After a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Filipinos in Taiwan on Monday celebrated anew Philippine Independence Day, under the auspices of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) in Taipei.
The MECO said more than 7,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from various parts of Taiwan, turned out for the patriotic observance.
Aside from the 125th anniversary of Philippine independence, the event coincided with the observance of Migrant Workers Day in recognition of the valuable contribution of overseas workers to the country’s growth, MECO chair Silvestre Bello III said.
Among the highlights of the celebration was a fun run and Zumba contest at the Sanchong Metropolitan Park, New Taipei City. The OFWs were also feted with live musical entertainment from local Filipino groups, with guest performers from Manila, and big raffle and cash prizes.
The event was graced by national and local leaders from Manila led by Senator Francis Tolentino, Gov. Dennis Pineda of Pampanga, former Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson, and a host of Filipino mayors.
In a video message, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., called on the expatriates to unite and continue working for a “just and inclusive Philippines.”
“This is the first time after three years that our OFWs are seeing each other in this kind of activity and express their unity in helping our government move our nation ahead,” Bello said.