Unite to defeat unseen enemy: Lomondot

KUWAIT CITY, June 14: The Philippine Embassy in Kuwait joined Filipinos all over the world in commemorating the 122nd Philippine Independence Day with a virtual celebration on the embassy’s Facebook page for the first time in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic sans the traditional flag raising ceremony at the embassy grounds and diplomatic reception at the hotel.

This is in accordance to the current measures being implemented by the Kuwait government such as the need to respect the measures of social distancing to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

The 50-minute virtual celebration under the theme “Kalayaan 2020 TungosaBansang Malaya, Nagbabayanihan at Ligtas (Kalayaan 2020 Towards a Free, United and Safe Nation)” that was hosted by Vice Consul Adrian Baccay commenced with the singing of the Philippine national anthem followed by a heartwarming video presentation of the rich culture and history of the Philippines.

Philippine Charge d’ Affaires Mohd Noordin Pendosina Lomondot who arrived in Kuwait recently from the Philippines led the virtual celebration of the national day as he conveyed his heartfelt greetings of peace, prosperity and good health to all Overseas Filipinos in Kuwait. “Our Independence Day celebration this year coincides with the occurrence of COVID-19 pandemic, which has spread to all countries around the world, including the Philippines and Kuwait.

However, despite the pandemic, the Filipinos around the world, including us, remain strong and determined to continue performing their functions as world-class foreign workers overseas,” stated Lomondot.

He added that this year’s independence day theme guides them in their endeavor to work together, hand in hand, to stop the COVID-19 pandemic from further destroying the lives of their countrymen. “In unity, we can defeat our unseen enemy, the COVID-19. I encourage all overseas Filipinos in Kuwait to stand firmly united in assisting our kabayans, who are adversely affected by the coronavirus, including those who lost their jobs and the families of those who lost their lives while performing their duties as frontliners,” he outlined. Lomondot also extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of Filipinos who died due to COVID-19 especially the medical workers who were frontliners in different hospitals in Kuwait.

“We must continue our tremendous struggle and perseverance to contain and defeat the pandemic. Let’s contribute our strength – physical, mental and spiritual – to the efforts of the government is free our Motherland not only from COVID-19 pandemic, but also from poverty that continues to ravage the economic situation of the majority of the Filipino people. I am confident that we will ultimately defeat the COVID- 19 pandemic and, in unity we can free end save our country From the challenges of this pandemic. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas, Mabuhay Tayonglahat,” he concluded. Lomondot also read out the message of Philippine President Rodrigo RoaDuterte while Vice Consul Charleson Hermosura delivered the message of Department of Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin
Jr. By Michelle Fe Santiago Arab Times Staff