Using the new technology, the international community led by powerful countries like the United States, Japan, China and France sent their congratulatory messages to the Philippines on the occasion of the 123rd anniversary of Philippine Independence Day over the weekend.
Japanese Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko expressed his hope for stronger cooperation and solidarity between Japan and the Philippines.
“Happy Independence Day to all Filipinos! We pay respect to your beautiful nation with a rich culture and heritage. May Japan-Philippines cooperation and solidarity grow stronger and flourish for everlasting peace and prosperity! Mabuhay!” Koshikawa said in a tweet.
Japan remains as the Philippines’ leading source of official development assistance (ODA), with just over 40 percent of the foreign-aid portfolio.
Chinese Ambassador to Manila Huang Xilian posted his greeting on Facebook with an image of the upper portion of the Philippine flag and the words, Happy Independence Day!” written in gold.
“Happy Independence Day to the Philippines and the Filipino people! The Chinese Embassy and I join the Filipino people in celebrating the 123rd Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Philippine Independence. Mabuhay Philippines! May the country raise its flag higher! Its sun and stars shine brighter!” Huang posted on his official Facebook account.
The relationship between China and the Philippines blossomed under the Duterte administration with both countries completed 12 government-to-government projects, seven are still under implementation and 10 more are currently ongoing, according to the Chinese envoy.
United States President Joe Biden, meanwhile, dedicated a 1:45-minute-long video message congratulating the Philippines and the Filipino people on the country’s 123rd Independence Day celebration.
https://twitter.com/StateDept/status/1403480991998558213?s=20
“To all the people of the Philippines, Happy Independence Day! It’s my honor as President to send best wishes and the enduring friendship of the American people as you celebrate this joyous occasion,” Biden said in a pre-recorded video message from the White House.
Biden’s Independence Day message also touched on this year’s commemoration of the 75 years anniversary of US-Philippines diplomatic relations and the 70th anniversary of the Mutual Defense Treaty.
“This year our nations are also celebrating two momentous anniversaries: our 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 70th anniversary of our strong alliance,” he added.
France, through its Embassy also wished the Filipino people worldwide a “spirit of freedom and unity in national healing” on the occasion of the Philippines Independence Day.
“To our Filipino friends in the Philippines, France and all over the world, we wish you a meaningful celebration of the spirit of freedom and unity in national healing. Happy Philippine Independence Day! Maligayang Araw ng Kalayaan!,” the French Embassy posted on Facebook.