Vientiane, 12 June 2024 - In commemoration of the 126th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence, H.E. Deena Joy D. Amatong, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the Lao PDR, hosted a diplomatic reception following the theme, “Kalayaan, Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan.”

Ambassador Deena Joy Amatong delivers her remarks

H.E. Dr. Phout Simmalavong, Minister of Education and Sports, graced the occasion as the guest of honor. H.E. Thongphane Savanphet, Deputy Foreign Minister and Lao PDR’s ASEAN SOM Leader, and H.E. Phonevanh Outhavong, Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment, were also present at the reception.

In her opening remarks, Ambassador Amatong highlighted the current administration’s “Bagong Pilipinas” or a “New Philippines” campaign for an inclusive and resilient economic and social transformation. The Ambassador underscored that with this new campaign, the Philippines will accelerate its all-encompassing economic program to sustain what is already one of the highest growth rates in the region.

Leading up to the 70th Anniversary of the Philippines-Laos bilateral relations, the Ambassador reflected on the shared development agenda of both countries, particularly in the sectors of gender equality and women empowerment; connectivity and resilience; and people-to-people exchanges - the hallmarks of the two countries’ cooperation.

Ambassador Amatong also took the opportunity to reaffirm the Philippines’ commitment in further enhancing its relations with the Lao PDR, in areas such as education, tourism, agriculture, defense, trade and investment, and capacity building, and in supporting the Lao PDR in its ongoing chairship of ASEAN.

Ambassador Deena Joy Amatong and Minister Dr. Phout Simmalavong 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 Minister of Education and Sports Dr. Phout Simmalavong led the ceremonial cutting of the cake.

Filipino teachers in the Lao PDR entertaining the guests with their performance

The guests were then treated with a cultural performance by Filipino teachers in the Lao PDR with their rendition of a medley of Filipino songs “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika”, “Salamat, Salamat Musika”, and “Isang Mundo Isang Awit”.

Filipino food including pancit bam-i and turon, and drinks such as San Miguel Beer and Don Papa Rum cocktails were served to the guests. To further showcase Philippine culture, handwoven textiles, handicrafts and other Philippine-made items were displayed around the venue.

The reception was attended by guests from the Government of the Lao PDR, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from international organizations, Lao business and private sector, Lao individuals granted scholarships in the Philippines, and members of the Filipino Community. END

Officials and personnel of the Philippine Embassy in Vientiane

Filipino food and drinks served to the guests

Various Philippine cultural items