ambassador Anota thanked the Filipino Community in Canberra for their patriotism to their Motherland and encouraged them to continue doing their part for a more progressive Philippines.

This was the Ambassador’s message during the Flag Raising Ceremony organized by the Philippine Embassy in commemoration of the 114th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence on 10 June 2012. Ambassador Anota hosted the ceremony at the Residence for the Filipino Community in Canberra.

Ambassador Anota reminded those present to register as Overseas Absentee voters and participate in the coming mid-term elections in the Philippines in 2013.

She invited the audience as well to join the Embassy during the unveiling of the statue of the Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal in Campbelltown, New South Wales on 25 August 2012.

In support of economic diplomacy, she encouraged the attendees to buy Filipino products and to invite their friends to visit the Philippines. According to the Ambassador, by promoting Philippine-made products and inviting their friends to visit and discover that “it is more fun the Philippines,” they would already be contributing to ensuring employment for many Filipinos back home.

The event started with the invocation led by Pastor Eric Marquez of the Jesus is Lord Church in Canberra, followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem.

The ceremony was highlighted by the readings of Independence Day messages of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff by Defense and Armed Forces Attaché Capt. Ernesto Enriquez, Hon. Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz, Secretary of Labor and Employment by Labour Attaché Atty. Jalilo dela Torre, Hon. Albert F. Del Rosario, Secretary of Foreign Affairs by Minister and Consul General Mary Anne A. Padua, and lastly, H.E. President Benigno S. Aquino III by Ambassador Belen F. Anota.

To cap the program, Ambassador Anota administered the oath of Ms. Elinida Mirata Mills to enable her to reacquire her Philippine citizenship.

On the occasion of the flag raising ceremony, the Embassy put on display some Philippine textiles to showcase the creativity, artistry and craftsmanship of Filipino weavers and textile makers.

Around a hundred Filipinos and Filipino-Australians, members of Filipino community organizations, and Filipinos studying in Canberra attended the event.

Guests were treated to a snack of arroz caldo, puto and turon at the end of the program proper.