14 June 2022

Independence Day Reception

From left: Aichi Prefecture Governor Hideaki Ohmura, Consul General Celeste Vinzon-Balatbat, and Nagoya City Mayor Takashi Kawamura

She assured them of the continuity of diplomatic and consular services under the new administration and amid the challenges wrought by COVID-19.

Consul General Balatbat shares a toast with Aichi Prefecture Governor Ohmura and guests

In her opening remarks, Consul General Balatbat expressed her appreciation to Aichi Governor Hideaki Ohmura, Nagoya City Mayor Takashi Kawamura, and the Consulate’s stakeholders and guests for their support for the Consulate and the Filipino community in the Chubu Region.

Governor Ohmura returned the gratitude to Consul General Balatbat and welcomed the establishment of the Philippine Consulate General in Nagoya.

He said that the presence of the Consulate has been an avenue for further strengthening relations between the Philippines and the Aichi government and serving the 40,000 Filipinos in the Prefecture.

Mayor Kawamura likewise thanked the Consulate for its services to the 10,000 Filipinos in the city of Nagoya and compared the theme of the celebration to the recovery of Nagoya from various adversities.

Clockwise from top-left: Consul General Balatbat with the Consular Corps, Consul General Balatbat with Aichi Prefecture Governor Ohmura, Consul General Balatbat with Nagoya City Mayor Kawamura, Officers and Staff of the Consulate General of the Republic of the Philippines Nagoya, Attendees of the PH National Day Reception

Flag Ceremony on PH National Day

The Consulate held a flag raising ceremony in front of the Consulate building to mark the Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence on 12 June 2022.

Officers and Staff of the Consulate General of the Republic of the Philippines in Nagoya, joined by their family members and volunteers from the Filipino community

This year’s theme “Pagsuong sa Hamon ng Panibagong Bukas” (Rise towards the challenge of a New Beginning) signifies the continuing resurgence of the Philippine economy from the effects and challenges of COVID-19 and thrust towards a future under the new normal.

Deputy Consul General Jerome John O. Castro read the message of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

In his message, the President honored the bravery and courage of the Philippine heroes and forefathers and urged Filipinos to work together towards a harmonious and progressive Philippines.

Consul Fernando V. Beup, Jr. delivered the message of Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr., commending the resilienceof the Filipino people and personnel of the Department Foreign Affairs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The flag raising was concluded by closing remarks from Consul General Balatbat, who praised the Consulate personnel for their dedication, team spirit, and willingness to walk the extra mile to serve clients despite the Consulate’s resource constraints and challenges during the pandemic.

Philippine National Flag Day

To mark celebration of the Philippine National Flag Day, the Consulate also held a flag ceremony in the passport area of the Consulate together with Post’s consular clients on 30 May 2022.

The activity was immediately followed by a photo opportunity in front of the Consulate building to showcase the Philippine flags.

END.