THE PHILIPPINE EMBASSY IN EGYPT HOLDS DIPLOMATIC RECEPTION INCELEBRATION OF THE 127TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PROCLAMATION OF PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE

Ambassador Ezzedin Tago’s Speech Delivered on the 127th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence

Good evening distinguished guests, to our Guest of Honor H.E. Alaa El-Din Farouk Zaki, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, members of the diplomatic community, friends, ladies and gentlemen:

We are honored with your presence as we celebrate the 127th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.

10 days ago, I had the pleasure of receiving a Chamberlain of the Presidency, who conveyed H.E. President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi’s warm wishes for the occasion. I, once again, thank His Excellency the President for his greetings.

And tonight, I also wish to extend my deep appreciation to His Excellency Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly for his warm congratulations conveyed through our esteemed Guest of Honor, H.E. Minister Alaa El-Din Farouk Zaki.

This occasion marks an important moment in Philippine history when on 12 June 1898, Filipino General Emilio Aguinaldo declared the Philippines’ independence. On that historic day, the Philippine flag was unfurled for the first time, and our national anthem was played.

Although full independence was recognized on 4 July 1946, it is June 12 that we proudly observe as our National Day, to honor the courage and sacrifices of our national heroes. On this day, we commemorate our past struggles and triumphs and also recognize our ongoing journey toward progress, peace, and prosperity. This is in line with the celebration’s theme of Kalayaan, Kasaysayan, Kinabukasan or Freedom, History, Future.

Despite challenges, the Philippines continues to grow economically. In the first three quarters of 2024 Philippine economy grew by an average of 5.8 percent while inflation has improved well within the government’s targets. As a result of continued recovery and reforms, the country is on track to transition from lower-middle to upper-middle-income status by 2026.

In the context of the Southeast Asian region, the Philippines is a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations or the ASEAN, an organization established in 1967 to promote economic growth, social progress, cultural development, as well as regional peace, and stability among its members.

Here in Egypt, the ASEAN is represented by nine (9) diplomatic missions including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam.

In 2026, the Philippines will assume Chairmanship of the ASEAN after Malaysia’s successful Chairmanship this year. The Philippines looks forward to advancing the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, which aims to build a resilient, innovative, dynamic, and people-centered ASEAN by 2045.

Tonight, we also take a moment to highlight the strong friendship between the Philippines and the Arab Republic of Egypt. Our diplomatic relations have flourished for 79 years, (80 years next year) since the establishment of diplomatic relations on 3 March 1946. I note that the Philippine Embassy in Egypt is the first Philippine mission established in the Middle East and Africa. This longstanding partnership has been grounded on mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to cooperation across political, economic, cultural, and humanitarian fields.

The warmth and solidarity between our peoples were especially evident during recent crises, where Egypt provided critical assistance during the evacuation of Filipinos from Sudan and Gaza. And for this, we are truly grateful.

On trade and agriculture, I am pleased to note that there have been grant of market access for Philippine and Egyptian agricultural products into each other’s local markets – Egyptian nectarines to the Philippines, and Philippine durian to Egypt. I am delighted to know that Egyptians will soon be introduced to the durian, the “King of Fruits”. It is a tropical fruit infamous for its aroma but at the same time the flavor is unique, creamy, and delicious.

This milestone between the two nations is the result of nearly two years of diligent negotiations, pest risk assessments, and regulatory cooperation between the Philippine and Egyptian governments. It reflects the growing international confidence in our country's plant health and safety systems and our compliance with stringent regulatory standards.

We hope that there be continuous two-way trade of agricultural products between the two countries. This new access to the Egyptian market promises exciting opportunities to expand Filipino agricultural footprint and sharing our beloved tropical fruits worldwide.

I have always stated that Filipinos and Egyptians are very much alike. We have the same population of over 100 million, as well as a young median population between 22 to 24 years old.

Both our nations have this potential to harness the opportunities for economic growth through our young demographic. We share the same values of family, as well as love and pride for our country. In the coming years, we look forward to expanding our cooperation with Egypt in trade, investment, tourism, and people-to-people connections.

I invite all of you to visit the Philippines to experience first-hand the warmth of Filipino hospitality and be awed by the country’s natural wonders and breathtaking landscapes. We take pride in our unique heritage and vibrant culture, a blend of indigenous traditions and influences from various civilizations that have shaped our identity.

Dear friends

I end my tour of duty in about 2 months and shall be returning to the Philippines for a brief period.

Tonight, I stand before you filled with gratitude and a great deal of fond memories.

To the Government of Egypt and all Egyptians, I offer my sincerest thanks. Your partnership, your wisdom, and endless hospitality have made my mission both fruitful and fulfilling.

It has been a privilege to represent my country here — to build bridges, strengthen friendships, and deepen mutual understanding. Of course, it is certainly not the end of my ties to Egypt and the wonderful people I have met here.

The bonds we have strengthened are not just diplomatic achievements — they are human ones. Relationships of trust, respect, and real friendship.

Thank you all, and may the friendship between our peoples continue to grow for generations to come.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Mabuhay tayong lahat! .