Over the weekend, two grand celebrations marked the 126th Philippine Independence Day in the United Arab Emirates, orchestrated by different groups but united by a common goal: to bring together Filipinos and provide them with entertainment. The events underscored the deep-rooted camaraderie among Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the UAE, reflecting both their pride in their heritage and their contributions to their host country.
His Excellency Alfonso A. Ver, the Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, highlighted the significance of this year’s celebrations, which coincide with the 50th anniversary of Philippines-UAE diplomatic relations.
“Our million-strong kababayan (compatriots) in the United Arab Emirates join the Filipino nation all over the world in celebrating the 126th anniversary of Philippine Independence, themed ‘Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan’ (‘Freedom, Future, History’),” he stated in a statement sent to The Global Filipino Magazine.
He emphasized the robust partnership between the two nations, marked by strong people-to-people ties and mutual respect.
“The strong people-to-people ties between Filipinos and Emiratis have always been the cornerstone of the robust and ever-growing partnership between the Philippines and the UAE.”
Labor Attache Atty. John Rio Bautista of the Migrant Workers Office in Dubai echoed these sentiments, praising the resilience and contributions of Filipino migrant workers.
“To our beloved Overseas Filipino Workers, you have made your mark here in the UAE. You are loved by your employers and are contributing so much in your respective fields. Your dedication and remarkable hard work through the years have not gone unnoticed,” he told The Global Filipino Magazine.
Bautista likened the sacrifices of modern-day OFWs to those of the nation’s forefathers, underscoring their role in upholding the values of democracy, unity, inclusivity, and patriotism.
Among the voices celebrating this significant day was Art ‘Popoy’ Los Banos, a 23-year Dubai resident and PR professional. He offered a candid perspective on the socio-economic realities faced by Filipinos.
“I don’t think the Marcos Administration and future administrations can ever realize the vision of ‘Filipinos working overseas will be a choice and not a necessity’. Let’s accept the socio-economic reality that working overseas provides more income and more comfort to family members back home,” Los Banos remarked.
He emphasized that the annual Independence Day celebrations have evolved into platforms where Filipinos celebrate their own forms of ‘freedom,’ be it financial or professional.
As the festivities concluded, the overarching message was clear: the Filipino community in the UAE continues to thrive, united by their heritage and the shared experience of contributing to both their homeland and their adopted country.
“While here in the UAE, every Filipino continues to enjoy, uphold, and live with the proud legacy of freedom and independence fought and paid for by our heroes and forebears,” Ambassador Ver concluded.