As Philippine Consul General in Jeddah serving Filipino expatriates and their dependents in the seven regions of the Kingdom under the Consulate's area of responsibility, I have the honor to convey my sincere greetings and felicitations to my fellow Filipinos as we celebrate the 118th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence. Every year on June 12, the Filipino nation and people all over the world proudly mark this momentous event of our history. Back home and in foreign lands, like here in Saudi Arabia, simultaneously, at sunrise every twelfth of June, the country's tri-color flag is briskly hoisted to the spirited singing of the Lupang Hinirang by Filipino men and women in celebration of this historic event. With the theme, "Kalayaan 2016: Pagkakaisa, Pag-aambagan, Pagsulong", we are reminded of our continuing journey in pursuit of change, unity and progress. As Filipino people, may we remain united, like our forebears more than a hundred years ago, in working for an even more robust and progressive Republic. As we pay tribute to our founding fathers, I take this opportunity to honor all Filipinos in the Kingdom who contribute significantly to national development of both the Philippines and Saudi Arabia. We take inspiration from them who demonstrate passion, excellence, perseverance, hard work, determination and selflessness, the qualities inherent to a Filipino that many nations admire. I hope that you all will succeed and obtain your goals of uplifting the lives of your families back home. The Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah looks forward to a fruitful upcoming year for all Filipinos in Jeddah and the Western Regions of Saudi Arabia. Maligayang araw ng kasarinlan! Mabuhay ang mga Pilipino sa Saudi Arabia!
