H.E. Ambassador Jaime Ledda.
By Roy Lie Atjam.
“Kalayaan” is about Liberation
Filipinos all over the world have been celebrating the Philippine 120 Independence Day. It is for this reason that H.E. Ambassador Jaime Ledda has chosen the prestigious Hotel Des Indes in The Hague to celebrate this momentous day. June 19, 2018, has been a day full of activities.
The evening reception was preceded by a workshop on tourism, in collaboration with the Philippine Department of Tourism-Frankfurt and Turkish Airlines Inc. Amsterdam. Many responded positively to Ambassador Ledda’s invitation to join in the festivities.
For memorable Robert Huibers’ pictures , please open the link below: https://www.flickr.com/photos/109407424@N02/albums/72157670922046058
Ambassador Jaime Ledda and spouse Veredigna(Gina for intimates) Ledda and Filipino Diplomats, cordially welcomed the many colleagues, friends, fellow Filipinos and other guests.With the following remarks, Ambassador Ledda bid his guests welcome:
“First of all, I woutd like to warmly wetcome everyone to our reception marking the 120th anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine tndependence. Today is also the 157th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal, our national hero who inspired the movement for Philippine independence. This month, Filipinos all over the world have been celebrating the Philippine national day with events that proudly showcase and share our heritage, culture and traditions, as we remember our national heroes, like Dr. Jose Rizal, who with their exemplary patriotism, courage and sacrifice bequeathed to us the gifts of independence, freedom and democracy – gifts which we should cherish and ensure for future generations to enjoy.
It is a time for Filipinos to reinvigorate efforts toward nation building and social transformation. lndeed, it will take all Filipinos – whether they be engineers or caregivers, in civil or military service, in academe or the business sector, at home or abroad – we all need to work together for law, order, development and economic progress.
So I would like to thank my kababayans in The Netherlands who have overcome many obstacles and difficulties, for keeping that indomitable Filipino spirit and love of country, for your invaluable contribution to your motherland, for being productive and abiding members of your host country, truly making you modern-day Philippine heroes and deserving of the best efforts of your Embassy in The Hague.
lt was actually very heartwarming to personally witness Filipinos and many Dutch friends join hands in celebrating the Philippine national day all over the Kingdom of The Netherlands, in Spaarnwoude in Nord Holland; in Zuiderpark in Zuid Holland and Aruba in the Carribean.
This is also an auspicious time to fondly renew our very friendly relations with the Kingdom of The Netherlands, recall our collaborations and chart how we can deepen our bilateral ties further. Let me focus on the water cooperation that the Republic of the Philippines and Kingdom of The Netherlands have forged, being natural partners in this sense, both countries being highly vulnerable to climate change and the impact of natural disasters.
Five years ago, Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines and your country responded with generous help and solidarity during the difficult times; for this we are sincerely grateful. Please be assured that we are one with you as with Sint Maarten which was severely affected by Hurricane lrma almost a year ago.
On many occasions, our two countries have worked together in disaster risk reduction and management planning coastal defenses and exchange programs. After years of study and scoping missions, last January, we signed an MOU on the Sustainable Development Master Plan covering the 190 kilometer long coastline of Manila Bay.
The formulation of the master plan will provide a comprehensive framework for the sustainable development and management of the entire area and guidance for future decisions on programs and projects in Manila Bay.
This will indeed be a challenging endeavor to undertake in the most densely populated area in the Philippines, Metro Manila, a megapolis where 12.8 million people live. But with Filipino best practices and resilience and Dutch experience and expertise combined, the framework and its implementation could become a model for water management and sustainable development to the world.
Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Dear Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen, Gina and I together with my colleagues in the Philippine Embassy are truly honored and absolutely delighted by your gracious presence this evening. I sincerely thank all of you for joining us tonight despite your very busy schedules.
Thank you very much for your kind support and very warm friendship. Please join me now in a toast to the Philippines, our friendship with the Kingdom of The Netherlands and to health and happiness for everyone. Mabuhay!”
The Philippine Embassy in the Hague in cooperation with the Philippine Department of Tourism-Frankfurt and Turkish Airlines, hosted a Tourism Workshop. Turkish Airlines gave away two (2) roundtrip tickets to the Philippines.
A duo named “The Nightingales“, Bianca Camille Lopez and Ma. Rhina Paula Cruz animated the reception with their songs. They were jut great!
