12 June 2026, SEOUL – Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez led the officers and personnel of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, its attached agencies, members of the Philippine government on official mission in the Republic of Korea, and cadets and scholars of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in commemorating the 128th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence through a flag-raising ceremony at the Embassy grounds.

The ceremony featured the reading of the Independence Day messages of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, as well as messages from the heads of the Department of National Defense, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Tourism, Department of Agriculture, Department of Labor and Employment, and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.

In her remarks, Ambassador Fernandez underscored that Independence Day is both an act of remembrance and a call to renewed public service. She emphasized that the freedoms won by generations of Filipinos must be honored through service-oriented leadership, integrity in governance, and a steadfast commitment to the dignity and welfare of the Filipino people.

The Ambassador reminded members of the Philippine government that their mandate is, at all times, to promote and protect the interests of the Filipino people. She urged public servants to remain vigilant against corruption, defend truth, and keep compassion at the center of their work, particularly for those most in need.

“Manatili tayong may galit sa katiwalian at maging mapagmatyag para protektahan ang katotohanan. Manatiling may malasakit sa nangangailangan,” Ambassador Fernandez said.

The commemoration concluded with a Filipino breakfast featuring daing na bangus (fried milkfish), longganisa (Filipino-style sausages), corned beef, Philippine coffee and fruits available in the Republic of Korea, including bananas. END