Filipinos in UAE reminded to revive bayanihan spirit

As Filipinos all over the world commemmorated the 112th anniversary of Philippine independence, the country's envoy to the United Arab Emirates reminded the Filipino community in the middle-eastern country to revive the spirit of cooperation. In her speech at the Independence Day celebration at the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, Ambassador Grace Princesa said she planned to establish "Team Bayanihan" to help Filipinos look after each other. "We can be heroes to each other," Princesa was quoted as saying by The Khaleej Times on Sunday. "There will be no borders, everyone can join," she added, referring to foreign spouses of Filipinos in UAE. The envoy said she planned to set up a "Bayanihan Fund" and issue a quarterly "Bayanihan" newsletter for Filipinos. Saturday's Independence Day celebration had the theme "Kalayaan 2010: Tagumpay ng Bayan (Independence 2010: Victory of the Motherland)." Princesa likewise read outgoing President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's message urging Filipinos to continue doing their part in nation-building. “Today, we renew our pledge to continue doing our part in building a more peaceful progressive and prosperous Philippines," part of the Mrs. Arroyo's message said. On the other hand, Princesa urged Filipinos to support the incoming administration of President-elect Benigno Aquino III and his campaign platform of of "Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap (When there is no corruption, there will be no poor people)." - Sophia Dedace/KBK, GMANews.TV