DAMMAM, 11 June — Ambassador Rafael Seguis has called for unity among Filipinos in the Kingdom as he reiterated the time-honored that a people divided is doomed to fail.
Speaking on Friday in this eastern city on the occasion of 103rd anniversary of Philippine Independence Day, Seguis said: “This year’s theme ‘Bayan, Magkaisa! Manguna!’ urges us to maintain healthy respect for each other’s difference,” he said.
“We are being challenged to go beyond the limits of the narrow mindset that divides us and instead build bridges to achieve unity in diversity and thereupon find our people’s strength,” he said.
“If our countrymen in the Eastern Province are willing to cross the artificial barriers that keep us from each other, then perhaps the spirit of Kalayaan 2001 has truly found its way into our hearts and minds,” Seguis added.
Philippine Independence Day is on June 12 but Filipino groups in the Kingdom celebrate on the nearest off-day in view of the different working schedule.
Others take the occasion to justify their sports tournaments, singing contests and other activities, useful and useless.
Seguis, however, said Friday’s event which was held at the Philippine School in Dammam was an definitely an exemplary activity.
Spearheaded by the OFW Congress, the celebration saw various community groups participating, with some contributing song and dance numbers.
A similar celebration was held in Jeddah on Friday.
The Filipino community will hold heir own celebration on June 15.
Inspirational messages were given by Lita Rolluda, PSD principal, and Joe Avancena, president of the OFW Congress.
Among the members of the congress’ governing council are Tony Coloma, Boy delos Santos, Bert Garcia, Malou Aquino, Mary Jane Tupaz, Bel Hugo, Romy Novelles, Gregg Nunez, Benjie Olog, Rey Barraca, Faisal Sarque, Armand Escuadro, Ruben Ramos, Raffy Espejo, Rolando Tuzara, Raul Gonzales, Manny Llanes, and Abdulkarim Rodellas.
