PRESS RELEASE | PR-176-2026
09 June 2026, Singapore – The Philippine Embassy in Singapore officially opened its Independence Week celebrations with a flag-raising ceremony on 08 June 2026 at the Embassy grounds on Nassim Road. The event brought together members of the Filipino community, Embassy personnel, and representatives of attached agencies in a shared celebration of the 128th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.
This year’s ceremony was particularly meaningful as it was the first Independence Day flag-raising ceremony held at the Embassy’s newly reconstructed Chancery, inaugurated in October 2025. Filipino community leaders and members from business, professional, cultural, civic, faith-based, and other organizations joined Embassy officials in commemorating the important occasion.
Following the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and the recitation of the Panunumpa sa Watawat ng Pilipinas, participants viewed and listened to messages commemorating Philippine Independence. A video message from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. was shown, while messages from Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, Trade and Industry Secretary Maria Cristina A. Roque, and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Patricia Yvonne “PY” Caunan were read by Embassy officials and representatives.
In his Independence Day message, Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Medardo G. Macaraig reflected on the significance of Philippine independence and nationhood, while recognizing the continuing contributions of Filipinos overseas in strengthening the country’s ties with the international community and promoting Philippines’ interests abroad.
As part of the celebration, the Embassy launched Flavors of Diplomacy: The Philippine Food Guide in the Lion City, a digital publication which showcases the growing presence of Filipino cuisine in Singapore and the contributions of Filipino entrepreneurs and culinary professionals to the local food scene.
The ceremony also recognized the 31st anniversary of Migrant Workers Day, observed on 07 June, in honor of the invaluable contributions of overseas Filipinos to national development and the welfare of their families and communities.
Following the ceremony, guests participated in a fellowship breakfast and open house, giving participants the opportunity to visit the Embassy’s facilities, including Sentro Rizal Singapore, and engage with fellow members of the community.
As the opening event of the Embassy’s Independence Week celebrations, the flag-raising ceremony provided an opportunity for Filipinos in Singapore Filipinos in Singapore to reflect on the country’s history, celebrate their contributions as overseas Filipinos, and reaffirm their connection to the nation and to one another. /END
