Filipinos in Fujairah to mark first ever Philippines Independence Day

With six days away from the 128th celebration of the Philippine Independence Day (PID) from Spain on June 12, three community-led festivities have been scheduled in the UAE.

Historic among these is happening on June 13 (Saturday) in Fujairah, the first Filipino workers and residents of which, had been recorded to set foot, approximately 36 years back.

Event organisers Fevie Laurilla and Michael John Bergado, 20-year and 11-year UAE residents respectively, decided to collaborate on the project to address an “observed gap,” through the years.

“We want to bring the spirit of ‘Kalayaan’ (Freedom/Liberty/Independence) closer to Filipinos in the Northern Emirates. There has never been a large-scale Philippine Independence Day in any of the Northern Emirates,” said Laurilla, originally from Rizal Province in the Southern Tagalog Region in Luzon Island.

“It is about time that we have one in Fujairah; with Fevie’s events and community organising exposure,” said Bergado.

Bergado arrived in the UAE in 2015 to pursue a corporate career. He eventually established MCS-MJB Consulting Services that specialises in business consulting, training, strategic planning, and community and events projects.

In their decision to collaborate, Laurilla and Bergado considered the number of their compatriots in Fujairah: 5,000.

In their preparation, both learnt that it was in the “early 1990s when Filipinos discovered Fujairah “primarily through opportunities in the hospitality, construction, and service sectors, which were among the first industries” in the emirate “to employ overseas workers.”

“Over the years, the Filipino population steadily grew as more professionals in healthcare, education, retail, oil and gas, and the corporate sector made Fujairah their home,” said Laurilla, the Averra Connect Events director.

Similar to the rest of community-led PID activities in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, beginning decades back, the celebration is going to be a party of games, raffle draws and cultural performances.

“But we would not have any visiting showbiz personality from back home. Our cultural performances would be courtesy of our Filipino talents from Fujairah,” said Laurilla.

The message of Consul General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates Ambrosio Brian Enciso III, was anchored on the event theme “Kalayaan 2026: Unity, Culture and Pride.”

He hailed the determination and volunteerism of the organisers and community leaders: “Your efforts help preserve our sense of nationhood and deepen the bonds that connect Filipinos across the Northern Emirates.”

To the community which include inter-generational clans, Enciso said that they are a reflection of the “strength of the Filipino people. Through your hard work, solidarity, and generosity, you have built a community that honours our heritage while contributing meaningfully to the society that has welcomed us.”

“Whether through your professions, businesses, volunteer work, cultural activities, or simple acts of kindness toward a fellow kababayan (countryman), you carry the Filipino flag with grace and pride.

“The theme of your ‘Kalayaan’ celebration this year reminds us that unity is the foundation of a strong community, culture is the soul of our identity, and pride is the impetus for all Filipinos to defend the freedom that was brought by the blood of our forbears. As Filipinos, we are heirs to a rich history and a resilient spirit. We are a people shaped by struggle, strengthened by faith, and inspired by hope.”

Enciso encouraged the Fujairah Filipinos to keep on “serving our nation with excellence, compassion, and honour.”

The two other community-led celebrations are taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

That is from 8am to 8pm on June 7 at Halls 1 and 2 organised by the Emirates Loves Philippines; and from 8am to 11pm on June 13 at Sheikh Saeed Hall 1, by the Community Development Authority (Dubai)-backed Filipino Social Club.