BRUNEI — Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday joined the Filipino community here in commemorating the 125th Philippine Independence.

Duterte, in her message before hundreds of Filipinos, underscored the significance of holding the pride of being a Filipino.

“Our forebears consecrated themselves in blood and tears and bequeathed upon us this treasure that we now hold dear,” she said.

“I exhort you all to live your lives to the ideals of patriotism, integrity, professionalism, excellence, and service,” she added.

Acknowledged as the country’s modern heroes, the Vice President expressed her personal appreciation to OFWs in Brunei especially “in laying the foundation for our national stability and economic prosperity so that we may all have a better future.”

She also thanked the Brunei government for “providing the OFWs a second home in the Sultanate.”

Duterte, who is also the Secretary of the Department of Education, reminded the OFWs to share the Filipino language with their children so they can communicate and keep in touch with their roots.

“Let’s not forget to teach our children, our apos (grandchildren) how to speak and understand Tagalog,” she said.

She also brought to Brunei her campaign to ensure children get proper education so they would have a comfortable future.

“Paniguraduhin natin na ang susunod na henerasyon, ang mga anak natin, ay pumapasok sa paaralan at sila ay nag-aaral at naiintindahan nila ang kahalagahan ng pagtatapos ng kanilang pag-aaral para sa kanilang personal na buhay at para sa kanilang mga pamilya,” she said

Maria Regina Malabayabas-Vallejos, a ballet dance teacher in Brunei for 18 years, said she is proud being a Filipino in this foreign land and being able to share her talents to others.

“It’s a privilege to serve, display one’s talent and how it can positively affect the community. In my case, I am bringing Filipino ingenuity especially in the field of dance because dance was not accepted as an art form nor a part of dance education,” she said.

The ballet teacher also stressed that the presence of Duterte overwhelms them especially that the Filipino community gets to celebrate the national day with her.

“It’s a great honor for her to come. We don’t normally get to mingle with the second highest official (of the Philippines). To have her with us is an honor and privilege,” she said.

Malabayabas-Vallejos is a Bagong Bayani Awardee in 2021 with her contributions in dance. She established Enpoint Academy of Dance — the only ballet school acknowledged by the Bruneian government under the Ministry of Education and the Royal Academy of Dance. She was also a ballet dancer in her hometown in San Pablo, Laguna.

Brunei is home to over 23,000 Filipinos.

The celebration of the country’s 125th National Day was hosted by the Philippine in Brunei led by Ambassador Marian Jocelyn R. Tirol-Ignacio.

OVP MEDIA