Filipinos in Brunei marked their Independence Day yesterday in commemoration of the 113th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Independence of the Republic of the Philippines by hosting a get-together at the Consulate's grounds.

Themed "Kalayaan: Paninindigan Ng Bayan", this year's celebration also honoured the memory of the country's forebears for their courage to stand up for the Philippines' freedom as a people, according to Philippine Ambassador to Brunei, Nestor Z Ochoa.

"We pay tribute to the Filipinos who had contributed and have been contributing their time, talent and treasure towards collective efforts to build our nation.

"We draw inspirations from their steadfast faith in the country's future and willingness to play an active role in charting the course of our history," said Ambassador Nestor in his opening remarks yesterday after the Philippine flag was hoisted to mark the occasion.

He acknowledged the enduring partnership between Brunei and the Philippines, describing it as a reflection of common interests, shared history, intertwined destinies and collective identity as citizens of the Southeast Asian community of nations.

"On this occasion, we encourage our fellow Filipinos in Brunei to continue partnering with the Philippine Embassy, not only in serving the needs of our community and serving as ambassadors of goodwill in the host country, but also in helping to realise our vision for the Philippines," he added.

Roman Catholic Bishop and Vicariate of Brunei Darussalam, Cornelius Sim, joined in yesterday's festivities after a brief blessing ceremony with other Filipino community representatives living in the Sultanate.

Filipino President Benign S Aquino III, while marking the National Day, also commemorated the 150th birthday anniversary of Filipino national hero Dr Jose Rizal who, to many Filipinos, is the symbol of the power of change that lies within.

According to traditions, Rizal's life works stirred the nation to answer the call of transformation, and his martyrdom further galvanised the Filipino people's struggle for liberty.

Rizal was a patriot and the most prominent advocate for reforms in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial era.

He is regarded as the foremost Filipino patriot and listed as a national hero of the Philippines by the National Heroes Committee.

The anniversary of Rizal's death is commemorated as a Philippine holiday called Rizal Day.

His 1896 military trial and execution at the age of 35 made him a martyr of the Philippine Revolution.

"More than a century has passed and our circumstances are different, but the challenges remain the same: To never waver from the straight and righteous path, and to work together to establish a future of stability and peace.

"In our time, we are faced with the fight against poverty, the struggle to obtain equitable justice and the campaign for good governance.

As the children of heroes, it is our obligation to persist and stay the course," stated the Philippine president.

According to official records, there are over 22,000 Filipinos living in the Sultanate, with an estimated 52 to 60 per cent of them being skilled workers.

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