Over 7,000 OFWs in Taiwan mark Philippine Independence Mayen Jaymalin - The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines — Thousands of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) gathered yesterday in Sanchong Metropolitan Park in Taiwan to celebrate the Philippines’ 125th Independence Day. The Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) organized the event attended by over 7,000 OFWs from various parts of Taiwan. “This is the first time in three years that OFWs in Taiwan gathered to express their unity in helping the government move our nation forward,” MECO chairman Silvestre Bello III said. “This is also our way of saying how grateful our government is to OFWs for their contribution in keeping our economy afloat,” Bello added. The OFWs joined the fun run and cheered as raffle numbers were drawn for cash prizes and round trip plane tickets to the Philippines. There were also booths of government agencies such as the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and Pag-IBIG that provided services for OFWs. A group of Filipino artists flew to Taiwan and provided entertainment to the OFWs. In a video message, President Marcos called on the Filipinos, including OFWs, to unite and continue working for a just and inclusive Philippines. Filipino community leader Apple Joy Juico said the event rekindled the bond among OFWs after three years of the pandemic. Independence rites at Pinaglabanan Shrine In San Juan, Mayor Francis Zamora and Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco led the Independence Day rites at the Pinaglabanan Shrine yesterday. They were joined by Tourism Undersecretary Ferdinand Jumapao, National Historical Commission of the Philippines chief restoration architect Reynaldo Lita, Eastern Police District director Brig. Gen. Wilson Asueta, San Juan police chief Col. Allan Reglos, Rep. Bel Zamora and other local officials. Zamora led the wreath-laying rites at the monuments of Philippine heroes Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto and Jose Rizal. He said the Pinaglabanan Shrine would be included in the Department of Tourism’s “hop on, hop off” bus tour program to entice more local tourists and promote the city’s cultural heritage. — Jose Rodel Clapano

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