The Philippines and Nigeria @ 50

114th Philippine Independence Day Celebration and The Philippines and Nigeria at Fifty

Two historic events - a post independence day celebration – the  anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898 - one hundred and fourteen (114) years ago and the advance celebration of the establishment of Philippine-Nigeria diplomatic relations  on August 9, 1962 - fifty (50) years ago  were commemorated on Monday, July 16, 2012 7:00 pm at the Obudu Grill, Sheraton Hotel, Abuja. 

This was a very simple but well-attended and a joyous gathering. Most of the Filipinos were in their national dresses - the Barong Tagalog.

The Philippine Ambassador to Nigeria, HE Nestor N. Padalhin has conveyed the Independence Day message of the Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III to the Filipino people excerpt of which is as follows:

‘…As we celebrate our Independence, let it be our duty to reaffirm the values that have shaped and strengthened our nation and to forge ahead in fulfillment of the destiny envisioned by our heroes.

‘…Inspired by the past, we now commemorate, we move forward to establish a future that accords with our rightful place in the community of nations.’

With the Philippine-Nigeria diplomatic relations, HE Nestor Padalhin briefly highlighted some of the events that transpired during the last few years i.e the participation of the Filipino people in the transformational infrastructure projects of the Federal Government, the hosting of over 200 ex-militants from the Niger-Delta region for the training in needed and specified skills, issuance of Philippine visas mostly to students, missionaries, businessmen and conference participants, the hosting of an educational tour of a team from the Ministry of Defence, the high-profile visit of Pastor Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), and the many contributions for the welfare of the needy and less-fortunate in Nigeria.

In the ambassador’s speech, he also mentioned the following proposed agreements:

1.      Visa Waiver Agreement for Diplomatic and Official Passport Holders

2.      Agreement against Drug Trafficking between the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)

3.      Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance

4.      Agreement on Prisoner Transfer

The ambassador further announced that this commemoration is a year-long celebration of the Golden Anniversary of the Philippine-Nigeria diplomatic relations with the lined-up activities:

1.      Joint issuance of commemorative stamps between the Philippine Postal Corporation (PhilPost) and the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST)

2.      In August, the embassy will conduct:

a.      Photo and Book exhibits

b.      Educational Fair

c.       Lecture at Abuja University by Dr. Saliba James

d.      Film Shows

3.      In June 2013, a Philippine Trade and Investment Fair will be held in Nigeria

He further stated that after a decade, a new Nigerian ambassador to the Philippines will assume his post – HE Chief Farounbi Akinyemi Bamidele.

Furthermore, as he announced the completion of his tour of duty in Nigeria, he and also on behalf of his wife expressed his sincere appreciation for the friendship, assistance and support of the host country. He reiterated his appreciation to his Deputy Chief of Mission, his staff, the Filipino community and all their friends for their valuable support in making this double celebration possible.

Highlights of the celebration:

...at the reception line: Ambassador and Mrs. Padalhin, Ambassador-nominee Alex Lamadrid, Mrs. Nadjefah A. Mangondaya and Mr. Lito Nucum

...receiving guests and diplomats

still at the reception...with guests

Architect Sim and Ampy Ronquillo, among the very first OFWs in Nigeria 1973: Mr. Roedeger and Ms. Nelly Salinas, an OFW

Julius Berger PLC employees: Cousins Gel Llames and Maebs Mercado; Panama national Leah and Maebs; mother Ampy (of the Italian Embassy) and daughter Katherine

Nigerian guests; Fr. Andrew, Lito and Nelly; ACIC teacher Tess Azarcon; Engr. Sherwin Cayabyab of D & S with MCST Sr. MaryGrace and Mr. Lito Nucum, D & S Cost Comptroller

Edna Calusin of Glo Network, Rose Urgel of British High Commission, EmmyLou Pena of BNatural, Mar Bunao of Uptown Asian Cuisine, Berna Lomoc of BNatural and Mercy Subibe of Julius Berger; Fr. Andrew with Ms. Nelly Salinas of BNatural

 Nadjefah A. Mangondaya , Attaché ,  Trade and Economic/Political/Information Officer
OAV/PAG-IBIG Focal Person while delivering the opening address

HE Ambassador Nestor N. Padalhin delivering his speech

...ceremonial cutting of the cake: Ambassador Padalhin assisted by his wife Annie as others looked on

...and others joined in cutting the cake: also Sr. MaryGrace and Ampy with Arthur Blas of the Philippine Embassy

Ceremonial cake

Engr. Solomon Ogunbusola President of the Federation of  Construction Industry in Nigeria and Managing Director of    S & M Construction Company; Fr. Andrew of The Nunciature

OFWS: Lorenz Kenneth Mercado, Jaime Bugayong, Jr., Engelbert Llames, Engr. Bernie Mercado, John Hernandez, President of the Pusong Pinoy Association in Nigeria and Engr. Larry Mercado; foreign diplomats; EmmyLou Pena, Mar Bunao, Berna Lomoc, Mercy Subibe and Evelyn Clava; John Hernandez, Mother Lolit and daughter Sheen Victorio, Rex Lautrizo

Fr. Andrew, Lito Nucum and Nelly Salinas; Engr. Mercado and wife Marisa of the Austrian Embassy and Angie Alcaria Administrator of White Plains British School; Nurse Azel Madrena; Janice Bagolaque, Khaye Dador of Churchgate and Rex Lautrizo of Julius Berger PLC

Vangie Novio of MTA D & S and Mercy Subibe of Julius Berger PLC

Kins Jaime Bugayong, Jr, Gel Llames and Renz Mercado; Nelson Dioneda of SARM Ltd, Engr. Willy Brual of AGIP and Engr. Bernie Mercado; Marisa Mercado, MCST Sr. Eflaida and Angie Alcaria

Consultant Nonito Barraquias and wife Dorothy of the Irish Embassy; Jerry Libre of GITTO Construction Co., and Mar Bunao; Clifford Legal of the Philippine Embassy and Dennis de Castro of Regent School; Clifford and Emmy Lou; Evelyn Clava, Antonio Santos of Julius Berger PLC, Mar Bunao and Rickson Pangilinan of Julius Berger PLC; Berna, Emmy, Mercy and Rose

...what will a Pinoy event without Estaneslao Fernandez of Julius Berger PLC showing his expertise in break dancing? shown here with Wilma Florenda Nakhai; Lolit Victorio, CEO of Britamold Co. with daughter Sheen of Julius Berger while Dennis looks on

...a portion of OFWS: Rickson, Jeremy, Johnna, Dennis, Estan, Wilma, Mercy, Ernel, Clifford, Melanie and Nurse Andrea, Sean Ralph Cang

Cross section of guests: Defence Attache of French Embassy with his wife and baby; Mr. Johnny M. Abdallah, (Eland Oil and Gas) and Mr. George Max Raccah with Clifford

The new Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines, HE Chief Farounbi Akinyemi Bamidele