Pinoy achievers Pacquiao, Licad featured in Macau celebration

A video presentation featuring Filipino achievers such as Filipino boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao and renowned pianist Cecille Licad highlighted the Independence Day celebration of the Filipino community in Macau on June 12. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Wednesday Licad and Pacquiao were featured in a video presentation during the celebration at the AIA Building in Macau. "While the OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) partook of Filipino food and other refreshments, video clips featuring world-renowned Filipino achievers in various fields from Cecille Licad to (Pacquiao) and many others were presented on a wide screen," the DFA said in a news release on its website. Messages from President Benigno Aquino III, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz were read by the consular and labor officials during the occasion. “The President called on the DFA, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and other relevant agencies to be even more responsive to the needs and welfare of our overseas Filipino workers... The Department of Foreign Affairs will not waver in its resolve to protect the rights and ensure the welfare of overseas Filipinos," the DFA quoted a part of del Rosario’s message. “In our time, we are faced with the fight against poverty, the struggle to obtain equitable justice, the campaign for good governance. We share a vision of a Philippines free from poverty, hunger, corruption, and apathy. As the children of heroes, it is our obligation to persist and stay the course," it quoted Aquino in his message. Some 28 leaders of Filipino community organizations and 33 religious organizations led the celebration. The OFWs, led by Sister Nancy Silungan who was accompanied on the guitar by Bro. Jun Nayre, sang Filipino patriotic songs such as "Ako ay Pilipino" and "Bayan Ko." A mini-exhibit on Philippine dolls, miniature jeepney, kalesa, sorbetero, sinamay and other Philippine cultural items as well as tourism items were also displayed during the event. Macau International Tourism Institute Research Director Leonardo Dioko, a long-time Macau resident and college professor, attended the event with other members of the academe. - VVP, GMA News