Philippine Independence Day Message 2024
PCG Florentino “Bong” Serrano, a. h.
Warwick Le Lagoon, Port Vila, Vanuatu
08 June 2024
Dear Kababayans,
Theme: Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan. (Freedom. Future. History)
Magandang gabi po sa lahat ng ating mga kababayan! My heartfelt greetings to all members of the Filipino Community in Vanuatu as we commemorate the 126 th Anniversary of the Philippine Independence Day!
Before I proceed to the main part of my message, I would like to acknowledge our most distinguished guests with us today. We are honored to have been granted their precious time and presence as we celebrate our 126 th Independence Day. These distinguished guests have been very instrumental and significant in my personal, professional and in our bilateral relations’ journey here in Vanuatu.
Our special guest tonight is a personal friend of 16 years, with our friendship going way back to 2008. On 29 December 2021, together with his cousin, the Paramount Chief of Ifira, Tereki Mantoi Kalsakau III, he was instrumental in accepting me during a custom ceremony as the very first Filipino adopted son to the Ifira Warkali Aiong under the Coconut Tribe – the same tribe of the Hon Former PM Ishmael Kalsau and his wife. To this day and in future I carry with honour my custom name Kalserei, for which I wish to thank Vanuatu’s former Prime Minister, Hon. Ishmael Kalsakau Maukuru and his wife Ellen.
We are also honored to be visited by my NI-Vanautu counterpart, the Vanuatu Consul General to the Philippines. Welcome to the Independence day celebration, ConGen James Armitage!
On a personal note, the next special guests I would like to acknowledge are no other than those who are always supporting me in the background. I would not be who I am today without them. I cannot think of any other honoring words but just to say, Mga kababayan, ang aking minamahal na kabiyak, the beautiful Mrs. Annie Marylin Serrano! Both of us are the first Filipino couple to receive the highest prestigious Vanuatu Presidential Medal Award for our dedicated work in our communities and the Vanuatu society. Celebrating with us of course are my family members: my son John and his children, and my grandchildren, Julia and Kendrick.
Of course, this special occasion would not be complete without everyone’s participation, particularly the Filipino community in Vanuatu! Maligayang araw ng Kasarinlan, mga Kababayan!
This momentous occasion allows us to look back and get inspiration from the lessons of our history which was shaped by our heroes’ great minds, bravery, and sacrifices. Through their patriotism, courage and determination, the Philippines paved the way for a democratic, human rights-based, and self-determined country in Asia shaping its own future and place in the world.
The multi-year theme of Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan. which started in 2023 calls for every Filipino to have a closer look at the word FREEDOM or KALAYAAN in its current context as we move forward to our collective future.
Previously, our ancestors have been successful in casting aside Philippines’ colonial ties that have held back the country’s social and economic development for a long time. 126 years later, we are once again experiencing similar yet different challenges to our freedom. Challenges such as extreme poverty, climate change and natural disasters, limited economic opportunities, inequality and environmental degradation, among others are barriers toward the achievement of what our forefathers have dreamt for us – a more sustainable human development.
Though it may have seemed insurmountable, our history proved that nothing is impossible for our people. The call to be united, to have a genuine love and concern for the country and fellow Filipinos is clear. The pursuit of sustainable development involves all of us and it is our duty as Filipinos to respond accordingly, wherever we are; even in this country!
As Filipinos here in Vanuatu, I believe that we can all be our own heroes, in our forefather’s footsteps, bringing about a new kind of freedom – freedom from hunger, freedom from fear and oppression, freedom from poverty and freedom from worsening environmental risks.
As the FilCom in Vanuatu is growing, as Honorary Consul General of the Philippines, I am proud of all our accomplishments and contributions towards both countries’ sustainable development and a better future. It is my sincere hope that we will all work together in solidarity with our Ni-Vanuatu friends and all Filipinos around the world for a truly free Philippines!
Mabuhay ang malayang Pilipinas!
With heartfelt regards,
Honorary Consul General Bong Serrano
