BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN 09 June 2022 – Philippine Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Marian Jocelyn R. Tirol-Ignacio led the commemoration of the 124th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence with a diplomatic reception held at the Berkshire Hall of the Royal Brunei Polo and Riding Club on 07 June 2022. The celebration highlighted milestones in Philippine-Brunei relations.
The Guest of Honor was Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohammad Amin Liew bin Abdullah, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II.
“Having arrived in Brunei Darussalam and presented my credentials to His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah two weeks ago, it is my honor to host my first national day celebration this evening,” said Ambassador Tirol-Ignacio.
Milestones in economic and bilateral defense relations were highlighted by the Philippine Ambassador’s speech.
The diplomatic reception celebrated the maritime heritage of the Philippines. Ambassador Tirol-Ignacio stated that, as an archipelagic state, the Philippines is party to most international maritime agreements and strongly adheres to an international law-based regime in maritime governance.
An exhibit entitled “Pearl of the Orient: The Philippines in a Shell” displayed shell-based craft and jewelry, including the highly valued South Sea pearls. A cultural performance showcased a microcosm of Philippine dances inspired by water and sea, and life in the country’s coastal communities. The giveaway bags featured two of the world’s endangered species found in Philippine waters: the sea turtle (pawikan) and the whale shark (butanding). The theme reflected the Philippines’ commitment to marine conservation with the country recognized to be a global center for marine biodiversity. She said ‘Their beauty is a reminder of what we stand to lose if we do not address climate change, marine plastic pollution, illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and other environmental threats to our oceans and seas.”
Source: Republic of Philippines Department Of Foreign Affairs