4 May 2014 Tel Aviv, State of Israel. The Philippine Embassy, headed by Ambassador Generoso D.G. Calonge, honored Filipino workers around the world for their contribution to society and led the Filipino Community in Israel in celebrating Labor Day and Flores de Mayo on 4 May 2014 at the Hayarkon Park in Tel Aviv. Various Filipino community organizations participated in the annual event with the support of Western Union, Yad Beyad Agency, DaisyKhaled Jewellery Jerusalem and Philippine Honorary Consul Boaz Waksman.
Recognizing Filipino workers worldwide
The Labor Day theme this year is "Sa Sipag, Tiyaga, at Talino, Buong Mundo Saludo sa Manggagawang Pilipino." Labor Attache Jaime P. Gimenez opened the event by welcoming the participants and delivering the Labor Day message of Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz. His speech was followed by the message of President Benigno S. Aquino III which was read by Second Secretary and Consul Greg Marie C. Mariño.
Ambassador Calonge praised all Filipino workers in Israel and around the world for their hard work and sacrifices which continue to benefit their families and country. He added that with their skills, exemplary work values and adaptability to various cultures, Filipinos continue to earn the respect and admiration of the countries where they work, thus contributing to the positive image of the Philippines in the international community.
Promoting Philippine culture and tradition
Apart from honoring Filipino workers, the event also served as an opportunity for the Philippine Embassy and the Filipino community to showcase the best of Philippine culture and traditions in Israel. Guests and other spectators stopped to watch the long and colorful parade of "sagalas" and "konsortes" led by the Philippine Embassy. The festive floral arches and the beautiful muses and escorts dressed in their best Filipiniana attire amazed the audience with the richness and diversity of Filipino culture.
X Factor Israel winner, Ms. Rose "Osang" Fostanes also sang during the program, to the crowd's delight.
Fostering unity and camaraderie in the Filipino Community
The newly-elected officers of the Federation of Filipino Communities in Israel also took their oath of office during the Labor Day and Flores de Mayo celebration. Ambassador Calonge congratulated the new set of officers and emphasized the importance of their roles as leaders of the Filipino community. He encouraged them to fulfill their duties and responsibilities well and lead by example. As leaders, "your mission is to be of service to our kababayans and to foster unity and camaraderie among them," he said.
Plaques of appreciation and other special awards were given to recognize the efforts and creativity of the Filipino organizations participating in the Flores de Mayo. The winners included the following: Candelarians Organization in Israel (Best Slogan), Hagiyo Ifugao and Israel Association (Best Group), Israfil Foundation (Best Floral Arch and Best Queen), Association of Igorot Migrant Workers in Israel (Best Little Prince) and Kingdom of Jesus Christ International, Inc. (Best Little Princess and Best King). -- END--
