Welcome Remarks of Consul General Iric Cruz Arribas during the 127th Anniversary of the Philippine Independence celebration on 28 June 2025
Magandang hapon po sa inyong lahat!
To our proud and resilient Filipino community here in Guangzhou and neighboring areas — maligayang Araw ng Kalayaan!
It is my distinct honor to welcome you all to this meaningful celebration of the 127th anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.
Exactly one year ago, we gathered in this very hall for Kalayaan 2024. At that time, I addressed you through a video message. This year, I am truly delighted to join you in person — to celebrate our history, our progress, and our enduring Filipino spirit, face to face.
This day is not only a remembrance of our fight for freedom, but also a reaffirmation of our collective responsibility to shape a better future for our nation — a future that each of you, our kababayan abroad, helps to build through your dedication, your service, and your unwavering love for the Philippines.
In the past year, I’ve had the privilege of meeting many of you — and I must say, I’ve been genuinely impressed and inspired.
I’ve met exceptionally talented Filipinos in Guangzhou — musicians, virtual artists, creatives — whose work speaks volumes about the excellence and artistry we Filipinos carry wherever we go. I proudly speak about you with my colleagues in the diplomatic corps.
I’ve also had the pleasure of meeting natural leaders and community organizers who are making a difference — in sports, the arts, church groups, and other activities that bring our Filipino community together.
And I wish to extend special appreciation to the members of our community who volunteered their time and talents to support the Consulate’s cultural initiatives. Your enthusiasm and generosity help us bring the Philippines closer to the hearts of our Chinese friends — and for that, we are deeply grateful.
Over the past 12 months, the Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou has continued to fulfill its mandate — to serve our nationals and advance our country’s interests in South China.
We successfully administered the overseas voting for the 2025 Philippine elections, ensuring our community’s voice was heard in shaping the nation’s future.
To help revive tourism, we organized a dialogue with DOT-accredited Chinese travel agencies here in Guangzhou, alongside the newly designated DOT representative in Shanghai who also covers South China. We explored how to improve promotion and coordination, and we’ve begun drafting policy-level recommendations for the DOT and DFA — so we can collectively strengthen the Philippines’ visibility in the Chinese market. One approach we’re exploring is to promote the Philippines as a premier diving destination — a niche with great appeal and potential.
On the business front, we actively organized investment forums in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Dongguan, in collaboration with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center, PEZA, and business chambers.
But promotion alone is not enough — we must also eliminate barriers. That’s why we’ve submitted concrete recommendations to the DFA to improve business visa procedures, with the goal of making it easier for legitimate Chinese business travelers to visit the Philippines and explore opportunities.
We also continue to invest in cultural diplomacy. Events like the Philippine Food Festival, and most recently, our piano concert featuring Maestro Raul Sunico and China’s Hao Rao, are designed not just to promote — but to reshape how the Philippines is perceived: as creative, open, and full of promise.
In this effort, we rely not only on institutions, but on you.
As members of the Filipino community, you are the face of the Philippines in Guangzhou. I encourage you to continue being proud ambassadors of our culture. Speak positively of our homeland. Share our stories. Invite your friends and colleagues to experience the richness of our heritage — not just as tourists, but as partners and friends of the Filipino people.
As we celebrate our freedom tonight, let us also celebrate our strength as a community — one that is talented, compassionate, and united by a deep love for country.
Maraming salamat po sa inyong tiwala, pakikiisa, at patuloyna suporta.
Happy Independence Day — at mabuhay tayong lahat!