ABU DHABI – Filipinos across the United Arab Emirates took part in celebrations in connection with the 126th anniversary of Philippine independence. Despite the distance, Filipinos in the UAE stood united, honoring their roots and embracing their identity with pride, by participating in various cultural events and activities organized by different Filipino community groups. Culminating the weeklong celebration of the country’s freedom from Spanish colonization was a grand cultural festival held at the Abu Dhabi National Theater on Saturday, June 15, with this year’s theme, “Kalayaan.
Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan.” Several Filipino community groups from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Ain City, and Al Dhafra Western Region graced the event.
Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, Alfonso Ferdinand Ver, said the 126th Independence Day celebration was a significant event as it also coincided with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. In his speech, Ver lauded the UAE government for their support of the Filipinos as well as the significant contribution of the overseas Filipino workers in the Gulf country. The Filipinos are among the 200 nationalities residing in the UAE and the third largest group of expatriates, Ver said.
“The strong ties between the Filipinos and the Emiratis have always been the cornerstone of the robust and ever-growing partnership between the two countries,” he said. Ver also urged the Filipinos to continue pres.