12 June 2025 (Rome) - In commemoration of the 127th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence, the Philippine Embassy in Rome held a flag raising ceremony on 12 June 2025 at the Embassy grounds. 

Ambassador Neal Imperial led the ceremony, joined by Embassy officers and staff, members of the Filipino community, and leaders of various Filipino organizations in Rome and neighboring cities. 

The ceremony commenced with the hoisting of the Philippine flag, accompanied by the singing of "Lupang Hinirang," followed by the recitation of the "Panunumpa ng Katipunan sa Watawat ng Pilipinas." Ambassador Imperial read the Independence Day message of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., and Deputy Head of Mission Donna Celeste Feliciano-Gatmaytan read the Independence Day messages of Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo. The Independence Day messages of Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. were likewise read by Labor Attaché Teresa Lourdes Pimentel and Agriculture Attaché Josyline Javelosa, respectively.

In his remarks, Ambassador Imperial reflected on the historical significance of the day and underscored the contributions of overseas Filipinos in advancing the nation’s legacy abroad.

To celebrate the county’s rich cultural heritage, the event also featured cultural performances by students of the International Philippine School in Italy (IPSI) and International Migrants School (IMS) with their interpretation of Philippine folk songs, Leron-Leron Sinta, and Si Filemon and Kanta Pilipinas, respectively, while the group Pinoy Teens Salinlahi showcased a traditional Igorot dance, Bumayah Uyauy.

The event concluded with a Filipino community breakfast, where guests were served a variety of Filipino dishes and delicacies such as tapa, tocino, chorizo, maja blanca, sapin-sapin, among others.

This year’s celebration, held under the theme “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan,” serves as a powerful reminder of the nation’s continuing journey — honoring its past, engaging its present, and shaping a hopeful future. END

Ambassador Neal Imperial, together with the Embassy officers and select

Filipino community organization leaders  lead the Flag Raising Ceremony

Ambassador Neal Imperial, together with the Embassy officers and select

Filipino community organization leaders  lead the Flag Raising Ceremony

Embassy Officers and Staff and the members of the Filipino community and leader of various 

Filipino community organizations recites the Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat ng Pilipinas

Ambassador Neal Imperial reads the Independence Day message of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.

The officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy in Rome, Italy pose during the 

127th Philippine Independence Day Flag Raising Ceremony

Students from the International Philippine School in Italy graced the event with their performance of 

Leron-Leron Sinta during the 127th Philippine Independence Day Flag Raising Ceremony

A lively rendition of Philippine Folk Song, Si Felimon and Kanta Pilipinas by the students of the International Migrants School at the 127th Philippine Independence Day Flag Raising Ceremony

Tradition lives on! Pinoy Teens Salinlahi performs an Ifugao dance of 

thanksgiving, Bumayah Uyauy