15 June 2023 - The Philippine Embassy in Vientiane, led by Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the Lao PDR, H.E. Deena Joy D. Amatong, hosted a diplomatic reception in commemoration of the 125th Anniversary of Philippine Independence and Nationhood at the Settha Palace, Vientiane.

Ambassador Deena Joy Amatong delivers her remarks

The Guest of Honor was Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR, H.E. Saleumxay Kommasith, who was accompanied by his spouse, Madame Alouny Kommasith.

Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, H.E. Suanesavanh Vignaket, including a number of Deputy Ministers and senior Lao officials, also graced the event.

(From L-R) Madame Alouny Kommasith; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Saleumxay Kommasith; Philippine Ambassador to the Lao PDR, H.E. Deena Joy D. Amatong; and Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, H.E. Suanesavanh Vignaket

In her remarks, Ambassador Amatong spoke of how the Philippines had come a long way since becoming the first Asian republic in 1898: “today we are a middle power in Asia, on the cusp of achieving upper middle income status this year, and projected to become the 16th largest economy in the world.”

The Ambassador announced the “most significant Philippine investment” in the Lao PDR to date – ACEN Renewables’ 24% stake in the Monsoon Wind Power Project, “the first wind project in the Lao PDR and the first cross-border renewable project in Asia”.

After throwing the Philippines’ full support behind the Lao PDR for its ASEAN chairmanship in 2024 and sharing possible high-level exchanges between the two countries in the coming months, the Ambassador expressed her pride in representing over 2,000 FIlipinos in the Lao PDR who are “teachers, engineers, accountants, consultants, managers, workers here at the Settha Palace, and community leaders, all contributing to the growth and development of the Lao PDR”.

Ambassador Deena Joy Amatong and DPM/FM Saleumxay Kommasith toast to the “enduring friendship between the Philippines and the Lao PDR” and cut the ceremonial cake

After making a toast to the “enduring friendship between the Philippines and the Lao PDR”, Ambassador Amatong and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith led the ceremonial cutting of the cake.

Guests were treated to Filipino-inspired canapés such as lumpia, turon and leche flan, as well as to San Miguel Beer and Don Papa Rum cocktails.

The reception was attended by over 150 guests from the Government of the Lao PDR, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from international organizations, members of Lao civil society and Filipino Community leaders. END

Guests enjoying food and drinks at the poolside of Settha Palace Hotel