Consul General Abdullah Zawawi Tahir and Madam Badiah Hanum Abu Bakar hosted a reception to commemorate the 56th National Day of Malaysia on 18 September 2013 at Marco Polo Hotel, Davao City from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.
The Hon. Rodrigo Duterte, Mayor of Davao City was the Guest-of-Honour. The Reception was well attended by more than 150 guests including Department Foreign Affairs headed by Madame Flora Bacosa, Diplomatic Officers, Consular Corps members, Honorary Consul and their Spouses, City Counsellors, Government Officials and Private Officials, Malaysian International Monitoring Team (IMT-8), Print and Electronic Media reporters and Malaysians residing in Mindanao.
The Reception started with the recitation of ‘Doa’ by Ustadz Jamnmal Usman, Followed by Philippine and Malaysian National Anthems. Thereafter, Consul General delivered his message. He gave emphasis on the importance promoting the peace and order in Mindanao to attract more investors. Consul General also made a special mention about the longstanding bilateral relationship and regional cooperation where Malaysia and Philippines have benefitted from. He ended his speech by inviting guests to visit Malaysia and experience the diverse culture.
In his response, the Hon. Mayor Rodrigo Duterte delivered a short message congratulating to the Consulate General of Malaysia and the people of Malaysia on its 56th National Day. He emphasized long time bilateral relation between both countries are beneficial for future generations, and further reinforced the positive relationship between Malaysia and Philippines. He also gave assurance that the safety and protection of foreign nationals such as Malaysians would be a priority in Davao City.
After the formalities ended, the guests were invited to partake in the Malaysian culinary delights jointly prepared by PERWAKILAN DAVAO CITY and the hotel which included Karipap (Malaysian Style Empanada),Spring Roll Sayur (Vegetable Spring Roll), Kueh Seri Ayu (Steam Cake with Coconut), Agar-Agar (Jelly Gulaman), Kek Coklat Dengan Karamel (Caramel with Chocolate Cake), Roasted Lamb, Biryani Rice, Chicken Curry, Chicken and Beef Satay. The guests also took pleasure in gazing at the mini gallery being displayed depicting the transformation Malaysia has gone through since independence to date.
From immediate feedbacks by the guests, they were delighted and happy to have been invited to attend the reception. They extended heaps of praises about Malaysia’s progressive and drastic transformation and congratulated the Consul General on this auspicious occasion.
Consulate General of Malaysia
Davao City
Philippines
29 December 2013