The officers and staff of the Embassy of the Philippines in Wellington, New Zealand, along with their families, celebrated the commemoration of the 118th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence with a Flag Raising Ceremony at the Embassy Chancery on 12 June 2016 at 9:30am.

After singing the Philippine National Anthem, the Independence Day Message H.E. Benigno S. Aquino III, President of the Republic of the Philippines, was read by Minister and Consul General Arlene Gonzales-Macaisa while the message of Hon. Jose Rene D. Almendras, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, was read by Third Secretary and Vice Consul Glenn Joseph Q. Obach.

Immediately after the flag raising ceremony, the Embassy’s officers and staff together with the parishioners of the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Wellington held a special Philippine Independence Mass at 10:30 a.m. Fr. James Lyons officiated the Mass and the Philippine Embassy officers and staff and their families participated in the Readings and Offertory.

The Philippine Embassy team thanked Fr. Lyons, officers and members of the Pastoral council, the liturgy committee, friends from New Zealand, and the wider communities for organizing and attending the Philippine Independence Day Mass in recognition of nations celebrating national days.