Filipinos in Melbourne commemorates the 120th Philippine Independence Day with a flag-raising ceremony held in Federation Square in Melbourne. This year’s theme is Kalayaan 2018: Pagbabagong Pinaglaban, Alay sa Kinabukasan.
Councillor Walter Villagonzalo, Deputy Mayor of the City of Wyndham delivers Consul Felix Pintado’s message to Filipinos in Victoria.
“To this day, here in Melbourne and throughout the state of Victoria, wherever there are Filipinos, we continue to walk the path of our heroes against any difficulty, we have always come together as a community to help each other and to aid “ang ating kababayan” back home. United by our selfless love of Filipino heritage and strong sense of duty to our fellow Filipinos.”
“I call on all of you to engage deeper in community building and in enriching each other, remain steadfast on the path of morality and justice and always protect the weak and marginalized in our communities.”
Filipinos from various community groups join in the flag-raising event including Katipuneros in Australia, Filipino Community Council of Victoria Inc., Ilonggo Association of Victoria, Movement for Filipino Solidarity, Couples for Christ, and Philippine Australian Foundation Inc.
They expressed their appreciation for Philippine Independence Day.
"Kailangan natin ipagdiwang ang ating Independence Day. Bigyan naman natin ng importansya...pahalagahan natin ang ating mga kaunahang heroes sa Pilipinas...So maski nandito kami sa Melbourne, Australia, we celebrate in our own way. We try to come here every year sa Federation Square para din kapalagahan ang ating Independence Day. Mabuhay at Happy Independence Day to all Filipinos." - Patsy Gutierrez
"I took an oath of allegiance to celebrate the Philippine Independence Day and we commemorate this special day so that we enjoy gaining our freedom, that we have peace and harmony in...Australia...that we have adapted and integrated our cultural heritage to the Australian society."
- Marithes Dumapias, President of the Filipino Community Council of Victoria Inc.
"The Filipino community [has to celebrate] our freedom to be a Filipino. Ikinagagalak ko na at least nag-tipon tipon kami dito especially [during] our Independence Day. We are happy to celebrate and to be united." - Nida Schofield, Assistant Treasurer of the Filipino Community Council of Victoria Inc.
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