The Drama Theatre at the Cultural Village Foundation (Katara) held on Monday a flag-raising ceremony at the Philippines embassy in Qatar to mark the 125th Philippines Independence Day.
The event was attended by Katara Director-General Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, Philippine ambassador to Qatar Lillibeth Velasco Pono and a number of ambassadors and several people from the Philippines community residing in Qatar, along with a host of nationalities.
The ceremony featured the Qatari and Philippines national anthems followed by a speech recorded via video technology by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, a speech by Migrant Workers Secretary at the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Susan Ople.
Also, an elite group of Filipinos residing in Qatar were honoured.
Commenting on this occasion, the ambassador addressed the audience and hailed the cooperation and friendship ties between Qatar and the Philippines, asserting that the two countries converge at numerous levels, adding that the Philippines is set to host the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup starting from August until September, along with Japan and Indonesia.
She congratulated Qatar for being chosen to host the next edition of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup, adding that it is a thrilling experience to see Qatar and the Philippines compete in this event after four years from now.
Ambassador Pono added that the Philippines and Qatar share enriched culture and history, outlining that gulfs, seas and oceans have a decisive role in shaping the history and future of the two countries, emphasising that her country aspires to achieve more social and economic objectives.
