VIDEO: Burj Khalifa lights up to mark Philippines Independence Day

Mariecar Jara-Puyod, Senior Reporter

Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest edifice, was emblazoned with the red-white-blue-yellow colours of the Philippine flag on Friday (June 12), as the Southeast Asian nation celebrated its Independence Day.

The Burj Khalifa wrote on Twitter, “Burj Khalifa lights up in celebration of Philippines Independence Day. We wish the Filipino community progress and prosperity.”

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a message of congratulations to President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines, on the occasion of his country's Independence Day.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, also sent two similar cables to President Duterte.

Duterte and Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. have called on all overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and migrants worldwide to stay united and embrace selflessness for a stronger and more resilient Filipino nation amidst the COVID19 pandemic.

Duterte said on Friday, on the occasion of the 122nd anniversary of the Philippine Independence Day: "I join all our (OFWs) in celebrating the 122nd anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence. Today, we honour the bravery and sacrifice of the heroes of our past who fought for freedom and democracy that we now enjoy as we also wage our own war at this time, the pandemic COVID19.

"I also encourage everyone especially our OFWs and other kababayans (countrymen) abroad to become ambassadors of goodwill and foster greater understanding and cooperation with other nations. Together, let us rise above our own personal interests so we can build a stronger and more resilient nation."

There are over 14 million OFWs and migrants across the globe. Aside from the UAE, the Top 30 destinations for the so-called greener pastures, since 2013, are the US, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Kuwait, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Canada, HongKong, Italy, Spain, UK, Taiwan, South Korea, New Zealand, Brunei, Austria, Papua New Guinea, Germany, Thailand, Netherlands, Macau, Ireland, Sweden, Norway, China, Switzerland, and Kazakhstan.