AMBASSADOR MONTEALEGRE JOINS FILIPINO COMMUNITY FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION IN HO CHI MINH CITY
On 19 June 2022, Philippine Ambassador to Vietnam Meynardo LB Montealegre joined the Filipino community in Ho Chi Minh City in commemorating the 124th anniversary of Philippine Independence through the invitation of the Samahang Pinoy sa Vietnam (SAPI). Joining him during the said activity were Consul Shirley O. Nuevo, Honorary Consul General Atty. Le Thi Phung, and Honorary Vice Consul Atty. Nguyen Gia Viet Huy.
In his remarks, Ambassador Montealegre shared information on the positive developments in the Philippine economy. He thanked the Filipinos living in Vietnam for their assistance to fellow Filipinos during the pandemic.
“This year, we look back both not only on the hard work and sacrifices of the Filipino heroes who fought for the country’s independence, but also to the contribution of Filipinos, including many among you living in Vietnam who have given so much despite having so little during the time need. Your generosity not only to your family, but also to your community and to our kababayan have inspired others to strive forward for a better future,” the Ambassador stated.
Ambassador Meynardo LB Montealegre delivering his remarks in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam during commemorating the 124th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day together with the Filipino community.
He reminded the Filipinos in Vietnam to be conscious not to disregard their sacrifices for the past two years and extended the Embassy’s fervent wish that the lives of all Filipinos living and working in Vietnam be more prosperous, peaceful and meaningful.
SAPI is composed of Filipino community organizations mostly living in the southern part of Vietnam and is under the leadership of Mr. Gerard Ruivivar. Their event, called HAPINAS 2022, is a continuation of similar events called “HAPINAS”, which began in 2015 and aims to showcase the Filipino culture and tradition. This year’s event was attended by around 200 Filipinos and was the first big gathering of the Filipino Community in southern Vietnam since the pandemic.
Students from the Victory International Education performing a traditional Filipino dance during HAPINAS 2022 in Ho Chi Minh City as part of the commemoration of the 124th Philippine Independence.
