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Commemorative stamps to mark PHL-Cuba ties anniversary


The Philippines and Cuba will mark the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with the unveiling of special commemorative stamps on July 1. Philippine charge d’affaires Wilfredo Maximo disclosed this at the Philippine Embassy in Havana’s celebration of the 113th Independence Day, the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a news release. “The celebration (of Philippine-Cuba ties) will be marked by the unveiling of special commemorative stamps on July 1 at the Casa de la Amistad, ICAP (Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples) headquarters," the DFA said. It added the event is jointly organized by the Embassy, the Cuban Foreign Ministry and the Cuban Ministry of Communications. The celebration of Philippine Independence Day started last June 8 with a cultural visit of the Embassy to the José Martí Memorial. ICAP arranged the visit to familiarize the Embassy staff with the life story of Cuba’s national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal’s contemporary José Martí. On the other hand, the Embassy hosted its annual diplomatic reception on June 10 at the Hotel Melia Cohiba, with Cuban Minister of Finance Lina Pedraza as the guest of honor. Also present were Foreign Vice Minister for Asia and Oceania Affairs Marcos Rodriguez Costa, ICAP Vice President Alicia Coredera, along with members of the diplomatic corps, Cuban officials from various ministries and agencies, and members of the Filipino community in Cuba. In his speech, Maximo stressed the fraternal historical ties between the Philippines and Cuba, forged by a common struggle against Spanish colonial rule. Meanwhile, another high point of the celebration was the raising of the Philippine flag at the Chancery on June 12. At the June 12 event, Maximo read the Independence Day message of President Benigno Aquino III, while Vice Consul Jason Anasarias read the message of DFA Secretary Albert del Rosario. The attendees composed of members of the Filipino-Cuban community were then treated to a breakfast featuring Filipino cuisine. In the afternoon, Embassy staff and the members of the Filipino community attended the special Independence Day Worship service at the International Christian Community (ICC) Church. The church was co-founded by a Filipina, Mrs. Florinda Toledo Juarez. — KBK, GMA News

Tags: phlcubaties, cuba
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