The Philippine Consulate General in Macau yesterday hosted a reception at Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau hotel in celebration of the 127th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence, or the Philippine’s Independence Day.
The event drew dozens of attendees, including guest of honour Secretary for Administration and Justice André Cheong Weng Chon. Throughout its programme, the reception featured a Filipino atmosphere created through food, music performances, and even traditional clothing.
Addressing yesterday’s guests, Consul General Edna May G. Lazaro said that there are slightly more than 34,000 Filipinos in the city, making up the largest non-Chinese ethnic community in Macau who are also part of various sectors of the local workforce.
Since taking up her post seven months ago, Lazaro pointed out how happy she was to see Filipinos in Macau who are thriving in their roles and careers. “It has been a source of great pride for me to witness how Filipinos in Macau continue to thrive in their careers, become highly valued in their respective fields, and integrate well within the local society. Over the years, many have established roots and have become integral participants in the city’s sustained economic growth and steady development”, Lazaro said.
Cheong also delivered a speech at the event, during which he pointed out Macau’s appreciation for the Filipino community’s contributions to the city, noting that around 17 percent of non-resident workers (NRWs) in Macau are from the Philippines. “We deeply appreciate the valuable contributions of the Filipino community for the development of Macau. The Macau government is committed to building an inclusive society where different communities can live in harmony together”, Cheong said.
This year also marks the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of the China-Philippine diplomatic relations, with both Cheong and Lazaro highlighting both nations’ friendship and history during their respective speeches.
‘No matter where we are, let us wave our flag and show others that we are proud to be Filipinos’: Lazaro
Lazaro also spoke with reporters after the reception, during which she highlighted that the number of Filipinos in the city stands at a little over 34,000, with around 31,000 NRWs as of March and more than 2,900 residents. She thinks that the number has returned to pre-pandemic levels.
Moreover, in response to a question from the Post, Lazaro extended her Independence Day greetings to members of the Filipino community, while also highlighting its significance.
“No matter where we are in the world, it’s great to commemorate this because of those who came before us: Our heroes who made sacrifices in order for us to become one independent country”, said Lazaro.
Lazaro also shared a greeting for the 30th Anniversary of the Migrant Workers Day, which was celebrated on June 7. “For every country that I’ve been to, the first priority is always to make sure that the rights of our compatriots are well-protected and that they are under good conditions. We commemorate their large contributions not just to the Philippine economy, but to our overall development as a country”.
Lazaro concluded her remarks to the Post by saying: “No matter where we are, let us wave our flag and show others that we are proud to be Filipinos”.
Secretary for Administration and Justice André Cheong Weng Chon (from left to right), Philippine Consul-General Edna Lazaro and Deputy Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macau SAR Sun Xiangyang prepare for a toast yesterday at Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau in Nape.
The Nightingales deliver a performance at Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau in Nape yesterday afternoon. – Photos: Rui Pastorin
