Prime Minister of Australia
I send my best wishes to the Australian Filipino community, and to the people and Government of the Philippines on the 125th anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence.
In marking this important milestone, we reflect on the journey the Philippines and its people have made to build their nation as it is today – a valued member of the community of nations and a key partner in our region and its architecture, notably ASEAN.
Australia values highly the warm relationship between our nations, and I pay tribute to the Filipino migrant communities who are at the heart of the strong ties between our two nations.
Filipino Australians have made a vital contribution to our growing and cooperative friendship, and to the success of Australia as a multicultural and multi-faith country.
Our two countries share many common bonds – our rich diversity of languages and faiths, a deep reverence for our histories and real optimism about our futures.
To everyone marking the 125th anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence, I hope you enjoy your celebrations.
The Hon Anthony Albanese MP
Prime Minister of Australia
Philippine Ambassador to Australia
I join all our kababayan across Australia in celebrating the 125th anniversary of the declaration of the Independence of the Philippines. We honor the sacrifices of past and modern-day heroes and commit to our country’s security, success and prosperity.
The theme of this year’s Independence Day is “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan.” (Freedom. Future. History.). The Philippines will observe a multi-year commemoration that highlights the birth of the country from the proclamation of independence on 12 June 1898 to the end of the first government with the capture of President Emilio Aguinaldo on 23 March 1901. This underscores our place in history as the earliest modern democracy and republic in Asia.
As a people, Filipinos have always fought on the side of freedom and sovereignty and we do so until today as we continue to stand for the rule of law, justice and universal human rights. We must not lose sight of the democratic ideals and principles that inspired our forebears to step up and claim their destiny.
As we move forward, we are bound by our collective aspiration of bringing about just and comfortable lives for future Filipinos. In 2022, the Philippine economy grew by 7.6 percent, outperforming our own target of 6.5 to 7.5 percent. The government believes that this high-growth performance is projected to continue until 2028. I urge fellow Filipinos in Australia to continue supporting our country, invest in the opportunities that we offer and promote our creativity and ingenuity.
The Filipino-Australian community is an integral part of the historic and dynamic partnership of the Philippines and Australia. As the fifth largest migrant community at over 400,000 strong, you have reinforced the strength, diversity and success of Australia. We take pride in your contributions and we will continue to work with you in advancing our shared goals of expanding and deepening our bilateral cooperation, address current and emerging challenges and sustain the fruits of our hard work and perseverance.
Mabuhay ang pambansang kasarinlan! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!
Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega
Ambassador
Philippine Embassy, Canberra
Premier of South Australia
We write to convey our sincere best wishes to you and your community as you mark the 125th anniversary of Philippines Independence Day on 12 June 2023.
This is a significant milestone for the Philippines, and a timely occasion to honour the bayanihan spirit that underpins the long friendship between our two countries.
South Australia’s growing Filipino community has given so much to the economic prosperity of our state through trade and investment activity, education, cultural exchanges, and tourism opportunities.
We also appreciate your enduring commitment to keep Filipino culture, traditions,
and the Tagalog language thriving in our great state.
On Philippines Independence Day, and every day, thank you for helping make South Australia a more inclusive and proud multicultural state.
Maligayang Araw ng Kalayaan!
Peter Malinauskas
Premier
South Australia
Philippine Consul General Melbourne
Mabuhay! I extend to all this call to life, a reason for action, a sign of care and grace.
Every year around this time, we commemorate the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom from foreign occupation in the lead up to 12 June 1898. The Philippine Independence was proclaimed on that day as the national flag was unfurled for the first time and the national anthem, Lupang Hinirang, was played.
Filipinos have come to embrace the honor and jubilation to uphold this fiercely-contested liberty by celebrating the richness of our heritage and accomplishments. We trumpet these indelible trappings in our desire to help our families and contribute to our adoptive communities.
As we do, may we be reminded of the virtue of vigilance. New forms of oppression such as extreme and widespread poverty could snatch from us the essence of freedom. May our experiences in Australia be instructive on the merits of equity, diligence and sustainability.
The Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne is very pleased to see the Filipino Community leaders in Victoria come together this year in a collaborative undertaking called 125 Harmonized Celebrations of Philippine Independence. This is unprecedented and truly heart-warming.
Maligayang araw ng kasarinlan sa ating mga kababayan. Iwagayway ang tawag ng Kalayaan, Kinabukasan at Kasaysayan! Happy independence day to my fellow Filipinos!
Wave the call for ‘Freedom, Future and History’!
Maria Lourdes M. Salcedo
Consul General
Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne
